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OUR PROMISE TO YOU
Starwood Pet Travel offers the highest standard of care-blending real-time tracking, expert and personalized guidance, and a global partner network no one else can match.
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Experience + Personal Care
Every trip has a story
Read stories traveling to and from Spain
May 06, 2025
Boston to Burgundy
Meet Hallee—an energetic Irish Doodle with the heart of an explorer and the loyalty of a lifelong best friend. A mix of Irish Setter and toy poodle, Hallee has always been full of energy and curiosity. As she nears her...

March 17, 2025
From Chicago to Melbourne: Macey's Journey Home
After several years in the U.S., Macey—the sweet, slightly shy ball-chaser—has made her way back home to Australia. Her journey from Chicago to Melbourne was no small feat, spanning thousands of miles and involving a carefully coordinated trip with our...
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April 28, 2025
Orion's Big Move: From the Mountains to English Gardens
Orion, an affectionate and friendly young cat with a playful, cheeky streak, recently made the journey from the mountains of Colorado to his new home in England. Traveling comfortably aboard Lufthansa on a carefully planned route from Denver to Frankfurt,...

April 02, 2025
Pippa moves to Cambridge, England
Pippa, a sweet white Labradoodle from Connecticut, recently made the transatlantic leap to her new home in England. Known for her gentle spirit and fluffy charm, Pippa can get a little anxious when she's apart from her family—often letting out...
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Discover the heartfelt stories of pet owners traveling
to and from Spain
134 days ago
I used Starwood Pet Travel to move my dog from New Jersey, USA to Madrid in January 2025.
They are very organizes and responsive, their homepage is very well done and useful to understand everything you need with respect of Veterinary,...
Source: Google
65 days ago
In planning our move to Spain, we attempted to book our dogs in cargo with several airlines. Each time, it was a disaster. We were quoted the incorrect information by several airlines, booked tickets, then had to cancel those and...
Source: Google
131 days ago
**OUTSTANDING FROM START TO FINISH!**
We cannot thank Starwood—and specifically Sarah—enough! We moved to Spain from Maryland, and we were extremely nervous about relocating our dog, Ella. I’m certain I was exhausting with all my questions and worries, but they didn’t...
Source: Google
6 days ago
I used Starwood to get my Staffordshire Terrier from Honolulu to San Fransico. They were super helpful; from contacting my vet to gather important information, planning logistics, and day of details. Starwood took the stress off my shoulders and was...
Source: Google
73 days ago
Just wanted to give a huge thanks to the Jet Pets team in New Zealand and Starwood Pet Travel in the US for getting our beloved Kona safely to the United States. From the initial discussions to the Vet visits...
Source: Google
131 days ago
Incredible experience using this service. Everything was truly 'hands free' as Starwood took care of all the heavy lifting. Each point of contact was detailed, communicative, and readily available for any and all questions. Our dog arrived to her final...
Source: Google
230 days ago
My partner and I hired Starwood to help with transporting our dog from Texas to the UK. We found it as affordable as transporting a pet can be (as it was thousands of dollars more to do ourselves and a...
Source: Google
66 days ago
Julie and team ❤️ We have Oscar now in Tucson. We just wanted to pass on our deepest gratitude to you and your teams. We were so worried and stressed about Oscar’s trip due to his age and medical history...
Source: Google

134 days ago
I used Starwood Pet Travel to move my dog from New Jersey, USA to Madrid in January 2025.
They are very organizes and responsive, their homepage is very well done and useful to understand everything you need with respect of Veterinary, Customs and Airline paperwork.
I had several conversations with my advisor Rosemary during the month previous to the travel day. We also exchange emails and texts.
They used Lufthansa for the trip which is considered the best Animal Cargo Airline.
They have veterinary service and check on the dog once ot gets to Frankfurt.
The service is not cheap but it was worthwhile because it gave me peace of mind.
Source: Google

65 days ago
In planning our move to Spain, we attempted to book our dogs in cargo with several airlines. Each time, it was a disaster. We were quoted the incorrect information by several airlines, booked tickets, then had to cancel those and spent countless hours on the phone. I had seen Starwood Pet Travel in an internet search and finally decided to contact them. This company was awesome. From the first conversation with Ben, then with our coordinator, Ashley, they answered all of our questions and concerns. We did have some slight bumps along the way, but Starwood was there to solve the minor problems. Our dogs arrived relaxed and happy to see us again. I highly recommend this service if you are planning to move abroad. They handled customs and everything, even delivering our pets to us at our new home in Spain. We cannot thank Starwood Pet Travel for everything they did to make this a smooth transition to our new lives in Spain. Francesca, D’Amari, Timber, and Cinder also send a big sloppy kiss to you all at Starwood.
Source: Google

