Travelling with a pet through Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) needs more planning than a normal airport journey. Madrid is a large four-terminal airport, and the correct process depends on your airline, terminal, pet size and destination. One of Madrid-Barajas Airport’s biggest advantages for pet owners is its network of free pet relief areas. These spaces are available across Terminals 1, 2, 4 and 4S, including both outdoor arrival areas and airside zones for passengers waiting to board or connect. Airline policies also vary widely. Some carriers allow small dogs and cats in the cabin, some accept larger pets in the aircraft hold, and others require normal pets to travel as cargo. This guide covers the main airline rules, approximate fees, Madrid’s pet areas and the documents you may need when entering Spain.

Where Are the Pet Areas at Madrid Airport?

Madrid-Barajas has several dedicated pet spaces, making it easier to give your dog or other eligible pet a break before or after a flight.

Terminal 1
Outdoor pet area in the arrivals zone, with space to move, a sand area, water, waste-bag facilities, bins and seating.
Terminal 2
Airside pet area near Gate C46 with artificial grass, water, seating, waste facilities and charging points.
Terminal 4
Pet spaces are available around the arrivals side and boarding area, including a facility near the smoking area.
Terminal 4S
An additional airside pet area is available for passengers using the satellite terminal.
Passenger tip: Check your terminal and gate before relying on a particular pet area. Madrid-Barajas is large, and moving between T1/T2 and T4/T4S can take time.

How Will Your Pet Fly From Madrid?

Cabin
Small pets may travel in an approved carrier under the seat when the airline and route allow it.
Aircraft Hold
Larger pets may travel in an approved kennel in the aircraft hold, subject to airline restrictions.
Cargo
Very large animals, some restricted breeds or certain routes may require cargo transport.

Airline Pet Fees and Rules at Madrid Airport

Pet policies vary considerably between airlines. The table below gives a practical overview of 20 major carriers operating at Madrid-Barajas. Fees are indicative and can change depending on route, booking method, pet size and travel date.

Airline Cabin Typical Limit Hold / Cargo Typical Fee
Iberia Yes Airline limits apply Yes From €40 domestic, €60 Europe, €180 long-haul
Air Europa Yes Up to 10 kg incl. carrier Yes From €35 domestic, €50 Europe/Africa, €150+ long-haul
Vueling Yes Airline limits apply Limited From €50 domestic / €60 international
Lufthansa Yes Up to 8 kg Yes From about €50 cabin in Europe
Air France Yes Airline limits apply Yes Route-based
KLM Yes Up to 8 kg Yes Route-based
ITA Airways Yes Up to 8 kg international Yes Around €95 cabin / €105 hold in Europe
SWISS Yes Up to 8 kg Yes From about €80 cabin in Europe
Turkish Airlines Yes Up to 8 kg Yes Route and weight based
Aegean Airlines Yes Up to 8 kg Yes Around €65 cabin international
TAP Air Portugal Yes Up to 8 kg Yes Route-based
Brussels Airlines Yes Usually small pets only Yes Route-based
Emirates Usually No — Hold / Cargo Route-based
Qatar Airways Usually No — Yes Around USD 350 up to 32 kg on many routes
British Airways No — Cargo Quote-based
Avianca Yes Up to 10 kg incl. carrier Yes From €220 cabin / €290 hold from Europe
LATAM Yes Route-specific Yes Route-based
American Airlines Restricted Route-specific Restrictions Apply Route-based
Royal Air Maroc Yes Up to 8 kg incl. carrier Yes Route-based
Finnair Yes Up to 8 kg Yes From about €60–65 cabin / €120 hold in Europe
Important: Airline pet fees and acceptance rules can change. Always confirm your pet reservation and current price directly with the airline before travelling to MAD.

Iberia Pet Travel From Madrid

Iberia deserves special attention because Madrid-Barajas is one of its main hubs. Small pets can travel in the cabin on eligible routes, while larger animals may be accepted in the aircraft hold.

Spain, except Canary Islands
From €40
Europe, Canary Islands, North Africa & Israel
From €60
America, Asia & Qatar
From €180

Airport payment can be more expensive than booking the pet service in advance. If your pet will travel in the hold, check kennel, breed and weight restrictions early.

Air Europa Pet Travel From Madrid

Air Europa is another major Madrid carrier. Eligible small pets can travel in the cabin, while larger dogs and cats may travel in the hold when the route and aircraft allow it.

Spain & Balearics
€35+
Europe & Africa
€50+
Selected Long-Haul
€150+
Other Long-Haul
€175+
Connecting Through Madrid?
If Madrid is your pet’s first entry point into the EU, you may need extra time for pet collection, entry formalities and re-check-in.

