Andorra – Importing a Pet

Does Andorra allow pets to be imported, and are there restrictions on which animals are permitted?

Andorra does permit the importation of pets, though the rules are clear about which animals qualify. Only dogs, cats, and ferrets may enter Andorra under the standard companion animal framework. Other categories of animal — including birds, reptiles, and rodents — are not covered by these provisions, and owners of such animals should seek specific guidance well before any planned journey.

Birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to rabies vaccination requirements, but may need to satisfy other conditions and will generally require a health certificate. Since all travel into Andorra passes through either Spain or France, owners should consult the import regulations of those transit countries for guidance on such species. Requirements for wild or exotic animals are governed by an entirely separate and considerably more demanding set of rules.

Any person wishing to bring wild animals — whether belonging to native or non-native fauna — into Andorra must apply for authorisation through the Government’s Procedures Service, directed to the Department of Environment and Sustainability. The documentation required varies according to the species concerned, and the rules apply equally to live animals and any parts thereof, falling under wildlife protection legislation.

Andorra does not publish a formal register of banned dog breeds. That said, certain breeds are categorised as potentially dangerous under Andorran law, carrying additional obligations for resident owners. Breeds in this category include the Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and Dogo Argentino; these dogs must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle at all times in public. Separately, because all access to Andorra is by road through Spain or France, owners should note that Spain requires muzzling of specific breeds — including the Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, and Akita Inu — while transiting Spanish territory. France, meanwhile, prohibits the import of Mastiff and Boerboel breeds, which has implications for owners of those dogs using the French border crossing. Current transit country rules should always be confirmed before departure.

Wolf hybrids and Savannah and Bengal cats cannot be imported under standard domestic pet rules unless they are fifth generation or more removed from their wild lineage. If there is any uncertainty about whether your pet falls within this category, contact the Andorran Department of Agriculture before finalising any travel plans.

What vaccinations and health requirements do pets need before entering Andorra?

A current rabies vaccination is a non-negotiable requirement for bringing a pet into Andorra. Where this is a primary vaccination, it must be given no fewer than 21 days prior to travel. The microchip must be inserted before the rabies vaccination is administered, so that all health records can be linked to the chip number, and the pet must be at least 12 weeks old before the first vaccination can be given. The combined effect of these requirements means that the practical minimum age for entry is around 15 weeks.

Once the microchip is in place, the pet must receive a rabies vaccination using an inactivated or recombinant vaccine that is approved for use in the country of origin. Owners whose pets have previously been vaccinated against rabies should check with their veterinarian whether a booster is needed ahead of travel. Boosters must be administered before the previous vaccination expires to sustain continuous coverage; if the expiry date passes without a booster, the next injection is treated as a primary vaccination and the 21-day wait applies once more.

Vaccinations against other diseases — including distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, feline viral rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, and feline leukaemia — are strongly recommended when travelling internationally, though proof of these is not a formal requirement at the Andorran border. Keeping all vaccinations current is nonetheless advisable both for your pet’s health and because they will be required following registration in Andorra.

For pets originating from countries classified as high-risk for rabies, further steps are necessary. A rabies titre test — also referred to as a rabies antibody or serology test — must be conducted no earlier than 30 days after the rabies vaccination. Blood samples must be sent to an approved laboratory, and provided the results fall within acceptable limits, the animal may enter Andorra 91 days after the date the blood was drawn. As of 2025, it is essential to confirm the exact waiting periods and approved laboratory requirements directly with the Andorran Department of Agriculture or a specialist pet travel veterinarian, as these conditions are subject to change.

A clearly readable microchip meeting the ISO 11784/11785 standard, or alternatively a tattoo applied before 3 July 2011, is required for travel to Andorra with a pet. If a pet carries a non-standard chip that is not ISO compliant, the owner may bring a compatible scanner to read it at the border.

What is the application process for importing a pet into Andorra, and what paperwork is required?

