Relocating a pet from Australia to Spain follows a clear path once you understand what Spain asks for. Give yourself close to 4-6 weeks so none of the fixed waiting periods catch you out. Pets with correct documentation skip quarantine …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Australia to Spain
typically takes around 4-6 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Australia to Spain pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm ISO microchip predates rabies vaccination.
Responsible: Vet in Australia
6+ weeks before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination is valid and 21-day post-primary wait is complete.
Responsible: Vet in Australia
6+ weeks before travel
3
Book cargo from SYD or MEL to MAD via DXB or via European hub.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
4
Obtain DAFF-endorsed EU-format health certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: Accredited vet plus DAFF endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
5
Depart SYD or MEL. Spanish customs inspects at Madrid Barajas on arrival.
Responsible: Airline cargo and Spanish customs
Travel day
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Spain
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Not required. Australia is an EU-listed country under EU Regulation 576/2013. The FAVN titre test and 3-month wait do not apply. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. Spanish customs inspects at Madrid Barajas (MAD).
Import permit
No import permit required. DAFF-endorsed EU-format health certificate is the required document.
Health certificate
EU-format certificate endorsed by DAFF, issued within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (Australia)
No formal export permit required for companion animals from Australia. Primary departure airports: Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL).
Costs
What this route typically costs
DAFF-endorsed health certificate: AUD 200-600 (approximately EUR 130-400)
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo SYD/MEL to MAD via hub: EUR 1,900-4,200 depending on crate size and routing
Pet transport agent (recommended for long-haul): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 2,300-5,400
Critical points to read before you book
Australia is EU-listed: no titre test or 3-month wait required. 4-6 weeks preparation is sufficient with a current vaccination.
No direct SYD or MEL to MAD cargo service; Emirates via Dubai (DXB) gives the most direct single-transfer routing to Madrid.
Spain PPP obligations apply once in Spain for certain breeds; import is not restricted at the border.
DAFF endorsement takes a few working days; allow enough lead time within the 10-day certificate window.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
EMIRATES
Emirates SkyCargo via DXB
Emirates operates Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL) to Dubai (DXB) with connections to Madrid Barajas (MAD). Emirates SkyCargo handles live animals at Dubai International. Single transfer to MAD.
Cargo Only
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines Cargo via SIN
Singapore Airlines operates SYD and MEL to Singapore (SIN) with connections via European hubs to Madrid. Established Australia to Europe cargo network.
Cargo Only
IBERIA CARGO
Iberia Cargo via European hub
Iberia Cargo connects to Madrid Barajas from European hub connections. Established live animal handling at Barajas where Spanish customs inspection takes place.
Cargo Only
Spain import rules, explained
Spain has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.
Practical tips for this move
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
FAQ
Common questions about Australia to Spain pet transport
No. Australia is EU-listed under EU Regulation 576/2013. The FAVN titre test and 3-month wait do not apply. A valid microchip, current rabies vaccination, and DAFF-endorsed EU health certificate are the requirements. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
4-6 weeks if the rabies vaccination is current. If a primary vaccination is needed, allow 10-12 weeks for the 21-day post-vaccination wait. No titre test wait applies.
Emirates via Dubai (DXB) is the most direct single-transfer option for Australia to Madrid. Singapore Airlines via SIN can also connect to Madrid but typically involves a second transfer.
Spain’s PPP law applies to Pit Bull, American Staffordshire, Rottweiler, and similar breeds. Import is permitted; PPP creates ongoing obligations once in Spain: muzzle, 2m leash, liability insurance, and a PPP licence from the local municipality. It is not a border restriction.
Airline guides
Emirates SkyCargo via DXB
Singapore Airlines Cargo via SIN
Iberia Cargo via European hub
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.