Pet Transport from the USA to Spain: EU Rules for American Pet Owners
Spain as an EU Member State
Spain follows EU Regulation 576/2013 for pet imports from third countries. The USA is listed, which means no titre test – just the standard AHC process.
What Your Pet Needs
- Microchip – ISO 11784/11785. Add a 15-digit ISO chip if your pet has a legacy 10-digit US chip.
- Rabies vaccination – current. First-ever vaccination must be at least 21 days before EU arrival.
- EU AHC – prepared by a USDA-accredited vet, endorsed by USDA APHIS, issued within 10 days of arriving in Spain
- Tapeworm treatment (dogs only) – praziquantel, 1 to 5 days before EU arrival, documented in the AHC
Getting the AHC
Find a USDA-accredited vet at aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel. After the vet prepares the AHC, submit to USDA APHIS for endorsement (2 to 5 business days). The 10-day validity means the endorsement must happen close to your travel date.
Airlines from USA to Spain
- Iberia – major Spanish carrier. Flies from Miami, New York JFK to Madrid Barajas. Iberia accepts pets in cargo.
- American Airlines – partner of Iberia; flights from US cities to Madrid
- Air Europa – Madrid hub, limited US originating routes
- Level – budget long-haul between US East Coast and Barcelona; check current pet policy
After Arrival in Spain
Spain requires dog registration (censo canino) at the local municipality. Dogs must be registered with the local council and microchipped (already done for EU entry). Annual vaccination updates required. Sterilisation incentives apply in some municipalities.
Spain also requires all dogs to carry identification (collar tag with owner contact details) in public spaces.
Verify current USDA APHIS and Spanish/EU requirements before travel. Information accurate as of May 2026.