Clear transportation of pets to Spain.

Main Difficulties and Their Solution

The transportation of pets to Spain is associated with several challenges that can cause stress for their owners. One of the main issues is the failure to comply with veterinary-sanitary requirements and, as a result, the risk of quarantine, the return of the pet, or even more severe measures by the Spanish authorities. Often, owners become confused with the documents and procedures: where to find up-to-date information, which certificates are needed, and how to properly arrange a veterinary passport. All these factors can lead to additional expenses, anxiety, and jeopardize the safety of the animal.

To avoid problems, it is important to study the current regulations in advance, strictly adhere to the rules of the European Union (EU) and Spain, and consult with a veterinarian. Below, we will review step by step how to organize the transportation of your pet, as well as what to pay special attention to when entering from EU countries and from non-EU countries.

Transportation from EU Countries (European Union)

Main Requirements for Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets

If you are importing an animal from another country within the EU (European Union), you must meet the following conditions:

• Identification of the pet by means of a microchip or tattoo (if the tattoo was done before July 3, 2011 and is legible).
• Current vaccination against rabies. The minimum age for vaccination is 12 weeks, and it will only become valid 21 days after the vaccination.
• Possession of a European passport for the transportation of pets. It is necessary to complete the sections regarding the owner, the description of the animal, identification details, passport issuance, and rabies vaccination.

For the importation of puppies, kittens, and ferrets under 15 weeks old that have not received the rabies vaccination, restrictions apply: they are not allowed to enter Spain. No exceptions are provided.

Domestic Birds and Other Species

If you are transporting domestic birds or exotic pets (rabbits, chinchillas, etc.) from EU countries, you will be required to have a veterinary certificate in the INTRA form. It must be issued no later than 10 days before the trip. It is important to note that “domestic birds” does not include species used in commercial poultry farming.

All additional vaccinations (for example, against ticks or echinococcus), serological tests, and parasite treatments are generally not mandatory for importing animals from other EU countries, although these measures may be recommended by a veterinarian to maintain the pet's health.

Potentially Dangerous Dog Breeds

Spain has strict rules for the so-called potentially dangerous breeds: pit bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Argentine dog, Brazilian fila, tosa inu, and Akita inu. Owners of these dogs must obtain a special license in advance. Also, when out walking in Spain, these dogs must wear a muzzle and be walked by only one person. A microchip is required to facilitate identification.

Transportation from Non-EU Countries (European Union)

Upon Returning to Spain from Third Countries

If you have traveled outside of Spain, outside the EU (European Union) with your animals and then plan to return, you must comply with all the requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets mentioned earlier (microchip, vaccination, passport). Additionally, it is important to check whether the country from which you are returning is on the list of those considered safe with respect to rabies. For countries not included in Annex II of the EU Regulation, a serological blood test for rabies antibodies may be required, with a result of at least 0.5 ME/ml (0.5 UI/ml), performed in an authorized laboratory. The test is carried out 30 days after vaccination, and entry to Spain is only permitted three months after the blood sample is taken.

If the test was conducted before leaving Spain and the results were recorded in the European passport, the three-month waiting period upon return is not required.

Initial Import from Third Countries

If it concerns the transportation of an animal from, say, Russia to Spain or from the USA (United States of America) to Spain, the main thing is to use one of the special entry points authorized for the import of pets. You will need:

• A veterinary certificate certified by the veterinarian of the country of departure. The document must be at least in Spanish. Its validity is 10 days from the date of issuance.
• A statement (declaration) in the prescribed form, confirming the non-commercial nature of the transportation.
• Copies of the information regarding the identification of the animal and its vaccination against rabies, certified by the competent authorities.

For countries with an unfavorable situation regarding rabies, a serological test in an authorized laboratory may be required before departure. The antibody level must be at least 0.5 ME/ml (0.5 UI/ml). It is important to perform this test in advance, as it may be necessary to wait up to three months after the test before departure.

How to Avoid Problems at the Border

Document Preparation

Errors and delays often occur due to incorrect processing of documents. To resolve this issue:

• Confirm in advance with your veterinarian which set of documents is required.
• Ensure that the veterinary certificates, passport, and all vaccination information are correctly completed.
• Always keep copies of the documents in both electronic and printed formats.

Rules Within Spain

In addition to customs regulations, there are internal rules. For example, in some Spanish restaurants and cafes, animals are not allowed inside, and the transportation of large dogs on public transport is often restricted. If you plan to use trains, keep in mind that on many routes a separate ticket must be purchased for pets. Small animals are generally allowed to be transported in carriers, but for large breeds additional requirements may apply.

Non-Commercial Transportation

All of the above rules apply to non-commercial transportation: you are importing no more than five animals, they are not intended for sale, and they accompany you or a trusted person. If the condition of "no more than five" is not met, your journey automatically falls into the category of commercial transportation, where different rules apply.

Conclusion

The transportation of pets to Spain is a multi-step process that requires strict adherence to the rules: identification (microchip or legible tattoo), current rabies vaccination, and a properly processed veterinary certificate. The main recommendation is to prepare in advance. Verify the specific requirements of your route before each trip, adhere to vaccination schedules, and remember that some rules may change. This way, you will ensure the comfort and safety of your pet and protect yourself from potential complications at the border.