The Spain to Kenya route is one many expats and returning families use each year with their pets.
This route is moderately involved, with a clear checklist to follow. Start preparations at least 20 weeks before your travel date – some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a mandatory waiting period after your pet’s vaccination. You cannot speed this up.
We’ve laid out every step below so you know exactly what to prepare and when.
Spain vs Kenya: Requirements Compared
| Requirement | Spain (exit) | Kenya (entry) |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip | Required (ISO standard) | Required (ISO 11784/11785) |
| Rabies vaccination | Required before departure | Required. Current rabies vaccination required. |
| Rabies titre test | — | Required for: Not routinely required |
| Health certificate | Required from official vet | Required. Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Issued by: Official government vet in origin country. Valid for 14 days from issue. Certificate must list vaccinations, microchip, and declare freedom from contagious disease. |
| Quarantine | — | No routine quarantine for compliant pets. DVS inspection at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. |
| Export permit | No formal export permit required. Destination import documentation serves as travel authority. | — |
| Import permit | — | Required. Import permit required. DVS reviews documentation. |
Timeline from Start to Arrival
- Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard) First step - must be done before any vaccinations. Your veterinarian
- Rabies vaccination After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps. Your veterinarian
- Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory) Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result. Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
- Apply for import permit from Kenya Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks You (or your pet transport agent)
- Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space 2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly. You (or your pet transport agent)
- Obtain official veterinary health certificate Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement) Official veterinarian
- Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk 3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin You + airline check-in/cargo desk
Cost Breakdown
| # | Factor |
|---|---|
| 1 | Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size) |
| 2 | IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire) |
| 3 | Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate |
| 4 | Rabies titre test laboratory fee |
| 5 | Import permit application fee (Kenya) |
| 6 | Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes) |
Airlines That Serve This Route
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: pets in pressurised hold via Kenya Airways Cargo. Connects Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta hub to European and African destinations. IATA-compliant crate required. Advance approval needed.
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Documents Checklist
Leaving Spain
- Export permit
- Microchip documentation
- Vaccination records
Entering Kenya
- Health certificate (Required. Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Issued by: …)
- Import permit
- Titre test certificate
- Microchip verification
- Rabies vaccination record
What Owners on This Route Often Miss
Why this route needs early planning
Compared to some international pet transport routes, Spain to Kenya is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.
Nairobi is a major expat hub (UN agencies, NGOs, multinationals). Pet import is permitted with correct documentation. Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) is the competent authority.
Things to sort before you book
Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.
Book the titre test laboratory well in advance. Approved labs have limited appointment slots and the blood sample processing takes time. Don’t leave this to the last few weeks.
Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.
If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.
Questions Owners Ask About This Route
How long does it take to prepare a pet for transport from Spain to Kenya?
Does my pet need to quarantine when entering Kenya?
Is a rabies titre test required for pets entering Kenya?
Do I need an import permit to bring my pet into Kenya?
What health certificate does my pet need for this route?
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