There is one set of rules for domestic dogs, cats and ferrets and a different set for other animals such as birds and rabbits. In addition to the information in this article, you can ask your transport carrier, visit the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food website and ask questions on the Spain forum.
To be allowed into Spain, your pet (dogs, cats, ferrets) should meet several requirements. For example, they must be older than 15 weeks. This is because the minimum age for a rabies vaccine is 12 weeks, and for it to be valid, at least 21 days must have elapsed since the day of vaccination. Pets without a valid vaccine at the time of travel will not be authorized to enter the country. There are no exceptions to this rule.
The minimum age for a pet coming from a country with a rabies risk is seven months. At least 30 days after the first vaccination against rabies, a blood test must be taken by an approved laboratory to check the level of post-vaccination antibodies is sufficient. The animal is only authorized for entry after three months from the date of the blood collection.
Important:
You are not permitted to bring more than five animals; otherwise, your pets must comply with animal health rules that apply to the commercial import of animals into the EU. There are exceptions to these rules, such as when the animals are participating in shows and exhibitions.
To travel to Spain with your pet, the following requirements must be adhered to:
Important:
Following Brexit, a UK-issued EU pet passport is not valid for travel to Spain. The rules for non-EU members apply. However, if you have a pet passport issued by Spain or another EU member state, you can use it to bring your pet into Spain.
If you are coming from a non-EU country, you have to enter your pet through one of the designated Travellers' Points of Entry (December - 2021) and declare to the Guardia Civil's Tax Office that you are traveling with a pet. You will be required to provide:
A valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. It should mention basic information about your pet, such as its name, breed and age, and your name, address, and telephone number. Note that a Spanish translation must accompany this document.
Additionally, your pet will have to:
Warning:
Regulations regarding the movement of your pet may vary from one country to another. You are advised to check the latest information with the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country or the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
If you're bringing a bird or birds to Spain, the following requirements must be met:
Important:
Poultry animals are not considered pets.
Useful links:
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food - Animal health standards
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food - Travelling with pets