Pet Transport from Spain to Canada
The Spain to Canada import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Licensed veterinarian in Spain
Responsible: Owner or vet
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner
Responsible: Owner
Which Canada rules depend on a pet coming from Spain?
Canada sets different rules for 3 groups of countries, and the official wording does not settle on its own which group covers Spain. Check the group table in our Canada guide before you plan.
These rules apply to pets from Spain, on top of the rules every pet follows:
- Rabies vaccination: An EU pet passport is accepted in place of the rabies vaccination certificate if it contains all the required details. Applies to dogs and cats with an EU pet passport.
Pet import tool content (results behind Bringing animals to Canada: importing and travelling with pets), checked 2 October 2026
The rules that apply to every pet entering Canada, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Canada guide.
What does Spain require before your pet leaves?
- Export health certificate: Endorsement: pet export certificates are issued by inspectors of the Servicios de Control Oficial en Frontera; for countries that require it they must first be legalised by MAPA's Subdirección General de Acuerdos Sanitarios y Control en Frontera (Calle Almagro 33, 28010 Madrid), by appointment requested by email (sgacuerdos@mapa.es) at least 24 working hours ahead. The appointment form mentions a fee only for phytosanitary certificates. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets leaving Spain where the destination requires legalisation.
Solicitud cita previa para certificados de exportación y mascotas, checked 2 October 2026 - Export health certificate: For a pet export certificate the owner's veterinarian must request it through MAPA's CEXGAN application. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets leaving Spain for a non-EU country.
Viajar con la mascota. Perros, gatos, hurones, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: Travellers must meet the destination country's requirements; the necessary certificates are issued by the Áreas de Agricultura of the Government Delegations and Subdelegations (page dated 28 September 2026). Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets leaving Spain for a non-EU country.
Viajar con animales de compañía, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: Who issues: the Áreas de Agricultura of the Government Delegations and Subdelegations are the offices in charge of issuing pet export certificates. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets leaving Spain for a non-EU country.
Viajar con la mascota. Perros, gatos, hurones, checked 1 October 2026
What this route typically costs
Critical points
The rabies vaccination certificate must be in English or French. A Spanish-language-only certificate will be refused at the Canadian border.
Canada uses the CBSA for document checks on arrival. If the certificate is incomplete or invalid, your pet can be refused entry or detained. Ensure vaccination is current and within validity period on your arrival date.
Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs and cats) face cargo restrictions on most airlines. Check this before booking if you have a French Bulldog, Pug, Persian, or similar breed.
Commercial imports (dogs for breeding, resale, or rehoming) require significantly more documentation. This guide covers personal pets travelling with their owner.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
Common questions
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Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.
- CFIA · Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- IATA · International Air Transport Association, Live Animals Regulations
- MAPA Spain · Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentacion, Spain