Flying with a Dog from United States to Spain — Requirements

Valid rabies vaccination required. Vaccine validity begins a minimum of 21 days after completing the primary vaccination protocol. The dog must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.

An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) must be completed and issued by a government-accredited official veterinarian in the USA. Valid for 10 days from issue. Your dog must enter through a designated EU travellers' point of entry where documentary and identity checks are carried out.

A written declaration signed by the owner (or authorised person) confirming the movement is non-commercial — i.e. the pet is not being sold or transferred. Must accompany the health certificate.

Because the USA is not EU-listed, a rabies antibody blood test is required. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination. Testing must be done at an EU-approved laboratory. You must wait 3 months (90 days) after the blood sample is taken before entering the EU. Result must be ≥ 0.5 IU/ml.

Your dog must be marked with a microchip to ISO standards. The microchip must be implanted before or on the same day as the first rabies vaccination.

Dogs must be treated for Echinococcus tapeworm by a vet between 24 and 120 hours (1–5 days) before entry. The treatment must be documented in the animal's health certificate.