Taking your dog or cat from India to Spain comes down to good timing and the right paperwork. Around 22-24 weeks is sensible here, with a few steps that must happen in a strict order. No routine quarantine applies as long as every …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from India to Spain
typically takes around 22-24 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The India 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 India
5+ months before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination and 21-day post-primary wait.
Responsible: Vet in India
5+ months before travel
3
Apply to AQCS for NOC (allow at least 30 days for processing).
Responsible: Owner or agent, AQCS
4-5 months before travel
4
Blood drawn for FAVN titre test. 3-month wait starts from this date.
Responsible: Official vet and EU-approved laboratory
4-5 months before travel
5
Wait 3 months from blood sampling date.
Responsible: N/A - mandatory waiting period
3 months from blood draw
6
Book cargo from DEL/BOM to MAD via European hub.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
7
Obtain DAHD-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: DAHD-authorised vet plus DAHD endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
8
Depart DEL or BOM. Spanish customs inspects at Madrid Barajas.
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
Required. India is not EU-listed. FAVN titre test required. Blood drawn after microchip and valid vaccination. 3-month wait from blood sampling date. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. Spanish customs inspects at Madrid Barajas (MAD).
Import permit
No import permit. DAHD-endorsed EU certificate with AQCS NOC are the required documents.
Health certificate
EU-format certificate endorsed by DAHD, within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (India)
AQCS NOC required for all pet exports from India. Primary departure airports: Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM).
DAHD-endorsed health certificate: INR 1,000-3,000 (approximately EUR 10-35)
FAVN titre test (EU-approved laboratory): EUR 85-170
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo DEL/BOM to MAD (via hub): EUR 900-2,100 depending on crate size
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 1,300-3,200
Critical points to read before you book
India is not EU-listed: FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood draw are mandatory. Start 5+ months before travel.
AQCS NOC takes up to 30 days; apply well ahead.
No direct India to Spain cargo flight; all routings connect via a hub.
Spain PPP obligations apply once in Spain; import is not restricted at the border.
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 connects from Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM) via Dubai to Madrid Barajas (MAD). Emirates SkyCargo handles live animals at Dubai International.
Cargo Only
AIR INDIA
Air India Cargo via FRA or CDG
Air India operates DEL to European hubs including Frankfurt (FRA) and Paris (CDG), with onward connections to Madrid Barajas.
Cargo Only
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa Cargo via FRA
Lufthansa operates DEL to Frankfurt direct with cargo connections to Madrid. An alternative via Germany.
Cargo Only
Meeting Spain's entry requirements
Bringing a pet into Spain involves a fair amount of documentation. Keep everything organised and check each item against the current requirements before you book.
Advice worth following
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about India to Spain pet transport
Yes. India is not EU-listed, so the FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood sampling date are mandatory. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
The AQCS (Animal Quarantine and Certification Service) No Objection Certificate is a mandatory document for all pet exports from India. Apply to AQCS at least 30 days before travel. Processing involves an inspection of your pet at the designated AQCS quarantine station.
No. All routings connect via a hub. Emirates via Dubai to Madrid is the most common. Air India via Frankfurt or Paris CDG with onward connections to Madrid are alternatives.
Cargo via hub to MAD typically costs EUR 900 to EUR 2,100. Add EUR 85-170 for the titre test and EUR 20-90 for the AQCS and DAHD documentation. Total all-in is typically EUR 1,300 to EUR 3,200.
Airline guides
Emirates SkyCargo via DXB
Air India Cargo via FRA or CDG
Lufthansa Cargo via FRA
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.