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Official Spain Travel Guide

Traveling with Your Dogfrom US to Spain

Flying from the US to Spain with your dog? Here's everything you need to ensure a smooth journey.

Basic Requirements

For Travelers Starting in the US:

  • β€’ Your dog must have a microchip that can be read by a universal scanner
    Note: Must be implanted before rabies vaccination
  • β€’ Valid rabies vaccination
  • β€’ You must obtain an EU Health Certificate from a USDA-accredited vet and have it endorsed by the USDA within 10 days before traveling

For Spanish/EU Residents Returning with EU Pet Passport:

  • β€’ Your dog must have a microchip that can be read by a universal scanner
  • β€’ Valid rabies vaccination recorded in EU Pet Passport
  • β€’ Valid EU Pet Passport (no additional health certificate needed)
    Note: Can be obtained from any EU-certified veterinarian

Special Requirements for Young Dogs

Important: Unvaccinated puppies under 12 weeks old from the US are not permitted entry into Spain

Rabies Vaccination Requirements

  • β€’ Minimum age: 12 weeks old at time of vaccination
  • β€’ Microchip must be implanted before vaccination
  • β€’ Wait 21 days after primary vaccination before travel
  • β€’ Vaccination must remain valid throughout stay in Spain

Timeline & Planning

For US Travelers:

  • 1. Microchip implantation
  • 2. Rabies vaccination after microchip
  • 3. Wait 21 days after vaccination
  • 4. Get EU health certificate (within 10 days of travel)
  • 5. Obtain USDA endorsement

For Spanish/EU Residents Returning:

  • 1. Verify microchip functionality
  • 2. Check rabies vaccination validity in the EU Pet Passport

Additional Considerations

  • β€’ Commercial rules apply when traveling with more than 5 dogs
  • β€’ Verify airline-specific requirements for pet travel
  • β€’ Keep copies of all vaccination records and treatments
  • β€’ Consider a pre-travel veterinary check-up
  • β€’ Check US re-entry requirements with CDC and USDA

Based on Spanish and EU Regulation (EU) No 576/2013

Last updated: 12/24/2024

View Official Spanish and EU Requirements β†’