Not Every Airline Accepts Regular Cabin Pets

The fact that Madrid Airport has pet facilities does not mean every airline allows an ordinary dog or cat in the passenger cabin.

Cabin-Friendly Carriers
Airlines such as Iberia, Air Europa and Vueling may accept eligible small pets in the cabin.
Hold-Based Travel
Some airlines accept larger animals only in the aircraft hold or under specific checked-animal rules.
Cargo-Only Policies
British Airways and some other carriers may require normal pets to travel through cargo instead of the passenger cabin.

Bringing a Pet into Spain Through Madrid

Your airline decides how your pet travels, but Spanish and EU rules determine whether the animal can enter the country.

Arriving From Another EU Country Arriving From Outside the EU
Microchip or eligible older tattoo Microchip
Valid rabies vaccination Valid rabies vaccination
EU Pet Passport Official animal health certificate
Normal EU movement rules Owner declaration and supporting records may be required
No standard rabies blood test for normal EU movement Rabies antibody titration may be required for some countries

Connecting Through Madrid With a Pet

Madrid connections can be simple or complicated depending on your terminals, airline and whether Madrid is the first point where your pet enters the European Union.

T4 ↔ T4S
About 5 min
Automated people mover
Main Terminals
Free Shuttle
Airport terminal transport
With a Pet
Allow More Time
Documents, collection and re-check-in may apply
Your connection may also include:
Pet collection
Immigration
Veterinary or document checks
Customs
Terminal transfer
Pet re-check-in

Madrid’s Summer Heat Can Affect Pet Travel

Summer warning: Airlines can restrict animals travelling in the hold during very hot weather.

Air Europa publishes seasonal restrictions for certain hold-pet connections through Madrid during the hottest months. Conditions can apply between 1 June and 15 September, particularly during hot daytime periods.

Before Booking
Check whether your airline has seasonal temperature restrictions for pets travelling in the hold.
Before Departure
Reconfirm your pet’s acceptance, especially during July and August or when Madrid is experiencing high temperatures.

Travelling With Larger Dogs in the Hold

Larger pets generally cannot fit under the seat and may need to travel in an approved kennel in the aircraft hold.

Stand naturally without touching the top of the kennel.
Turn around comfortably inside the kennel.
Sit and lie down in a natural position.
Have sufficient ventilation during transport.

Short-Nosed Breeds Need Extra Attention

Brachycephalic dogs and cats can face additional airline restrictions because they have a higher risk of breathing problems during air travel.

Some airlines refuse them in the hold
Larger kennel rules may apply
Hot-weather restrictions may apply
Cargo handling may be required

Service and Assistance Dogs

Eligible trained assistance dogs are handled differently from ordinary pets. They can often travel in the passenger cabin without the standard pet transport fee, although advance notification and route-specific documentation may still be required. Arrange assistance directly with your airline before travelling.

Before Travelling to Madrid-Barajas Airport With Your Pet

Reserve Your Pet With the Airline
A passenger ticket does not automatically guarantee space for your pet.
Check Your Terminal
MAD is large, and pet facilities are spread across different terminal areas.
Locate the Nearest Pet Area
Knowing the nearest relief area can make a long wait or connection much easier.
Check Your Pet’s Documents
EU and non-EU arrivals follow different animal-entry procedures.
Allow Extra Airport Time
Pet check-in, document checks and hold acceptance can take longer than ordinary baggage procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Madrid-Barajas has several free pet areas across Terminals 1, 2, 4 and 4S.

Terminal 1 has an outdoor pet area around the arrivals zone with water, seating and waste facilities.

Yes. Airside pet areas are available in terminal boarding zones including T2, T4 and T4S.

Yes, when the airline accepts cabin pets and the animal meets its size, weight, carrier and route requirements.

Current online prices start at around €40 for mainland Spanish routes, €60 for many European routes and €180 for selected long-haul journeys.

Air Europa cabin prices currently start at around €35 domestically and €50 on many European routes, with higher prices on long-haul journeys.

Yes. Eligible pets can travel in the cabin, with fees starting at around €50 domestic and €60 international.

Potentially. Larger dogs may travel in the aircraft hold or as cargo depending on the airline, aircraft, route, kennel and breed.

Dogs, cats and ferrets normally need identification by microchip or eligible tattoo, a valid rabies vaccination and an EU Pet Passport.

Usually yes. An animal health certificate and additional supporting documents may be required, and some countries also trigger a rabies antibody titration test.

Yes, but allow additional time. Pet collection, immigration, customs, terminal transport and re-check-in may be required depending on your itinerary.

It can. Airlines may restrict animals travelling in the hold during hot weather, so summer itineraries should be checked carefully before departure.

No. Eligible assistance dogs follow separate airline procedures and may travel in the cabin without the standard pet transport fee, although advance arrangements and documentation may still be required.