131 days ago
**OUTSTANDING FROM START TO FINISH!**
We cannot thank Starwood—and specifically Sarah—enough! We moved to Spain from Maryland, and we were extremely nervous about relocating our dog, Ella. I’m certain I was exhausting with all my questions and worries, but they didn’t miss a beat. Every question I had was answered quickly and professionally. (Honestly, I don’t think Sarah sleeps!)
We flew out the same day as Ella, but due to a USDA delay in paperwork, she couldn’t travel as scheduled. Without missing a beat, they placed her in a top boarding facility near the airport, and we received frequent updates and photos. They worked quickly to obtain the corrected documentation and rebooked Ella on the next flight.
She arrived happy, healthy, and clean. I will never use another service when moving my dog—and I highly recommend that you look no further.
Source: Google
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6 days ago
I used Starwood to get my Staffordshire Terrier from Honolulu to San Fransico. They were super helpful; from contacting my vet to gather important information, planning logistics, and day of details. Starwood took the stress off my shoulders and was able to get my dog where I needed him to go.
Source: Google

73 days ago
Just wanted to give a huge thanks to the Jet Pets team in New Zealand and Starwood Pet Travel in the US for getting our beloved Kona safely to the United States. From the initial discussions to the Vet visits in Nelson NZ then the final vet exam at MPI prior to departure, all the Jet Pets staff were amazing. Communication was exceptional at all stages of the process. Everyone was so pleasant, kind and well informed. Our questions were quickly answered, and little accommodations were easily made. Kona and I were treated very well by everyone we worked with. We will be very happy to use Jet Pets and Starwood in the future and can confidently recommend their services.
Source: Google

