The US-to-Spain corridor is one of the busiest transatlantic pet moves, driven by a growing American expat community in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Valencia. Spain’s entry rules …
Spanish border vet inspects documentation at the border control post. Released same day for compliant pets.
Cargo delivery: pet arrives at Spanish airport, border vet inspection
Responsible: MAPA border veterinary authority
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 standard (15-digit). Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination, or the vaccination is invalid.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Pet must be at least 12 weeks old at vaccination. 21-day wait after first vaccination before travel. Certificate must show vaccination date, product name, and batch number.
Rabies titre test
Not required. The United States is listed as an approved third country under EU Regulation 2026/131, so no rabies titre test is needed for dogs or cats from the USA.
Import permit
Not required for personal imports of dogs and cats.
Health certificate
USDA-endorsed official health certificate, issued within 10 days of Spanish arrival. Covers microchip number, rabies vaccination details, and declaration of health.
Leaving United States
Export requirements
Export permit
No formal export permit required. USDA APHIS endorsement of the health certificate serves as export documentation.
Health certificate
USDA-accredited veterinarian completes an official health certificate, endorsed by USDA APHIS (fee: USD 38 per certificate). Certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Spain. Process the endorsement via USDA APHIS Veterinary Services (drop-off, mail, or electronic VEHCS system).
Costs
What this route typically costs
Cargo fee (transatlantic cargo for a medium dog: USD 500-1,500+ depending on size and airline)
IATA-compliant crate (required for all cargo shipments)
USDA-accredited vet health exam and certificate
USDA APHIS endorsement fee (USD 38 per certificate)
IATA-registered cargo agent fee (recommended for transatlantic moves)
PPP breed licence and liability insurance if pet is a restricted breed in Spain
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.
Spain's PPP list includes breeds common in the US: Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, and others. If your dog is on the list, you will need to apply for a PPP municipal licence within one month of arrival, including third-party liability insurance and an aptitude test.
Small cats face no US federal export requirements, but they still need the USDA-endorsed health certificate and valid rabies vaccination to enter Spain.
Airlines
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
At a glance: USA to Spain vs other USA-to-EU moves
Requirement
USA to Spain
USA to France
USA to Italy
USA to Portugal
USDA health cert
Yes (within 10 days)
Yes (within 10 days)
Yes (within 10 days)
Yes (within 10 days)
Titre test
Not required
Not required
Not required
Not required
Quarantine
None
None
None
None
Import permit
Not required
Not required
Not required
Not required
PPP/breed rules
Yes (national PPP list)
Varies by region
No national list
No national list
Cats: US export docs
None required
None required
None required
None required
Complexity
Moderate (transatlantic cargo)
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal all follow EU pet import rules for third countries. The documentation process is the same across all four. The main variable is finding a cargo booking on your preferred route.
What cats need: USA to Spain
Cats travelling from the USA to Spain face no US federal export requirements from the USDA end. There are no USDA-issued restrictions on exporting pet cats. The requirements are set entirely by Spain’s entry rules: the cat must be microchipped (ISO standard), vaccinated against rabies (at least 21 days before travel), and accompanied by a USDA-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival in Spain.
Cats from the USA are classified as coming from an approved third country under EU Regulation 2026/131, so no titre test is required and there is no quarantine. For cats small enough to travel in cabin, check whether your airline accepts cats on the specific transatlantic route before booking cargo.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
No. A titre test is not required for dogs or cats travelling from the United States to Spain. The USA is listed as an approved third country under EU Regulation 2026/131. The requirements are: ISO microchip (implanted before rabies vaccination), current rabies vaccination (21-day wait after first dose), and a USDA-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of Spanish arrival.
Iberia is the primary option, with cargo services from JFK, LAX, MIA, ORD, and other US gateways to Madrid Barajas. American Airlines Cargo also operates on this corridor, typically via Dallas, Miami, or New York. British Airways offers connections via London Heathrow. Delta’s cargo service is currently limited to active US military. Verify current availability with each airline or your cargo agent, as policies can change.
USDA APHIS endorsement takes 2-10 business days depending on the submission method. Physical drop-off at a USDA Veterinary Services office is typically the fastest option (1-2 days). Mail-in submissions take longer. Some countries support the VEHCS electronic system, which can also expedite the process. The health certificate itself must be issued within 10 days of your pet’s arrival in Spain, so plan the endorsement timing carefully.
If your dog is on Spain’s PPP (Potentially Dangerous Dog) list (breeds including Rottweiler, Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bullmastiff, Dobermann, Dogo Argentino, and others), you must register with the local municipality and obtain a PPP licence within one month of arrival. The licence requires a background check for the owner, third-party liability insurance, and an aptitude test for the dog. In public spaces, the dog must be muzzled and on a lead of no more than two metres.
On transatlantic flights, in-cabin pet policies vary by airline and route. Some airlines allow small cats (under a specific weight including carrier) in cabin on transatlantic flights, but many restrict in-cabin pets to shorter routes. Check directly with the airline on your specific routing. If your cat is too large or the airline does not allow cabin pets on the transatlantic leg, cargo is the alternative. Spain has no objection to cats arriving via cargo.
Airline guides
Iberia
American Airlines
British Airways
Delta
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.