ES
LT

Pet Transport Spain to Lithuania: 2026 Guide

Lithuania is in the EU, so the Spain-to-Vilnius move follows the EU Pet Travel Scheme. Your dog or cat needs an EU pet passport with a valid ISO microchip and current rabies …

1-3 wks
Preparation needed
None
Quarantine on arrival
Low
Route complexity
Managed
Full door to door
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What's required
MicrochipISO 11784/11785 (15-digit) microchip …
Rabies vaccinationCurrent rabies vaccination required. …
Rabies titre testNot required. Spain and Lithuania are …
QuarantineNot required for compliant arrivals from …
Import permitNot required for non-commercial …
Health certificateEU pet passport. Valid throughout the EU …
Step by step

The import process, in full

1
Before other preparations.
Confirm ISO 15-digit microchip

Responsible: Spanish official vet

2
First vaccination: 21-day wait. Booster: no wait.
EU pet passport with current rabies vaccination

Responsible: Official vet in Spain

3
4-6 weeks before.
Book two-leg routing from Spain to Vilnius

Responsible: Owner or agent

4
Via AMS: approximately 5-7 hours. Via WAW: approximately 6-8 hours.
Travel day: Madrid to Vilnius approximately 6-8 hours total

Responsible: Owner

Checklist

What your pet needs

Every item below must be completed and verified before your pet can travel. Expand each category for the detail.

Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit) microchip required, recorded in the EU pet passport.
Rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination required. First vaccination: minimum 21 days before entry. Booster within valid period: no wait.
Rabies titre test
Not required. Spain and Lithuania are both EU member states. No rabies antibody titre test needed.
Quarantine
Not required for compliant arrivals from other EU member states.
Import permit
Not required for non-commercial companion animal movements within the EU.
Health certificate
EU pet passport. Valid throughout the EU including Lithuania.
Export permit
No export permit required for companion animals moving between EU member states.
Health certificate
EU pet passport issued by an official veterinarian in Spain. Records microchip number, rabies vaccination history, and owner details. No additional export health certificate needed for intra-EU travel.
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We handle the regulations for every animal, every country, every airline, so nothing on your Spain to Lithuania move gets missed.

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Airlines

Carriers on this route

Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know every carrier policy for this corridor.

KLM via Amsterdam
Iberia or Vueling from Madrid (MAD) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), then KLM direct AMS to Vilnius (VNO). Cabin pets and live animal cargo available. Schiphol has IATA-accredited live animal handling. A reliable two-leg option.
Cargo and Cabin
LOT via Warsaw
Iberia or Vueling from MAD to Warsaw (WAW), with LOT Polish Airlines connecting WAW to Vilnius (VNO). LOT accepts cabin pets and cargo on European routes. Warsaw Chopin Airport is a practical Baltic hub.
Cargo and Cabin
Ryanair (cabin only)
Ryanair operates Spain-Vilnius routes from various Spanish airports, including Madrid and secondary airports. Cabin pets only under their policy. No cargo service.
Cabin Only
Lufthansa via Frankfurt
Iberia from MAD to Frankfurt (FRA) with Lufthansa connections to Vilnius. Frankfurt Animal Lounge handles cargo pets. Suitable for large dogs.
Cargo and Cabin
Costs

What this route typically costs

EU pet passport: EUR 50-100 from Spanish official vet
Cabin pet fee MAD to Vilnius (two legs): EUR 80-200
Cargo fee for larger dogs: EUR 500-1,300
IATA travel crate: EUR 60-250
Total for small cabin pet: EUR 130-300
Total for large dog via cargo: EUR 700-1,700

Critical points

Lithuania requires muzzling and lead use in public for Rottweilers, Pit Bull-type breeds, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, and crossbreeds. Contact SFVS at vmvt.lt before travelling with these breeds.

The Spain-Lithuania journey requires at least one connection. Budget for 6-8 hours total travel time, which can be tiring for dogs and cats.

Ryanair is convenient for small cabin pets but cannot accommodate larger dogs. For medium or large dogs, use the KLM or LOT cargo options.

Spanish EU pet passports require an official vet with MAPA authorisation. Confirm before booking the appointment.

Planning the connection: Amsterdam or Warsaw?

Spain to Lithuania always involves a stop. The two main options are Amsterdam via KLM and Warsaw via LOT.

The Amsterdam route through the Air France-KLM and IAG partnership works well as a single itinerary: Iberia or Vueling from Madrid to Schiphol, then KLM direct to Vilnius. Amsterdam’s live animal handling is IATA certified and well-suited to cargo pets. The total journey is around 5-7 hours.

The Warsaw option via LOT Polish Airlines is worth considering if your departure city in Spain has better Warsaw connections. LOT operates regular WAW-VNO services, and Warsaw Chopin is a functional transit hub. LOT accepts cabin pets on European routes.

For small cabin pets, Ryanair’s direct Spain-Vilnius routes (from Madrid and other cities) are a simple option, but this only works for animals under Ryanair’s cabin pet weight limit.

Breed handling requirements in Lithuania

Lithuania does not ban Pit Bull-type dogs outright, as Latvia does. Instead, Lithuanian animal welfare law requires that certain breeds be muzzled and on a lead whenever they are in public places.

The breeds covered include American Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, and crossbreeds. These rules apply from the moment you leave the airport with the dog.

If you are relocating to Lithuania with one of these breeds, understand the handling obligations before you arrive. The SFVS at vmvt.lt can confirm the current requirements. Local municipalities in Lithuania sometimes add additional restrictions beyond the national standard.

FAQ

Common questions

No. Spain and Lithuania are both EU member states. No rabies antibody titre test is required for intra-EU movements. A current rabies vaccination in a valid EU pet passport is sufficient. Source: EU Regulation 576/2013.
Lithuania requires muzzling and lead use in public for American Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, and crossbreeds. These dogs are not banned from entry into Lithuania. Check vmvt.lt for the current list.
Yes. Cats under 8kg (including the carrier) can travel in cabin on most routes from Spain to Lithuania. A valid EU pet passport is the only document needed. No titre test or import permit required.
No. Lithuania does not impose quarantine on pets arriving from other EU member states. A valid EU pet passport with current vaccination is sufficient. Source: EU Regulation 576/2013.
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