131 days ago
Incredible experience using this service. Everything was truly 'hands free' as Starwood took care of all the heavy lifting. Each point of contact was detailed, communicative, and readily available for any and all questions. Our dog arrived to her final destination happy with signs of being well taken care of. My only regret is not hiring Starwood sooner.
Source: Google
230 days ago
My partner and I hired Starwood to help with transporting our dog from Texas to the UK. We found it as affordable as transporting a pet can be (as it was thousands of dollars more to do ourselves and a very large margin for error when it came down to the documents). The only hiccup we encountered was an unfortunate mistake on the vet’s part that would’ve resulted in having to push our flight further out. Please, please, please encourage your vet to accept Starwood’s help, especially if they’ve never done a health certificate before. Regardless, my dog Minnie made it home safely thanks to this wonderful company. Thank you! And a special thanks to Sarah our UK coordinator for your confidence and reassurance. You took away all the stress I would’ve otherwise had! You did great!
Source: Google
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66 days ago
Julie and team ❤️ We have Oscar now in Tucson. We just wanted to pass on our deepest gratitude to you and your teams. We were so worried and stressed about Oscar’s trip due to his age and medical history and you all went far above and beyond our expectations to allay our fears and deliver top notch service to our best little man. He arrived clean and although a bit disoriented, has settled in perfectly back with us. We however we wanted to say thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts. You and your teams obviously love our pets as much as we do and it definitely shows.
Source: Google
Traveling to Spain
How to Ship a Pet to Spain: 2025 Pet Travel Guide
Planning to relocate your pet to Spain? Whether you're heading to bustling Barcelona, sunny Seville, or the serene hills of Asturias, Spain is a beautiful and pet-welcoming destination. That said, importing pets into Spain requires careful preparation and compliance with EU animal health regulations. Here’s everything you need to know to make the move smooth, safe, and stress-free for your furry family member.
Pet Import Requirements
Spain is part of the European Union, which means it follows EU rules for pet travel. U.S. pet owners must meet the following requirements to bring a dog, cat, or ferret into Spain:
✅ Microchip
Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip before the rabies vaccine is administered. If your pet already has a microchip, double-check that it's ISO-compliant. Otherwise, you’ll need to bring your own microchip scanner.
💉 Rabies Vaccination
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Your pet must be vaccinated for rabies after the microchip is implanted.
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The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel and must be valid at the time of travel.
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Only inactivated rabies vaccines are accepted.
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Pets must be at least 12 weeks old to receive their rabies shot and become eligible for travel 21 days later.
📄 EU Health Certificate (Annex IV)
Your pet must have an EU Health Certificate completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. The certificate must be:
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Completed within 10 days of entering Spain
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Endorsed by the USDA APHIS Veterinary Services
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Accompanied by the rabies certificate and microchip documentation
The certificate is valid for travel within the EU for up to 4 months, provided the rabies vaccine remains valid.
Other Vaccines
Other than rabies, Spain does not require specific immunizations to import pets. Nonetheless, once you have arrived in Spain, you should ask your veterinarian about preventive measures for locally common pests or diseases.
It is recommended that cats and dogs are vaccinated for the following. Do note that if your pet will be boarding, these vaccinations will be required.
- Dogs: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus), Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Leptospirosis, CIV (Canine Influenza Virus)
- Cats: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia), Feline Leukemia
Blood Tests
If your pet is traveling from an "unlisted" country, then a rabies titer blood test will be required. The rabies titer test must be completed at least 30 days after their rabies vaccination and at least 3 months before traveling to the EU. This test must be completed by an authorized (USDA-Accredited) vet and the sample must be sent to an EU-approved laboratory.Breed Restrictions and Special Considerations
Although many countries ban certain breeds of dogs and/or cats, Spain does not. However, if your dog is one of the following breeds, you will need to muzzle them to go through security and register them within 3 months of arrival:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Rottweiler
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasiliero
- Tosa Inu
- Akita Inu
Age Restrictions
Spain does not allow the importation of kittens, puppies, or baby ferrets that are less than 12 weeks old and have no rabies vaccination, nor do they allow those between 12-16 weeks whose rabies vaccine is less than 21 days old at the time of arrival.
Selecting the Right Size Carrier
The proper travel carrier ensures your pet's safety and comfort during transport. Airlines require IATA-approved carriers designed specifically for air travel.
The carrier must be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Measure your pet from nose to tail base and from floor to top of head or ears (whichever is higher) to determine the appropriate dimensions.
Carrier requirements:
- Sturdy construction with secure door latches
- Adequate ventilation on multiple sides
- Leak-proof bottom with absorbent bedding
- "Live Animal" labels and directional arrows
- Water and food dishes attached to the door
Introduce your pet to the carrier several weeks before travel. Place familiar bedding, toys, and treats inside to create positive associations and reduce travel anxiety.
Arrival in Spain
✈️ Arrival in Spain
Pets must enter Spain through a designated Traveler’s Point of Entry (POE) such as Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN), or Málaga (AGP). At arrival, customs officials may:
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Scan the pet’s microchip
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Check documentation
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Ask questions to verify compliance
If traveling without your pet, the move must occur within 5 days of your own travel to qualify as a non-commercial relocation.
Starwood has been relocating pets to Spain for over two decades. Whether you're moving to Madrid or Mallorca, we’ll manage all the details—flights, documents, and door-to-door transport—so you can focus on settling in. Our Spain pet shipping services include:
✅ Personalized travel plans
✅ Vet and USDA document coordination
✅ Expert handling of breed-specific rules
✅ Door-to-door pickup and delivery services
✅ Constant communication and pet updates
✅ Airline-approved flight kennels provided with personalized labels, identification
Ready to start planning your pet’s move to Spain?
Contact us today and let’s make your pet’s journey across the Atlantic safe, seamless, and stress-free.
2025 Spain Country Guide
A pet owner's guide to life in Spain. Whether you're settling in Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia, Spain offers a warm welcome to pets and their owners. Here's your go-to-guide for navigating life in Spain with your pet.
Moving from Spain
We have a team of experts ready to help with every aspect of your pet’s move from Australia. Our services from Australia include:
- Door to door pet transport, both international and domestic
- Assistance with health certificates, import certificates, and other travel documents needed for animal transport
- USDA endorsement and consular legalization (when needed) of all relevant documents where required
- Airline approved flight kennels provided with personalized labels, identification and emergency notification instructions
- Customs clearance and delivery to your home
- Local pet taxi service to and from the airport, your home, veterinarian, kennel, or groomer – available in your area
- Travel consultation and flight reservations
We will inform you of your pet's full itinerary before the trip and we will update you throughout your pet's journey.
Incoming Pet? We're Ready for Touchdown!
Whether you’re flying your pet to the United States after a brief stay or a whole lifetime in another country, there are a number of hoops to jump through. Getting all of the details right can be confusing and time-consuming, and improper planning or documentation could delay your pet’s entry into the country. Let us handle all the details for you!
What’s the process?
After submitting your quote request and completing the invoice payment, a dedicated booking specialist will be assigned to assist you. They will take care of all the necessary arrangements for your pet's import, including collecting information and documents from you. On the day of arrival, they will keep you updated on the clearance process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
It's important to note that this quote covers import and customs clearance specifically for the United States. It is your responsibility to handle the export process from your country of origin. You have the option to work directly with an airline or engage a local pet shipper.
Additionally, if you are traveling from a high-risk rabies country to the United States, it is your responsibility to obtain the CDC import permit.






