Rabies blood test (titre) for pets from other countries

Key rules

• Lab: The sample must be tested by an EU-approved laboratory and the result recorded in the official certificate.
• Order: Microchip first, then the rabies vaccine, then the blood sample.
• Entry: Your pet must arrive through a designated traveller's point of entry.
• Exempt countries: Pets from countries on the EU exempt list skip the blood test.

Do you need the blood test?

Pets from unlisted countries need a rabies antibody blood test (a "titre" test) before they can enter Spain. This applies to dogs, cats and ferrets. It is not needed for pets from countries on the EU exempt list, or for pets moving within the EU.

Many Latin American countries are not on that list. Look up your country on the European Commission's pet travel page, or ask Spain's Ministry of Agriculture, which lists requirements by country of origin. Do this first, because the test adds months to your plan.

The numbers that set your timeline

Pets from unlisted countries need a blood test of at least 0.5 IU/ml taken at least 30 days after vaccination, then a wait of 3 months before entry.

The 3 months count from the day the blood sample was taken, not from the day you get the result. Confirm the exact counting with the official vet who endorses your certificate.

If the test fails (the result is below 0.5 IU/ml), expect to revaccinate and test again. That restarts the clock, so leave yourself extra time.

Do it in this order

1. Microchip your pet. The chip must come before the rabies vaccine.
2. Give the primary rabies vaccination.
3. Wait at least 30 days, then have an authorised vet take the blood sample.
4. Ask the official vet which approved lab to use before the sample is taken.
5. Wait the 3 months. Then travel.

Choosing the lab

The test must be run by a laboratory approved under EU rules. The European Commission publishes a list of approved labs. Approval of labs outside the EU can change, so check before you send the sample. Your official vet can tell you which lab to use.

Revaccinating during the wait

If your pet is revaccinated while its earlier vaccination was still valid, and the test came after a prior valid vaccination, the 3-month wait may not need repeating. Check this with the official vet before you assume it.

Arrival in Spain

Your pet must enter through a designated traveller's point of entry and will be checked on arrival. The documents you need and the step-by-step timeline are in the sections below.

Timeline and deadlines

• Vaccinate your pet against rabies, after the microchip is in: before anything else

• Have an authorised vet take the blood sample for the titre test: at least 30 days after the primary rabies vaccination

• Wait before travelling, counted from the day the blood sample was taken: at least 3 months after the sample date

Documents you need

• EU animal health certificate for non-commercial movement, completed and endorsed by an official vet of the country your pet is coming from.

• Proof of microchip for your pet.

• Proof of a valid rabies vaccination, given after the microchip was implanted.

• Laboratory report for the rabies titre test from an EU-approved lab, showing a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml.

• Written authorisation from the owner, needed only if you do not travel with the pet.

Checklist

• Check whether your pet's country is on the EU list of countries exempt from the titre test.

• Have an authorised vet take the blood sample at least 30 days after the primary rabies vaccination.

• Confirm the lab result is at least 0.5 IU/ml and is recorded in the official certificate.

• Wait 3 months from the sample date before your pet enters Spain.

• Gather the endorsed health certificate, microchip proof, rabies vaccination proof and lab report.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find out if my pet's country is on the exempt list?

You check your country on the European Commission's pet travel page, which carries the current list of countries exempt from the titre test.

Who can run the rabies titre test on my pet's blood sample?

The test must be run by a laboratory approved under EU rules, and the sample must be taken by an authorised vet. The European Commission publishes a list of approved laboratories. Ask the official vet which lab to use before the sample is taken, because approval of labs outside the EU changes.

Do I have to repeat the 3-month wait if my pet is revaccinated?

Not always: if you revaccinate within the validity period and the titre test was done after a prior valid vaccination, the 3-month wait may not need repeating.

What happens when my pet arrives in Spain from an unlisted country?

Your pet must enter through a designated traveller's point of entry, where it is checked on arrival. If you are not travelling with the pet, you also need a written authorisation from the owner.