Published in 2025 / Updated in 2026
Documents required by Spain to import a cat, dog or other pet
- Microchip:
The animal must be identified by a microchip that complies with ISO 11784/11785 standards. - Rabies vaccination:
A valid rabies vaccination must be given no later than 21 days before travel and after microchipping. - Veterinary certificate:
A veterinary certificate (certificate) must be obtained confirming that all the above requirements have been met. - Veterinary passport:
The animal must have a veterinary passport containing information about microchipping, vaccination, deworming and test results. - Rabies serological test:
Some animals may require a rabies serological test carried out in an accredited laboratory. - Important: New EU rules effective April 22, 2026
How to complete the European Passport by veterinarians from third countries
To be completed only by EU veterinarians:
- Microchip implantation
- Rabies vaccines
- Clinical examination
- Section: Rabies antibody titer test
To be completed by both EU and third-country veterinarians:
- Section VII (Echinococcal treatment)
- Section VIII (Other antiparasitic treatments)
- Section IX (Combined vaccines for cats and dogs without a rabies component)
- Section XII (Important aspects of the animal’s medical history or health status, such as dogs testing positive for leishmaniasis or cats with FIV, as well as notes on sterilization, allergies, chemotherapy treatment, etc.)
Failure to complete the form correctly will invalidate the European Passport and may result in problems at the EU border when traveling with your pet.
A European Passport is only required for animals permanently resident in the EU. Otherwise, the pet must travel with a European Passport.
The European Passport is valid for stays and travel within the country for four months, or until the rabies vaccination expires, if the expiration date is less than four months. It is also valid for travel to other EU countries, provided it has been stamped at an EU veterinary inspection point .
If the owner remains with their pet in the EU for more than four months, they must register with a local clinic as a resident or obtain a European Passport for their pet.
When issuing a European Passport, the current vaccinations with which the pet entered the country can be transferred to it, without the need for revaccination, including the rabies vaccination.
Vaccinations required by Spain for importing a cat, dog or other pet
- Rabies: Compulsory vaccination, no earlier than 21 days before travel.
- Rabies serological test: May be required for animals from certain countries not listed in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 577/2013
- Deworming: To be carried out no earlier than 120 hours and no later than 24 hours before entry into Spain
Оther pets
Microchip:
All small animals (including rabbits and rodents) must be microchipped.
Vaccination:
Vaccination requirements depend on the specific animal. Rabbits, for example, may need to be vaccinated against myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease of rabbits (VHD).
Quarantine:
Depending on the animal and its country of origin, quarantine may be required. Rabbits and rodents are often quarantined at home for 21 days with the necessary tests.
Tests:
Rabbits and rodents may be tested for helminthiasis and salmonellosis.
Veterinary certificate:
After quarantine and receiving the test results, the animals receive a veterinary certificate similar to the certificate for dogs and cats.
Import permit:
Some exotic animal species may require an import permit from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture.
Number of animals:
No more than 5 small animals can be imported into Spain without additional confirmation. For larger quantities, it is necessary to prove that the import is not a commercial activity.
Age:
Animals under three months of age cannot be imported
Dangerous dog breeds
Dangerous dog breeds are not prohibited to keep at home in Spain, however, a license is required to own potentially dangerous dogs. Walking a dog in a public place without a license is subject to a fine of 60 to 30,000 euros. The license is issued for 5 years. To obtain it, you must provide a certificate of criminal record, a receipt for payment of the fee, a photocopy of the liability insurance policy, a certificate of physical and psychological fitness to own this animal, issued by a specialized medical center, as well as a photocopy of the passport.
- Akita Inu
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Argentine Mastiff
- Dogo Bordeaux
- Bullmastiff
- Doberman
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Presa Canario
- Rottweiler
- Staffordshire Terrier
- Tosa Inu
- Fila Brasileiro
Transit
The animal must be identified by a microchip, vaccinated against rabies and treated against parasites. A veterinary certificate and an international veterinary passport are also required. When transiting through countries with an increased risk of rabies, a serological test for antibodies may be required.
Useful Links
How to Choose Pet-Friendly Hotels: Everything You Need to Know
How to prepare your pet for travel outside Spain
Document requirements
Health certificate:
Certificato veterinario de salud. Obtain from a veterinarian 10 days or less before departure. If necessary, you can do antiparasitic treatment and get a stamp about the examination.
Certificate for departure:
Issued 10 days before departure from a veterinarian through the Cexgan system. Check in advance whether the clinic is connected to this system. In some cases, you need to make an appointment with a veterinarian in advance. The departure certificate is made in about a week. The cost of the certificate is 120 €.
In some cases (for example, when traveling to Morocco), the certificate must be obtained 24-48 hours before the trip. Carefully study the rules for departure specifically to your country.
Examples of friendly clinics connected to the Cexgan system:
Barcelona – Hospital Veterinària del Mar, Carrer de la Marina, 69, make an appointment with doctor Antonio;
Valencia — Premium Vet Patraix C/ de Torrent, 29 (google maps) and Clínica Veterinaria Pérez-Muchkin, Av. de Peris i Valero, 122;
Torrevieja — Petsworld Torrevieja, animal clinic, C. Joaquín García Sánchez, make an appointment with Dr. Joaquín.
Certificate validity:
The health certificate is valid for 10 days, the exit certificate is valid for 10 days for leaving the country, then until the end of the route, unless otherwise stated. That is, you need to get the certificate 10 days or less before the start of the trip.
In some cases, the certificate is valid for 24-48 hours to leave Spain. Check the details directly on the website.
Rabies antibody titers:
Needed for travel to a rabies-red country and return back to the EU, as well as to Israel, China, Turkey, South Korea without return.
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