Traveling with your dog can be an amazing experience, but it also requires preparation. It’s not enough to just buy a ticket: if you’re traveling outside of Spain, you’ll need a CEXGAN certificate, up-to-date vaccinations, and to meet the requirements of your destination country.
At Veterinari del Clínic, we help families manage the entire process so their dog can travel safely, legally, and without any problems.
In this article you’ll find:
- Requirements for traveling with your dog within and outside of Spain.
- What the CEXGAN certificate is and how to obtain it.
- Practical tips for traveling by plane.
- Documentation required for your destination country.
- How to prepare your dog before the trip.
Basic Requirements for Traveling with Your Dog
Before packing your suitcase, make sure your dog meets the following requirements:
- Up-to-date microchip and identification.
- Current rabies vaccination (mandatory in most countries).
- European pet passport if traveling within the EU.
- CEXGAN certificate if your destination is outside the European Union.
The CEXGAN is an official document issued by an accredited veterinarian certifying that the animal meets the health requirements of the destination country. At Veterinari del Clínic, we handle this process directly from the clinic so you don’t have to worry about paperwork or deadlines.
What is the CEXGAN certificate and when do you need it?
The CEXGAN (Livestock Export Certification) is a system of the Ministry of Agriculture that controls the export of animals from the country. To travel with your dog, it is mandatory if:
- Your destination is outside the European Union (for example, the United Kingdom, USA, Switzerland, Mexico, Colombia, etc.).
- You are traveling with more than 5 animals.
- You are participating in international competitions or exhibitions.
The certificate guarantees that your dog does not have any transmissible diseases and is traveling under safe health conditions.
At our clinic, we help you with the entire process: from the examination and health check to the digital submission of the file to the official CEXGAN system.
Tips for traveling with dogs on a plane
Each airline has its own rules, but in general:
- Dogs weighing less than 8-10 kg (including the carrier) can travel in the cabin.
- Larger dogs must travel in the hold, in approved carriers.
- Always check the temperatures and conditions of your destination before your flight.
- Avoid the hottest hours and make a prior visit to the vet to make sure it can fly.
At Veterinari del Clínic, in addition to CEXGAN, we can advise you on the most suitable airline according to the size of your dog and help you with a personalized travel plan (hydration, medication if stressed, feeding before the flight…).
Traveling within the European Union
If your destination is within the EU, the requirements are simpler:
- Updated European passport.
- Rabies vaccine.
- Deworming (mandatory for some countries, such as the United Kingdom, Ireland or Finland).
Even so, it is advisable to check the regulations of the specific country in advance, as some authorities require additional documentation or veterinary inspections.
Traveling outside the European Union
This is where CEXGAN is essential. Each country has its own requirements: some require rabies antibody tests, others require additional certificates or quarantines. That’s why we recommend scheduling an appointment at least a month in advance to allow time to process all the necessary documents without rushing.
At Veterinari del Clínic we accompany you step by step, coordinating with the official system so that your dog travels without problems and you without stress.
Conclusion
Traveling with your dog doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right information and a veterinarian to handle the CEXGAN certificate for you, everything is easier. If you’re planning a trip, don’t wait until the last minute.
Book an appointment at Veterinari del Clínic and we’ll help you prepare all the necessary paperwork, administer vaccinations, and process the certificate so your dog can travel with you wherever needed.
