Pet Transport from Spain to Morocco
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The Spain to Morocco 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.
Getting the timing right is critical. Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer.
All Requirements — Spain to Morocco
| Requirement | Spain rule (exit) | Morocco rule (entry) |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip | ISO 11784/11785 required | Required (ISO 11784/11785) |
| Rabies vaccination | Current vaccination required before departure | Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel |
| Rabies titre test | — | Required for: Pets from certain countries (check ONSSA list). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml |
| Health certificate | AHC required for export to non-EU countries. EU pet passport valid for intra-EU movement. | Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian, endorsed by national authority. Valid for 14 days from issue |
| Quarantine | — | Veterinary inspection on arrival. Non-compliant pets may be quarantined or returned. |
| Import permit | — | Required. Issued by: ONSSA (Office National de Securite Sanitaire des produits Alimentaires) |
| Export permit | No export permit required for cats and dogs. | — |
Preparation Timeline
Cost Estimate — Line Items
Airlines — Policy Data
| Airline | Transport type | Policy summary |
|---|---|---|
| Air France | _ | Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes |
| Emirates | _ | 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) |
| Lufthansa | _ | 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 |
| British Airways | _ | Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route. |
| Singapore Airlines | _ | Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons |
| Cathay Pacific | _ | Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met |
| KLM | _ | Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo |
Regulatory Risk Notes
- Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.
- Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Understanding Morocco's pet import rules
Compared to some international pet transport routes, Spain to Morocco is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.
Morocco regulated by the Office National de Securite Sanitaire des produits Alimentaires (ONSSA). Rabies present. Import permit required. Popular expat destination and gateway for Africa.
Practical advice for shipping your pet from Spain
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.
Country Reference Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to prepare a pet for transport from Spain to Morocco?
- Allow at least 20 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
- Does my pet need to quarantine when entering Morocco?
- No routine quarantine is required in Morocco for pets arriving with correct documentation. However, if your pet arrives without the right paperwork, penalty quarantine can apply. Get everything right before you travel.
- Is a rabies titre test required for pets entering Morocco?
- Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 90-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter Morocco. Start this process as early as possible.
- Do I need an import permit to bring my pet into Morocco?
- Yes, an import permit is required from Morocco’s authority (ONSSA (Office National de Securite Sanitaire des produits Alimentaires)). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
- What health certificate does my pet need for this route?
- Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Spain. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Morocco’s authority for the exact format required.
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