Bringing your dog or cat to Spain from the USA in 2026

Last updated: September 6, 2026 — verified against official sources (European Commission, USDA APHIS, UK GOV.UK, US CDC).

Spain applies the standard EU pet travel rules, so the process is identical to other EU countries — but the deadlines catch many people out. The EU health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival and the rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old. Plan veterinary visits at least a month before you fly.

The 4 steps

• Microchip (ISO 11784/11785) first — Your pet must be microchipped BEFORE the rabies shot — a vaccination given before the chip does not count.
• Rabies vaccination ≥ 21 days before arrival — The vaccine must be given after the microchip and at least 21 days before entering the EU. It must stay valid on travel day.
• USDA-endorsed EU health certificate ≤ 10 days — A USDA-accredited vet issues the EU health certificate, then USDA APHIS endorses it. Valid 10 days from issue to arrival in the EU.
• Arrive via an approved EU point of entry — All main EU airports are approved for pets from the USA (Paris CDG, Madrid, Frankfurt, Amsterdam Schiphol, Lisbon…).

Official sources

• European Commission — pet movement: food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets_en
• USDA APHIS pet travel: aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel
• US CDC dog import: cdc.gov/importation/dogs.html
• UK GOV.UK: gov.uk/take-pet-abroad