Pet Transport Spain to Australia 2026 | Complete Guide

Moving a pet from Spain to Australia is a multi-step journey that requires careful planning well in advance. Australia has some of the world’s strictest biosecurity rules, and the compliance pathway from Spain is longer than from some other countries due to the rabies titre test and 180-day wait.

Why Australia requires 180 days

Australia is rabies-free and intends to remain so. All dogs and cats from approved countries must have a valid titre test result (at least 0.5 IU/ml) taken at least 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination. From that blood draw date, you must wait 180 days before your pet can travel to Australia.

Spain, as an EU country, is on Australia’s list of approved countries, which simplifies some aspects of the process. However, the 180-day wait still applies.

Step-by-step summary

  1. Microchip your pet (ISO 15444)
  2. Administer rabies vaccination after microchipping
  3. Allow at least 30 days, then take blood for titre test
  4. Wait 180 days from blood draw date
  5. Apply for Australian import permit from DAFF (allow four to six weeks)
  6. Complete pre-export health procedures within the required timeframe before departure
  7. Fly via an approved transit country if required
  8. Serve 10-day quarantine at PEQ Mickleham

The import permit

You must have a DAFF import permit before your pet can enter Australia. Apply through the DAFF website. The permit specifies the species, breed, origin country, arrival method, and quarantine booking. Once issued, the permit is linked to a specific PEQ quarantine booking.

PEQ capacity is limited. As soon as you have a target travel window, contact DAFF to check availability and reserve a slot. Quarantine fees (around AUD 2,000 per animal for 10 days) are paid in advance.

Flying from Spain to Australia

From Spain, most pets fly via Dubai (Emirates SkyCargo), Singapore (Singapore Airlines Cargo), or Doha (Qatar Airways Cargo). Emirates SkyCargo and Qatar Airways Cargo both have strong track records for pet transport on long-haul routes.

Madrid (MAD) and Barcelona (BCN) both have international cargo facilities. Book your cargo agent at least eight weeks before departure.

On arrival in Australia

Pets arrive at the quarantine facility in Mickleham, Victoria. All species landing in Australia are inspected, treated, and monitored throughout the quarantine period. Owners can visit during business hours.

Official sources:

  • DAFF pet import: agriculture.gov.au/pets
  • PEQ Mickleham: agriculture.gov.au

Frequently Asked Questions

Spain is an EU country and on Australia’s approved country list, which means pets from Spain follow the standard 180-day pathway. The countdown starts from the date of the rabies titre test blood draw, and your pet cannot travel for at least 180 days after that date. On top of this, allow time for your Australian import permit application (four to six weeks) and pre-export documentation.

Yes. All dogs and cats entering Australia must complete a minimum 10-day post-arrival quarantine at a DAFF-approved facility, regardless of origin country. For pets from approved countries including Spain, this quarantine is served at the Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) facility in Mickleham, Victoria. Pre-booking is essential as capacity is limited.

There are no direct flights from Spain to Australia. Most pets travel via Singapore (Singapore Airlines/SilkAir Cargo), Dubai (Emirates SkyCargo), or Doha (Qatar Airways Cargo). Some travel via London Heathrow and then connect to Australian cities. Qantas does not accept pets as cargo or excess baggage on international routes, so alternative carriers must be used.

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