New Zealand is EU-listed, so the titre test and 3-month waiting period do not apply. Preparation takes 4-6 weeks for a pet with a current vaccination. The routing from Auckland to Madrid requires at least one transfer, typically via Dubai. …
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 New Zealand
6+ weeks before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination is valid and 21-day post-primary wait is complete.
Responsible: Vet in New Zealand
6+ weeks before travel
3
Book cargo from AKL to MAD via DXB or via European hub.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
4
Obtain MPI-endorsed EU-format health certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: MPI-authorised vet plus MPI endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
5
Depart AKL. 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. New Zealand 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. MPI-endorsed EU-format health certificate is the required document.
Health certificate
EU-format certificate endorsed by MPI, issued within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (New Zealand)
No formal export permit required for companion animals from New Zealand.
Costs
What this route typically costs
MPI vet certificate and endorsement: NZD 300-700 (approximately EUR 170-400)
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo AKL to MAD via hub: EUR 1,600-3,700 depending on crate size and routing
Pet transport agent (recommended for long-haul): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 2,100-4,800
Critical points to read before you book
New Zealand is EU-listed: no titre test or 3-month wait required. 4-6 weeks preparation is sufficient with a current vaccination.
No direct AKL to MAD cargo service; all routings involve at least one transfer, often two.
Spain PPP obligations apply once in Spain for certain breeds; import is not restricted at the border.
MPI 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 Auckland (AKL) to Dubai (DXB) with connections to Madrid Barajas (MAD). Emirates SkyCargo handles live animals at Dubai International. Single transfer.
Cargo Only
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines Cargo via SIN
Singapore Airlines operates AKL to Singapore (SIN) with connections via European hubs to Madrid. Established NZ 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
EU-listed status: no titre test for New Zealand pets entering Spain
New Zealand is on the EU’s listed third countries schedule (EU Regulation 576/2013, Annex II). Pets from listed countries enter Spain on the same documentation basis as EU member state pets. The FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood draw do not apply. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
A valid ISO microchip, current rabies vaccination, and MPI-endorsed EU-format health certificate issued within 10 days of travel are the requirements. With a vaccination already in place, 4-6 weeks is sufficient preparation time.
Auckland to Madrid: routing options
There is no direct cargo service from Auckland to Madrid Barajas (MAD). All routings involve at least one transfer. Emirates via Dubai (DXB) connects to MAD with a single transfer and live animal cargo handling throughout. Singapore Airlines via Changi often requires a second connection to reach Madrid.
For Spain specifically, the Dubai routing via Emirates tends to give a more direct connection to MAD. A pet transport agent can confirm current routing options and book cargo space 4-6 weeks ahead.
Spain PPP: ongoing obligations for certain breeds
Spain’s PPP (Perro Potencialmente Peligroso) law applies to Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu, and similar breeds. The import itself is not restricted; PPP creates ongoing obligations once the dog is in Spain: muzzle in public, maximum 2m leash, civil liability insurance, and a PPP licence from the local municipality.
For most breeds common in New Zealand, including Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Border Collies, no PPP obligation applies.
FAQ
Common questions about New Zealand to Spain pet transport
No. New Zealand 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 MPI-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 option for Auckland to Madrid, with a single transfer and connections to MAD. Singapore Airlines via SIN can also route 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.