Every step needed to comply with Andorra’s pet import rules must be completed in the country of origin before travel begins. The overall procedure closely resembles the preparation required for entry into an EU member state. The following sequence is recommended:

1. Microchip your pet. Your pet must carry a 15-digit microchip compliant with ISO standard 11784 or Annex A of ISO standard 11785 before entering Andorra. The implant must take place prior to any vaccinations being recorded, so that the chip number serves as the unique identifier linking all health documentation to the animal.
2. Vaccinate against rabies. Rabies vaccination is compulsory. A first-time or primary vaccination must be given at least 21 days before the date of travel. Confirm that the vaccine used is an inactivated or recombinant type approved in your country of residence.
3. Arrange a rabies titre test if required. For pets travelling from countries with a high risk of rabies, a licensed veterinarian must administer a titre test at least 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination. Verify with your veterinarian or the Andorran authorities whether this step applies in your case, as the requirement depends on the country of origin.
4. Obtain the correct travel document. A pet passport is the required document when travelling from an EU member state, Switzerland, the Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, or the Vatican City State. An official animal health certificate is needed for travel from any country not on this list.
5. Prepare the health certificate if applicable. For owners travelling from outside the EU, a licensed veterinarian in the originating country must complete a bilingual health certificate for Andorra, which must subsequently be endorsed by a government veterinarian. The certificate should be translated into Catalan or English, and must be issued within 10 days of travel, confirming the animal’s health and vaccination status.
6. Confirm that no import permit is required. No import permit is needed when bringing a personal pet into Andorra — a distinction that sets Andorra apart from destinations such as Australia, which demands a formal permit for all companion animals regardless of species.
7. Travel to Andorra by road. There is no international airport in Andorra, so all entry and exit is by car or bus via the land borders with Spain or France. Keep all documentation within easy reach for presentation at the border crossing.

Every piece of documentation must reference the microchip number, establishing a clear and verifiable link between your pet’s identity and its health records. Prepare multiple copies of all documents before setting off, as border officers may retain originals.

Does Andorra require pets to undergo quarantine on arrival?

Provided all import requirements are fully satisfied, no quarantine will be imposed on a pet entering Andorra. This approach is broadly consistent with that of most EU member states and neighbouring territories such as Switzerland, where compliant animals are admitted without detention. In contrast, countries such as Australia and New Zealand maintain strict mandatory quarantine regimes regardless of vaccination history, making Andorra’s framework considerably more straightforward for prepared owners.

If a pet fails to meet the applicable regulations upon arrival, the consequences are significant: the animal may be held in quarantine if suitable facilities exist, returned to the country of origin, or in the most serious cases euthanised — with all associated costs falling to the owner. These outcomes highlight the importance of ensuring that every requirement is met before reaching the border.

There is no publicly listed government-run quarantine facility specifically designated for companion animals in Andorra. In practice, non-compliant animals are typically returned to Spain or France. Owners are advised to confirm current contingency arrangements directly with the Department of Agriculture before travelling, in case circumstances have changed.

Is Andorra part of any international pet travel scheme?

While Andorra is not a member of the European Union, it has adopted a substantial body of EU animal health regulations relating to pet movement. This is an important nuance: Andorra is not formally enrolled in the EU Pet Travel Scheme as such, but its recognised standing under EU pet movement legislation gives it near-equivalent status in practice.

When travelling from Andorra to an EU country or Northern Ireland, a pet can enter using a pet passport issued in Andorra. This is a direct consequence of Andorra’s listing under EU Regulation 576/2013 as a territory with equivalent animal health standards. Andorra, along with Switzerland, the Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, and the Vatican City, is treated as equivalent to EU member states for animal health purposes, so movement from any of these territories into the EU is regarded as an intra-Community movement.

For owners arriving in Andorra from an EU member state or one of the equivalent listed territories, the EU Pet Passport is the accepted travel document. A pet passport remains valid indefinitely as long as the health information it contains — most notably the anti-rabies vaccination record — is kept current. This makes the EU passport a highly practical long-term document for owners relocating to Andorra from within the EU.

For those arriving from countries outside this framework, an official animal health certificate is required. Unlike the EU Pet Passport, an animal health certificate is valid for only 10 days for the purpose of entry and must be reissued for every international trip. This is a significant practical distinction for owners who plan to travel frequently with their pet across international borders.

Since Andorra is neither a member of the European Union nor the European Economic Area, it does not participate in the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) in its formal definition. Nevertheless, the alignment of Andorran animal health standards with those of the EU means that pet owners moving from EU countries will find the process broadly familiar and manageable.

