SA
ES

Pet Transport from Saudi Arabia to Spain

Bringing your dog or cat from Saudi Arabia to Spain takes some coordination, but the requirements are well defined. Expect about 4-10 weeks, with a short and predictable checklist. Map your dates …

Get your free quote →
4-10
Weeks lead time needed
Start this early minimum
Check guide
Quarantine on arrival
Low
Route complexity
8
Airlines on this route
Lead time needed
4-10 weeks
Quarantine
Check guide
Route complexity
Low
Airlines
8 carriers on this route
Start my quote
In short: Preparing to move a pet from Saudi Arabia to Spain typically takes around 4-10 weeks.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Step by step

The Saudi Arabia to Spain import process

01
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

02
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

03
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate

Responsible: Official veterinarian

04
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk

Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk

Requirements

Spain entry requirements

Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.

Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination
Required
Quarantine
Check current requirements with destination authority
Import permit
Check with destination authority
Health certificate
Required
Leaving Saudi Arabia

Export requirements

Export permit
Export permit from MEWA required. Apply in advance.
Health certificate
Format depends on destination. MEWA endorsement required for most destinations.
Costs

What this route typically costs

Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)

Critical points

Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.

Airlines

Approved carriers on this route

AirlineNotesType
EmiratesCargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)Cargo Only
Air FranceSmall pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoesCabin and Cargo
LufthansaSmall pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-roundCabin and Cargo
British AirwaysCargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.Cargo Only
Singapore AirlinesCargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasonsCargo Only
Cathay PacificCargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be metCargo Only
KLMSmall pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargoCabin and Cargo
Etihad AirwaysCargo: Pets travel through Etihad Cargo. Brachycephalic breeds subject to seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during Abu Dhabi summer monthsCargo Only

What Spain requires

Bringing a pet into Spain is one of the simpler processes. Cover the core requirements and you should have few surprises.

Avoiding the common mistakes

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.

Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.

If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.

FAQ

Common questions about this route

Allow at least 4 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
No routine quarantine is required in Spain for pets arriving with correct documentation. However, if your pet arrives without the right paperwork, penalty quarantine can apply. Get everything right before you travel.
Yes, cats can be transported from Saudi Arabia to Spain. The same microchip, vaccination, and health certificate requirements apply as for dogs, though some rules (such as tapeworm treatment) apply to dogs only. Check the full requirements for cats with the destination authority.
Airline guides
  • Emirates
  • Air France
  • Lufthansa
  • British Airways
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Cathay Pacific
  • KLM
  • Etihad Airways
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

Move your pet
to Spain.

Get a free, fully itemised quote for this route. We map the complete preparation timeline and costs. No commitment required.

Get my free quote
Chat with us