Pet transport from Spain to France and France to Spain

Pet transport from Spain to France or from France to Spain is simple because both countries are part of the European Union. The EU Pet Travel Scheme governs the process, creating a unified system for non-commercial pet movement across member states. Here are the key steps and considerations:

Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant chip. The rabies vaccination must be administered on the same day or after the microchip implantation.

There is a mandatory 21-day waiting period after the primary rabies vaccination before your pet can travel between Spain and France. If your pet’s most recent vaccination is a booster given without a lapse in coverage, the 21-day wait is not required.

Rabies vaccinations valid for 1, 2, or 3 years are accepted in both countries. Other vaccinations are not mandatory but are recommended for the protection of your pet’s health, particularly in cases of boarding, travel groups, or frequent exposure to other animals.

Travel Requirements: Pets must travel with their owner or with a designated person authorized by the owner. If a designated person accompanies the pet, this must occur within 5 days of the owner’s travel. If the transport takes place outside this 5-day window, the move may be classified as commercial, which involves stricter import rules and procedures.

Additional Notes: In Spain, dogs must be registered in the local municipal registry of the owner’s residence. In France, dogs must be entered into the national identification system (I-CAD) if they will live in the country. Both countries also enforce local laws concerning pet registration, identification, and ownership responsibilities for resident pets.

You can find more info on our Pet Travel Checklist page if you need it.

If you'd like to book a trip for your pet, please feel free to reach out to us using the form below.