IN
India
✈️
ES
Spain

Pet Transport India to Spain: 2026 Guide

See key factsQuarantine on arrival
Medium-High routeExpert coordination essential
22-24 weeksPreparation lead time
Fully managedDoor to door service available
Lead time needed
22-24 weeks
Quarantine
See key facts
Route complexity
Medium-High
Airlines
3 carriers on this route
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Regulations checked
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
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
2
Book cargo from DEL/BOM to MAD via European hub.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
3
Obtain DAHD-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: DAHD-authorised vet plus DAHD endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
4
Depart DEL or BOM. Spanish customs inspects at Madrid Barajas.
Responsible: Airline cargo and Spanish customs
Travel day

Which Spain rules depend on a pet coming from India?

The EU sorts non-EU countries into groups, and India falls in “Non-listed third countries and territories”.

Rabies antibody titration test required: sample taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after primary vaccination and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued, tested in an EU-designated laboratory, result at least 0.5 IU/ml. The 90-day wait does not apply to re-entry of an EU-resident pet whose passport documents a favourable test done before leaving the EU. Official source

These rules apply to that group, on top of the rules every pet follows:

  • Rabies titre test: Where required (non-listed origins), the test must measure a level of neutralising antibody to rabies virus in serum of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done in a designated laboratory. Neither the EC page nor 2026/131 (which refers to point 1 of Annex XXI to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692) names a test method such as FAVN or RFFIT. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Rabies titre test: The test must be done by an official laboratory designated under Article 37 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, or by a laboratory in a third country listed in Annex VIII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 designated in line with Article 37(4) and (5) of that Regulation; only laboratories specifically accredited for the method may do it, so the laboratory need not be in the EU. The EC publishes the lists of designated laboratories. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
    Designated laboratories for performing rabies antibody titration tests, checked 1 October 2026
  • Rabies titre test: The blood sample must be taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after the primary vaccination (or within a current valid vaccination series) and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026

The rules that apply to every pet entering Spain, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Spain guide.

What does India require before your pet leaves?

  1. Export permit: Not required: AQCS's full list of requirements for exporting a pet dog or cat contains no Indian export permit or licence; only the importing country's own permit, if it has one. Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
    Export of pets (Dog & Cats), checked 1 October 2026
  2. Export health certificate: For export, the owner takes the pet and documents (originals and copies) to the AQCS quarantine office 7 days before embarkation, with a prior appointment, to obtain the NOC (export certificate). Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
    Export of pets (Dog & Cats), checked 1 October 2026
  3. Export health certificate: A fit-to-fly veterinary health certificate from a local registered vet is required, plus microchip certificate, vaccination details, owner's passport and ticket, and any importing-country requirements (import permit, titre test). Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
    Export of pets (Dog & Cats), checked 1 October 2026
  4. Export health certificate: The AQCS export certificate is valid for 10 days from issue or examination. Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
    Export of pets (Dog & Cats), checked 1 October 2026
  5. Export health certificate: The document is the AQCS 'Certificate of Health for Export (Pet Animals)', normally issued the same day. Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), checked 1 October 2026
  6. Other conditions: AQCS charges Rs 500 per export certification (DAHD order effective 1 May 2025). Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
    Processing fees and quarantine accommodation charges w.e.f. 01.05.2025 (order of 28 April 2025), checked 1 October 2026
  7. Other conditions: A separate application form is needed for each pet; if the pet is too young for a vaccination, the mother's vaccination record must be produced. Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
    Export of pets (Dog & Cats), checked 1 October 2026
Costs

What this route typically costs

DAHD-endorsed health certificate: INR 1,000-3,000 (approximately EUR 10-35)
Cargo DEL/BOM to MAD (via hub): EUR 900-2,100 depending on crate size
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.

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 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 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 Cargo via FRA
Lufthansa operates DEL to Frankfurt direct with cargo connections to Madrid. An alternative via Germany.
Cargo Only
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.
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.

Browse all breed guides →
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Route at a glance
FromIndia
ToSpain
Prep time22-24 weeks
ComplexityMedium-High

Sources

Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.