Do pet owners need to register or licence their pet after arriving in Andorra?

Registration of dogs and cats in the municipal companion animal census is a legal obligation. This is handled by the Comú — the parish-level municipal authority — in the area where you reside, and requires the pet’s passport and vaccination certificate to be presented. As Andorra is divided into seven parishes, the precise office responsible will depend on where you have established your home. Contact your local Comú for current registration procedures and any fees applicable, as these may differ between parishes.

There is no national-level licence fee for companion animals in Andorra. Individual municipalities may, however, have their own rules covering matters such as leash requirements or limits on the number of animals per household, so checking with local authorities after arrival is advisable.

Owners of breeds categorised as potentially dangerous face heightened obligations. In such cases, a specific licence must be obtained, which includes a behavioural assessment of the animal and a civil liability insurance policy. Breeds falling within this category include the Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and Dogo Argentino, and dogs of these breeds must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle whenever they are in public.

All dogs must be registered with the relevant authorities in line with Andorran regulations and must be identifiable by microchip or a clearly legible tattoo applied before 3 July 2011. Vaccination records must be maintained following registration. Beyond the compulsory rabies vaccination, additional vaccinations including leptospirosis, parvovirus, distemper, and hepatitis are recommended and should be administered in accordance with the schedule advised by your veterinarian.

Are there any additional rules or costs expats should be aware of when bringing a pet to Andorra?

Because Andorra has neither an international airport nor long-distance rail connections, virtually all travel in and out of the country takes place by road. The nearest international airports are El-Prat Airport in Barcelona, Spain, and Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in Toulouse, France, each roughly 200 km from the Andorran border. Owners flying from outside Europe will therefore need to arrange onward road transport from one of these gateway airports. Requirements covering in-cabin versus hold travel, approved carrier dimensions, and health certification will be set by the individual airline and by Spain or France as the point of entry. Always consult your carrier well in advance, as pet policies vary considerably between airlines.

The non-commercial movement of companion animals into Andorra is capped at five pets per person, in line with the EU framework for pet movements. If the number of animals exceeds this limit, the movement is likely to be classified as commercial, which triggers a more complex and demanding regulatory process. Contact the Department of Agriculture for specific guidance if this applies to you.

Pets must travel in the company of their owner or a responsible person acting formally on the owner’s behalf. It is permissible for the owner and their pet to travel by different means of transport, but only when the owner’s journey takes place within five days of the animal’s journey. This is worth bearing in mind for anyone managing separate logistical arrangements for their pet.

As of 2025, there are no published import taxes or inspection fees for companion animals entering Andorra for personal, non-commercial purposes, but this should be verified with the Andorran customs authority (Duana d’Andorra) and the Department of Agriculture before travel, as administrative charges may be introduced. This contrasts with the approach taken in countries such as Australia, where owners face mandatory government-charged inspection and quarantine fees regardless of compliance status.

Dogs must be kept on a leash in public areas throughout Andorra except in designated off-leash zones. Owners are legally required to clean up after their animals, and access to certain public spaces — including some parks and nature reserves — may be restricted for pets. These everyday rules come into force the moment you cross the border and apply equally to visitors and residents.

Where can expats find official information about importing a pet into Andorra?

The principal official point of contact for pet import requirements in Andorra is the Department of Agriculture of the Government of Andorra (Departament d’Agricultura), reachable on (+376) 875 703. This department is responsible for animal health, companion animal movements, and import conditions, and is the most reliable source for current and authoritative information.

The Government of Andorra travel portal (govern.ad) provides an official summary of the requirements for bringing pets into the country, including documentation needed and species restrictions. It confirms that dogs, cats, and ferrets accompanying their authorised owner must hold a pet passport when arriving from EU member states and listed equivalent territories, or an official animal sanitary certificate if arriving from any other country. This page should be reviewed for any updates before travel is booked.

The Visit Andorra tourism portal (visitandorra.com) offers a clear introductory summary of documentation and vaccination requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets, and serves as a useful starting point for those considering a move to or visit in Andorra. For wild or exotic animals, it is the Department of Environment and Sustainability — also part of the Government of Andorra — that handles import authorisations, and enquiries should be directed there.

