Bringing your dog or cat from Mexico to Spain takes some coordination, but the requirements are well defined. Plan on roughly 20-22 weeks; the checklist is clear and the timing is manageable. There is no routine quarantine, provided the …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Mexico to Spain
typically takes around 20-22 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Mexico to Spain pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm ISO microchip predates rabies vaccination.
Responsible: Vet in Mexico
5+ months before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination and 21-day post-primary wait.
Responsible: Vet in Mexico
5+ months before travel
3
Blood drawn for FAVN titre test. 3-month wait starts from this date.
Responsible: Official vet and EU-approved laboratory
4-5 months before travel
4
Wait 3 months from blood sampling date.
Responsible: N/A - mandatory waiting period
3 months from blood draw
5
Book cargo MEX to MAD on Iberia or Aeromexico Cargo.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
6
Obtain SENASICA-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: SENASICA-registered vet plus SENASICA endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
7
Depart MEX. Spanish customs inspects at Madrid Barajas on arrival.
Responsible: Airline cargo and Spanish customs
Travel day
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Spain
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required. Mexico is not EU-listed. FAVN titre test required. Blood drawn after microchip and valid vaccination. 3-month wait from blood sampling date. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. Spanish customs inspects at Madrid Barajas (MAD).
Import permit
No import permit. SENASICA-endorsed EU certificate is the required document.
Health certificate
EU-format certificate endorsed by SENASICA, within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (Mexico)
No formal export permit for companion animals. SENASICA inspection at Mexico City (MEX).
Costs
What this route typically costs
SENASICA certificate and endorsement: MXN 2,000-5,000 (approximately EUR 100-250)
FAVN titre test (EU-approved laboratory): EUR 85-170
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo MEX to MAD (Iberia or Aeromexico direct): EUR 800-2,000 depending on crate size
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 1,300-3,200
Critical points to read before you book
Mexico is non-listed for EU: titre test and 3-month wait from blood draw are mandatory. Start 5 months before travel.
3-month wait runs from blood draw date, not results date.
Spain's PPP regime applies once in Spain: not a border ban but ongoing obligations for certain breeds.
SENASICA certificate must be EU format and dated within 10 days of travel.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
IBERIA CARGO
Iberia Cargo
Iberia operates direct from Mexico City (MEX) to Madrid Barajas (MAD). Iberia Cargo accepts live animals in the temperature-controlled hold. The most direct option for Mexico to Spain.
Cargo Only
AEROMEXICO
Aeromexico Cargo
Aeromexico operates MEX to MAD direct. Aeromexico Cargo handles live animals on selected routes. Competitive capacity on the Mexico City to Madrid corridor.
Cargo Only
AIR EUROPA
Air Europa
Air Europa operates MEX to MAD. Check live animal cargo acceptance with Air Europa Cargo before booking.
Cargo Only
Spain entry requirements at a glance
The path into Spain is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.
Getting the details right
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
FAQ
Common questions about Mexico to Spain pet transport
Yes. Mexico is not EU-listed, so the FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood sampling date apply for Spain, as for any EU member state. Your pet needs a microchip, current rabies vaccination, SENASICA-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel, and the titre test plus 3-month wait before travel. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Yes. Iberia Cargo operates direct from MEX to MAD and accepts live animals in the temperature-controlled hold. Aeromexico Cargo operates the same direct route. Book four to six weeks ahead and confirm live animal cargo acceptance on your specific flight number.
From the blood sampling date for the FAVN titre test, not from when results arrive. If blood is drawn on 1 April, travel to Spain is not possible before 1 July, regardless of when laboratory results are received.
Direct cargo from MEX to MAD (Iberia or Aeromexico) typically costs EUR 800 to EUR 2,000 depending on crate size. Add EUR 85-170 for the titre test, EUR 100-250 for the SENASICA certificate, and EUR 80-250 for a crate if needed. Total all-in is typically EUR 1,300 to EUR 3,200, with five months preparation required.
Airline guides
Iberia Cargo
Aeromexico Cargo
Air Europa
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.