How to get a CEXGAN certificate for your dog or cat

How to start planning your trip with your dog or cat

If you’re travelling outside the EU with your dog or cat, start planning early with a veterinary team that knows the process. At Animal Salut, we check what documents your pet needs, when to complete each step and whether we need to apply for an official export certificate.

Contact us as soon as you know your destination country and approximate travel date, even if you haven’t booked your tickets. If your pet needs a vaccination update, a blood test or a permit, preparation can take several months. At Animal Salut, we usually schedule the health certificate appointment within 10 days before travel, provided the destination does not set a different timeframe.

1. We check the destination country’s requirements

Some destinations accept a valid EU pet passport if their conditions are met. Others require an official certificate, an import permit, vaccinations, parasite treatment on specific dates or a rabies antibody test.

We review your dog’s or cat’s documents and tell you what is in order, what is missing and when to get it ready. You can check the requirements by country and species using the official CEXGAN pet travel search tool.

If you’re travelling within the European Union, our guide to travelling in Europe with a dog or cat explains what to check about the passport, microchip and rabies vaccination before you leave.

2. If you’re returning to the EU, we also check the return requirements

The requirements for entering your destination and returning to the EU are checked separately. A country may admit your pet without a rabies antibody test, even if the test is required to return to the EU.

If a test is required for your return, arrange it before leaving if possible. If the result is satisfactory and recorded in the passport before you leave the EU, you can avoid the 90-day waiting period that applies in certain cases. We also check whether you need to enter through an authorised point of entry. Spanish Ministry of Agriculture guide to returning to Spain with your pet.

3. Send us your documents to get started

For the initial review, we need your destination country, planned departure date and whether you will be returning to the EU. You can send these details through our CEXGAN service page or directly through the pet travel enquiry form.

• EU pet passport or vaccination record. Prepare clear photos of the pages showing the owner’s details and microchip number.
• Most recent vaccinations. Include the page showing the rabies vaccination, if your pet has had one.
• Rabies antibody test result, if your pet has already been tested.
• Any other travel documents you already have, such as an import permit or a form from the destination country.

If you’re missing a document, let us know when you submit the form. We can start the review with the documents you have.

4. We help you complete the remaining steps before travel

Once we’ve reviewed the documents, we’ll explain what your dog or cat needs and plan the appointments in advance. At Animal Salut, we can update rabies vaccinations, implant a microchip, issue a pet passport or provide parasite treatment as needed. If the destination or your return to the EU requires a rabies antibody test, we can also take the sample and send it to an authorised laboratory.

To learn more about the disease and how to prevent it, read our article about rabies.

We explain when to complete each step and when to book the final appointment for the health certificate if your trip requires one. If you need to take care of anything yourself, such as applying for an import permit, we explain how to do it.

5. We hold the final appointment and submit the application through CEXGAN

CEXGAN is the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture platform that registered vets use to apply for official export certificates. If your trip requires one, we examine your pet, issue the health certificate where applicable and submit the application through CEXGAN.

The CEXGAN process for dogs and cats can involve two documents:

Once we’ve submitted the application, we explain how you’ll receive the certificate and whether you need to take any further steps, such as booking a collection appointment or arranging legalisation. This depends on the destination and certificate type. Official information on travel outside the EU.

Frequently asked questions

Can I contact you before booking my tickets?

Yes. We can start the review with the destination country and approximate dates. Knowing in advance whether you need a vaccination, test or permit helps you choose a travel date that fits the requirements.

Do all dogs and cats need a rabies antibody test?

This blood test measures antibodies against rabies. It is required when the destination asks for it or when it is needed to return to the EU. If you already have a satisfactory result, we check the report and booster dates to confirm whether it is still valid for your return. Official information on rabies antibody testing and returning to Spain.

Is the EU pet passport enough?

It depends on the country. At the initial review, we check whether your destination accepts your pet’s passport and what other documents you need.

What if I’m travelling in a few days?

Send us your enquiry as soon as possible with your departure date and the documents you have. We’ll check what’s outstanding and whether there’s still time. If a deadline can no longer be met, we’ll tell you before booking the appointment.

Featured image: Jennifer Jacquemart / © European Union, 2024 · CC BY 4.0.