Pet Transport from the United States to Spain
The United States to Spain import process
Responsible: Your USDA-accredited veterinarian
Responsible: You or your IATA-accredited cargo agent
Responsible: USDA-accredited veterinarian + USDA APHIS
Responsible: MAPA border veterinary authority
Which Spain rules depend on a pet coming from the United States?
The EU sorts non-EU countries into groups, and the United States falls in “Listed third countries and territories, Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636”.
No rabies antibody titration test needed. Animal health certificate, microchip and rabies vaccination still required; entry through a travellers' point of entry with documentary and identity checks. Montenegro and Serbia were added by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228. The EUR-Lex text of 2026/636 lists the USA as including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. Official source
The rules that apply to every pet entering Spain, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Spain guide.
What does the United States require before your pet leaves?
- Export health certificate: All pet export health certificates must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian (page updated 18 June 2026). Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Pet Travel Process Overview, checked 2 October 2026 - Export health certificate: The accredited vet can submit the health certificate to APHIS for endorsement on the owner's behalf (through VEHCS); alternatively the vet gives the paperwork to the owner to submit to the USDA Endorsement Office. Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Pet Travel: U.S. to Another Country, checked 2 October 2026 - Export health certificate: VEHCS is APHIS's online system for issuing, submitting and endorsing export health certificates (page updated 9 June 2026). Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS), checked 2 October 2026 - Export health certificate: Endorsement windows after the vet signs are limited and vary by destination (e.g. 30 days). Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Pet Travel Process Overview, checked 2 October 2026 - Other conditions: APHIS endorsement fee (page updated 18 June 2026): USD 101 per certificate with no lab tests; USD 160, 206 or 275 for 1 to 2, 3 to 6 or 7+ tests, plus small per-extra-pet amounts. Paid before endorsement; none for ADA service dogs. Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Cost To Endorse Your Pet's Health Certificate, checked 2 October 2026
What this route typically costs
Critical points
The USDA endorsement process takes 2-10 business days depending on method. Use the electronic VEHCS system if your destination country supports it, for faster turnaround. Physical drop-off at a USDA Veterinary Services office is the fastest option if you are near one.
Small cats face no US federal export requirements, but they still need the USDA-endorsed health certificate and valid rabies vaccination to enter Spain.
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Iberia | Cargo from JFK, LAX, MIA, ORD, and other US gateways to MAD. Iberia has the largest operation on this corridor and routes via Madrid Barajas hub with strong live animal handling. Book through a cargo agent. | Cargo Only |
| American Airlines | American Airlines Cargo accepts pets from the USA to Spain. Routes typically via DFW, JFK, or MIA to MAD or BCN. Note: American has suspended pet cargo on some routes, verify current availability before booking. | Cargo Only |
| British Airways | Cargo via LHR to Spanish airports. BA World Cargo connects US cities (JFK, LAX, ORD, BOS) to London with onward connections to Spain. One transfer at Heathrow. | Cargo Only |
| Delta | Delta allows small pets in cabin (under 10 lb / 4.5 kg including carrier) on some US-Spain routes. Delta's cargo service for pets is currently limited to active US military personnel with PCS orders. Not suitable for large dogs as cargo. | Cabin Only |
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