Importing animals to Spain: 2026 rules for dogs and cats

What regulations do animals enter Spain now?

Since 22 April 2026, the importation of domestic animals has been regulated by Reglamento (UE) 2026/429 (Animal Health Law, EU Animal Health Law) and its supplement, Reglamento Delegado (UE) 2026/131. Reglamento (UE) 576/2013, referred to by old articles, formally replaced by Reglamento 2026/429 as early as 2021 but applied under its article 277 until 21 April 2026. Reglamento de Eccución 577/2013 [3][5]The models of certificates and declarations are now set out in Reglamento de Eccución (UE) 2026/705 [5], and the listing of third countries in Reglamento de Ejecución (UE) 2026/636 [4].

In Spain, the procedure explains the MAPA, Ministry of Agriculture, Pesca y Alimentación (mapa.gob.es): on the page "Viajar con la mascotta", he repeats the EU requirements and indicates the points of entry. [1][2].

If you read the article from "576/2013" in the text, look at the new acts. The requirements for the usual case remain similar to those of the previous one: microchip, vaccination, tiger, certificate. Old-style certificates issued before 1 October 2026 are accepted until 31 March 2027 and issued as of 1 October according to the new model from Reglamento 2026/705 [5].

What is considered a transport without commercial purpose?

The rules for private individuals apply when three conditions are met: the animal travels without transfer of ownership, no more than five, and travels with the owner or person authorized by the owner in writing [1][2]It is permissible for an animal to travel separately if the owner travels not more than five days before and not later than five days after the date of the journey. [1][2]For an authorized person, a model written authorization is required from Reglamento de Eccución 2026/705 [1].

If animals are more than five (except for exhibitions and sporting events in animals over six months and written confirmation) or if the owner is not present, the transport is considered commercial and is subject to other rules, with a separate vet and a fee. [1][2]This article does not speak of commercial importation.

What documents and procedures are needed for a dog or cat from outside the EU?

MAPA adds that the certificate is presented in Spanish and is accompanied by a certified copy of the identification and vaccination data [1]Echinococcus (Ehinoccal)Echinococcus multilocularis: processing is required only when imported into Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway, Spain does not require [2].

Do you need an antibodies test when a dog comes from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, or Ukraine?

Yes. Antibodies analysis is necessary if the country of departure is not included in annexes I or II of Reglamento de Eccución (UE) 2026/636 [4][5]. Appendix I includes Andorra, Switzerland, the Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican. Appendix II contains countries that have confirmed the European Commission's rabies surveillance system: for example, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland), the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Singapore [3][4]I. Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine are not listed in both lists [4].

So, the order is in place for countries with a higher risk of rabies: first, the chip, then the vaccination, then the analysis, and only after the pause of the certificate. The annexes can change: Reglamento 2026/1228 of 11 June 2026, for example, added Montenegro and Serbia to annex II. [8]Check the current version on EUR-Lex and the MapA page just before preparing [1][4].

The laboratory should be selected from an official list: either a laboratory designated in the EU country under article 37 of the Regulation (UE) 2017/625, or a laboratory in the country specified in annex VIII of the Regulation de Ejecución (UE) 2021/404 [6]Do not read the list in your country. Details: [6].

How do you prepare the importation by step, and how long does it take?

1. Chip. The vet injects microchip (or checks the existing one). [2][3].
2. Inoculation against rabies. Not before 12 weeks of age. [2].
3. Pause and blood. The sample is taken by an authorized vet not earlier than 30 days after the initial vaccination or in the current series [2].
4. Output 0.5 ME/ml and above. Lab's issuing an official report, a copy of it is attached to the certificate. [2][3].
5. 90 days. Certificate cannot be issued before 90 days after blood is taken [2].
6. Certificate and assurance. Not earlier than 10 days before entry, an official vet (or an authorized vet with a public service assurance) issues a certificate in the EU model [2][3].
7. Entry. You fly to Barcelona or another approved post, tell Guardia Civil or customs that you're carrying an animal and you give your papers to check, the vet reads the chip. [1].

This procedure gives the minimum age of a dog or cat who comes from a country with a risk of rabies about seven months: 12 weeks before the vaccination, 30 days before the test, and 90 days before the certificate. [1]The language of the MAPA and the Eurocom on 90 days is slightly different: MAPA has blood collection to entry, the European Commission has to do both. To comply with both, do not issue the certificate before 90 days after taking blood: then the entry will not be until the 1990s. [1][2]The order of steps cannot be changed: the missing interval means the refusal of entry.

What's going on at Barcelona airport?

The animal is only accepted in the approved point. The list of the MAPA for Barcelona lists the airport of Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat and the port of Barcelona. [1]After landing, the owner takes the original documents from the cargo terminal and takes them to the Sanidad Animal section; then the vet checks the chip and the confirmation must be presented to Customs at terminal 2 and the animal is then handed over. [1]This procedure is described in the annex to the MAP list and may change, check the current version before going.

The MAPA list indicates possible measures for each item if the animal does not meet the requirements: return, isolation or euthanasia [1]So, you can solve the paperwork before you leave, not in the landing room.

What to do after moving: registration of a dog in Barcelona

Electronic identification of dogs, cats and ferrets in Catalonia is mandatory, the chip is placed in the hamstone. The owner in Barcelona is then obliged to enter the animal into Registre Central Municipal within 30 days of receipt, change of residence or move for more than three months. [7]The data are transmitted to Registre General d'Animals de Company Generalitat de Catalunya [7].

For dogs of "potentially hazardous" species (Aquita, Stafordshire, Rottweiler and others on the city list), a city licence, a civil liability contract and special walking arrangements are required; the list and conditions are available on the page ajuntament.barcelona.cat [7]If you have such a breed, start with this list before you go: the rule is tied to permanent residence in Barcelona.

Typical bugs in the transport of animals to Spain

• They take rules 576/2013 as valid. They have not been applied since 22 April 2026, and the text of the certificate and the article numbers have changed [3][5].
• They do the test too soon or too late. Blood is taken not earlier than 30 days after the vaccination, and from taking blood to issuing the certificate must be at least 90 days. [2].
• Vaccinate to chip. Inoculations delivered before the date of the chime are not counted [2].
• Forget the certificate. It operates 10 days before the check at the entry point and is added to it by sea days [2][3].
• They're going through an unapproved airport. We need to get the animal through the PEV from the MAPA list. [1][3].
• They send the animal separately, the owner comes later. Only allowed in window five days before or after owner [1][2].
• They think any vet would be fine. The certificate shall be issued by an official vet or by an authorized official of the State of the country of departure. [3].

The requirements for birds, rodents, reptiles and other species are different. The article does not address them: see the section of MAPA for its species.

What can we help you with?

The wind is only the vet of your country and the public service, and we can't replace it.juror transfer) and indicate the order of the first weeks in Barcelona after obtaining a residence permit (First 30 days, Temporary housing. For information on how to carry things and a car, read neighbouring articleThe first 30 minutes of the consultation are free of charge: SignI. Overview of grounds for residence and first steps available on the page Residence permit in Barcelonaid , and read more about the service on the page <x id="15 / id> in the order of actions in the order of <x / 1> , in the order of id> , , , , id = , , , , , , , id = , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , documents and procedures.

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The source is viewed on 02.10.2026 · NEXO · Drafting Draft · Sources do not replace individual legal advice.