For the transit journey through Spain, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (mapa.gob.es) provides detailed guidance on requirements for moving dogs, cats, and ferrets through Spanish territory. For transit through France, the relevant authority is the French Ministry of Agriculture’s DGAL (Direction Générale de l’Alimentation). Both resources are worth consulting if your journey involves flying into Barcelona or Toulouse before driving on to Andorra.

All readers are strongly encouraged to verify requirements directly with these official sources before making any travel or relocation arrangements. Animal health regulations, import documentation standards, and vaccination requirements can change, and information that is accurate at the time of publication may no longer reflect the current position several months later.

Frequently asked questions about bringing a pet to Andorra

What happens if my pet arrives at the Andorran border without the correct paperwork?

If a pet does not satisfy the applicable import regulations, it may be placed in quarantine if appropriate facilities are on hand, returned to the country of origin, or in the most serious cases euthanised — with all resulting costs borne by the owner. This makes thorough advance preparation essential. Always travel with original documents and at least one set of copies, and confirm all requirements with the Department of Agriculture before you leave.

Can I bring a rescue or adopted animal into Andorra?

Yes, rescue animals may be brought into Andorra, but they must satisfy precisely the same health and documentation requirements as any other pet — a compliant microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and the correct travel document. The particular challenge with rescue animals is that their vaccination history may be incomplete or difficult to verify. Where that is the case, a fresh vaccination course will be needed, which means accounting for the 21-day post-vaccination waiting period and, depending on the country of origin, potentially a rabies titre test as well. Consult an accredited veterinarian well ahead of the intended travel date.

How long does the full pet import process take from start to finish?

For a pet that is already microchipped and holds a current EU-compliant rabies vaccination, and is travelling from an EU country or listed equivalent territory, the process can in principle be completed in as few as three to four weeks — allowing for the 21-day post-vaccination wait if needed. For a pet arriving from a high-rabies country where a titre test is required, the timeline extends considerably: assuming results are satisfactory, the animal may enter Andorra 91 days after the date the blood sample was taken. In practice, owners in this situation should allow at least three to four months in total, including time to schedule veterinary appointments and prepare all necessary documentation.

Are the rules different for cats compared to dogs?

The fundamental requirements — microchip or pre-July 2011 tattoo, valid rabies vaccination, and the 21-day immunity period following a primary vaccination — apply equally to dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Andorra. The main practical difference for cats is that they are not covered by the potentially dangerous breeds licensing framework that applies to certain dog breeds. Ferrets follow the same documentation and health requirements as dogs and cats.

Do I need to do anything before arriving if I am already travelling within the EU with my pet?

Pets that are resident in the EU must hold a valid EU Pet Passport when travelling to Andorra. If the passport is complete and the rabies vaccination is current, no further preparatory steps are required beyond ensuring all documentation is readily accessible at the border. Bear in mind that Andorra is not an EU member, so crossing into Andorra constitutes an international border crossing; have all documents to hand for inspection.

Is there a limit on how many pets I can bring to Andorra?

Up to five pets may be brought into Andorra for non-commercial purposes. If you are travelling with more than five animals, or if you are transporting animals on behalf of someone else, the movement is likely to be treated as commercial and subject to a different regulatory regime. For guidance specific to your circumstances, contact the Department of Agriculture at +376 875 703.

Can I fly my pet directly into Andorra?

No. Andorra has no international airport, so pets must enter the country via a land border with either Spain or France. The nearest international airports are El-Prat in Barcelona and Toulouse-Blagnac in Toulouse, each approximately 200 km from Andorra. Owners travelling from outside Europe will need to arrange road transport from one of these airports to complete the journey. Check both your airline’s pet transport policy and the import requirements of the transit country before making any bookings.

Where do I register my pet after arriving in Andorra as a resident?

Registration of dogs and cats in the parish-level companion animal census is a legal requirement and must be completed at the Comú of the parish in which you are resident. You will need to present your pet’s passport and vaccination records. Andorra comprises seven parishes — Andorra la Vella, Canillo, Encamp, Escaldes-Engordany, La Massana, Ordino, and Sant Julià de Lòria — each served by its own municipal authority. Get in touch with your local Comú as soon as possible after taking up residence to complete registration and to clarify any local rules that may be in force.