Pet Transport Australia to Spain: 2026 Guide
The Australia to Spain pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
Which Spain rules depend on a pet coming from Australia?
The EU sorts non-EU countries into groups, and Australia falls in “Listed third countries and territories, Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636”.
No rabies antibody titration test needed. Animal health certificate, microchip and rabies vaccination still required; entry through a travellers' point of entry with documentary and identity checks. Montenegro and Serbia were added by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228. The EUR-Lex text of 2026/636 lists the USA as including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. Official source
The rules that apply to every pet entering Spain, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Spain guide.
What does Australia require before your pet leaves?
- Export permit: A Notice of Intention (NOI) to Export Live Animals (other than Livestock) must reach the regional office at least 10 working days before departure or the start of isolation. Applies to dogs and cats exported from Australia.
Exporting companion animals and other live animals, checked 1 October 2026 - Export permit: An export permit is issued and the animal must leave within 72 hours of issue; fees apply to the NOI, the health certificate and the permit. Applies to dogs and cats exported from Australia.
Exporting companion animals and other live animals, checked 1 October 2026 - Export permit: All exported cats and dogs, including assistance dogs, need an export permit and health certificate (industry advice 80-2023, 11 April 2023). Applies to dogs and cats, including assistance dogs, exported from Australia.
80-2023: Information on international travel with cats, dogs and assistance dogs, checked 1 October 2026 - Export permit: Export permit fee for non-livestock animals (which includes exported cats and dogs): AUD 305 per document in 2026-27 (DAFF live animal exports cost recovery implementation statement 2026-27, Table 7 'Fees, charges and volumes', columns: modelled revenue AUD 2,925,255, modelled volume 9,591, 2026-27 price AUD 305). Time-based assessment and inspection fees and the NOI fee are charged separately. Applies to dogs and cats exported from Australia.
Cost recovery implementation statement: live animal exports 2026-27, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: DAFF's certifying veterinary officer assesses documents and prepares the export health certificate; DAFF charges a time-based fee for this. Check importing country requirements in MICoR. Page last updated 27 August 2026. Applies to dogs and cats exported from Australia.
Exporting companion animals and other live animals, checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: Final health and welfare examination by a registered veterinarian within 72 hours of departure (or the period the importing country sets), before the DAFF appointment. Applies to dogs and cats exported from Australia.
Exporting companion animals and other live animals, checked 1 October 2026
What this route typically costs
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.
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
Common questions about Australia to Spain pet transport
Get a free, fully itemised quote for your Australia to Spain pet move. Our specialists will map out the entire timeline and costs. No surprises.
Sources
Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.
- DAFF · Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- IATA · International Air Transport Association, Live Animals Regulations