You must return with your pet through one of the designated Traveler's Points of Entry, you can find the list below at the end of this title, and declare to the Guardia Civil's Tax Department that you are traveling with a pet, presenting the pet's documentation.
If you are going to travel to one of the third countries included in Annex II of Regulation 577/2013, to return, your pet must comply with what is indicated in section I.
If you are going to travel to a country not listed in Annex II (rabies risk countries), you must meet the requirements of paragraph 1, and in addition:
- You must have your pet tested for rabies in an approved laboratory before you travel.
- The result of this test will be reflected in your passport by your veterinarian and must be equal to or higher than 0.5 IU/ml.
Rabies serological test
At least 30 days after vaccination against rabies (in the case of first vaccination) a blood sample must be taken from the animal to verify that the level of post-vaccination antibodies is sufficient, i.e. equal to or greater than 0.5 IU/ml.
(See updated list of approved laboratories).
Information note on samples
The entry of the animal is only authorised after 3 months (see FAQs) from the date of the blood sample collection.
Therefore, the minimum age of an animal coming from a country with a rabies risk is 7 months:
- The minimum age for vaccination is 12 weeks.
- The blood sample for the antibody test shall be taken at the earliest 30 days after inoculation.
- It must be 3 months from the time the blood sample is taken until the animal is allowed to enter the EU.
If the animal is moved from an EU country to a third country and then back, this three-month period will not apply if the test is carried out with a favourable result before the animal leaves the EU territory. This information shall be recorded in the animal's passport.
If the vaccination protocol is maintained, the serological test shall be valid for the lifetime of the animal.