Pet Transport from Spain to Australia

Australia categorises countries on a tiered risk basis for the purposes of biosecurity. Spain sits in Group 2, which covers countries recognised as being free of, or having effective control of, canine rabies. The direct benefit for Spanish pet owners is that the titre test (a blood test measuring rabies antibody levels, drawn at least 28 days after vaccination with a mandatory waiting period before travel) is not required. This can save several months from the overall preparation timeline.

Even without the titre test, the requirements are not trivial. Your pet needs an ISO-compliant microchip implanted before any vaccinations, a current rabies vaccination within the manufacturer’s stated validity period, a DAFF import permit obtained before travel, a quarantine space reserved at Mickleham, and an official health certificate issued in DAFF’s prescribed format by a MAPA-authorised official vet within ten days of departure. None of these can be skipped.

Source: DAFF, agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs (2026).

There is no direct Spain-to-Melbourne passenger flight, so all pet cargo moves via at least one connection. The most commonly used routes are Emirates via Dubai (serving Madrid, Barcelona, and Malaga), Qatar Airways via Doha (serving Madrid and Barcelona), and Singapore Airlines via Singapore. Etihad via Abu Dhabi is also an option from Madrid.

All of these airlines transport pets as manifest cargo, not in the cabin or as excess baggage. You or your agent must book cargo space directly with the airline’s cargo division or through an IATA-accredited cargo handling agent. The booking process for pet cargo can take two to four weeks; leave at least eight to twelve weeks before travel to confirm space. Cargo space for pets is limited, and summer routes via Dubai or Abu Dhabi are subject to temperature embargoes that can restrict pet cargo movement during the hottest months.

All pets must arrive at Melbourne International Airport (MEL). If a routing connects through another Australian city, it cannot be used for international pet imports. Confirm the final arrival airport with your cargo agent before committing to any routing.

The DAFF import permit comes first. Apply through the BICON (Biosecurity Import Conditions) system at agriculture.gov.au as early as possible, ideally four to six months before travel. The permit specifies exactly what your pet needs, including microchip details, vaccination records, and the correct health certificate format. Without a permit, neither the quarantine booking nor the cargo reservation can be finalised.

Once the permit is granted, book quarantine space at the Mickleham MARS facility directly. Spaces are finite and demand is consistent. Booking well ahead avoids the frustration of confirmed cargo but no quarantine slot. The quarantine fee (approximately AUD 1,877 per pet at current DAFF rates) must be paid before your pet is released from quarantine, not on the day of arrival.

The official export health certificate must be obtained from a MAPA-authorised official vet in Spain. It must be in the format DAFF specifies for Spanish-origin Group 2 animals, and it is only valid for ten days from the date of issue. Time the vet appointment so it falls within that window before your departure.