Pet Passport vs Health Certificate

Similar-looking documents can serve very different purposes.

Updated: 2026-10-11

Start with the journey

A document accepted on one journey may not be enough for the next. Identify the departure region, destination and any transit before choosing a form. Spain separates EU travel from arrivals from third countries.

What the passport does

For the standard EU branch described by Spain, a valid EU pet passport records identification and vaccination information. A vaccination booklet from elsewhere is not automatically an EU pet passport.

Check the issuing authority

For applicable non-EU arrivals, Spain describes an official animal health certificate and associated declarations. Japan also requires government certification for the applicable import procedure. Ask the export authority which form and endorsement apply; a clinic note alone may not meet the requirement.

Government & airline references

Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación ↗

MAFF Animal Quarantine Service ↗

Rules depend on the route, animal and operating carrier. Confirm your own journey with the relevant authority and airline.
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