🐾 Animals Productions
Home › Destinations › Bringing a cat from the USA to Spain: rules 2026

Bringing a cat from the USA to Spain: rules 2026

Prepared by the Animals Productions editorial team. See about us and our editorial standards.

Relocating a cat from the USA to Spain is straightforward. The USA is EU-listed, so no rabies titer test is required — the whole process takes 3–4 weeks.

From the origin country. From the USA: no titer test. The USA is on the EU's approved list, so a rabies titer test is not required. You need an ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (21-day wait), and an EU Animal Health Certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS (valid 10 days to entry).

Destination requirements

  1. ISO microchip — before the rabies vaccination.
  2. Rabies vaccination — ≥12 weeks; wait ≥21 days.
  3. Titer test — only from an “unlisted” country (≥30 days after vaccination, ≥90 days before travel, ≥0.5 IU/ml). Not needed from the EU / listed countries.
  4. Certificate — non-EU: EU Animal Health Certificate (10 days, authority-endorsed; USDA APHIS from the USA). EU / return: EU pet passport.
  5. Tapeworm treatment — not required.
  6. Breeds — no import ban. Spain regulates “potentially dangerous dogs” (PPP) via a licence (RD 287/2002): Pit Bull, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu and crosses — municipal licence, insurance, muzzle and a lead under 2 m. (Reform under Ley 7/2023 — verify current municipal requirements.)
  7. Quarantine — none if met; under 15 weeks not admitted; enter via an authorised point (PEV) with a declaration.

EU 2026: new Regulation (EU) 2026/131 applies from 22 Apr 2026; old-format Animal Health Certificates are valid only if issued before 1 Oct 2026.

Official sources

Helpful for the trip

Affiliate partners — only what's genuinely useful.

💧 Travel water bottle🥣 Collapsible feeder🛏️ Calming bed
✈️ Find flights →🏨 Pet-friendly stays →

We may earn a commission from partner links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

FAQ

Do I need a titer test for my cat from the USA to Spain?

No. The USA is EU-listed, so cats only need a microchip, rabies vaccination, and a USDA-endorsed EU Animal Health Certificate.

Can a cat travel in-cabin to Spain?

Most airlines allow small cats in-cabin on transatlantic routes, but confirm with your airline — each has its own weight and carrier size rules.

Is there quarantine in Spain?

No quarantine with complete documentation.

Related

Full Spain requirementsDog from USA to SpainCheck my route

We provide information only and do not offer relocation services. Rules change — always confirm with the official source above.

Updated 2026-06-20