Moving to Spain With Your Dog & Other Pets

Moving to Spain with your dog, cat, or ferret is easier than you may think. And this will make so many pet owners happy – the idea of moving without our two cats is unimaginable. Your furry family member will be welcome in Spain (a bit more later on how much Spanish love animals). We have friends who immigrated with German Shepherds, French Bulldogs, and everything in between. The rules will vary depending on what kind of pet you have and where you are traveling from, and some pets are not allowed.

Don’t forget: since BREXIT, the rules have changed for those coming from the UK.

Taking Your Dog, Cat, or Ferret To Spain

The Spanish authorities group three types of pets together, and the rules are the same for each. Dogs, cats, and ferrets are the most common pets people bring to Spain and are the three most commonly owned animals. The rules listed here will apply to these three species only. They are the only groups that follow the standard rules for bringing a pet to Spain.

Read on for details about other pets and large-breed dogs entering Spain.

From the EU

If you are entering Spain from another EU country:

• Your pet must be at least 12 weeks and 21 days old.
• Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies.
• It will need to have a microchip or other approved type of identification on its body.
• It must have a European pet passport.

Pet Vaccinations for Spain

The only vaccine that Spain requires for pets is the rabies vaccine.

EU Pet Passport

A European Union pet passport is an EU standard document for pets to accompany you when traveling between EU countries. It contains a description and details of the pet. These details include its microchip code, rabies vaccination record, owner contact details, and vet who issued the passport.

You can get a European pet passport for your dog, cat, or ferret from any authorized vet in EU countries. A pet passport is valid for life as long as your pet’s rabies vaccination is in date.

5 Day Rule

Different rules apply to bringing your pet into Spain than commercially imported animals. These more straightforward rules apply to owners who travel with their pets. You don’t need to be on the same flight; anyone who travels within five days of their pet qualifies.

However, Spanish authorities will consider it a commercial import if you cannot travel within five days of your pet. This classification will cost you extra and involve more paperwork.

Moving to Spain With your Pet From Outside the EU

You’ll need to meet some additional requirements to bring a pet (dog, cat, or ferret) from outside the EU.

• Your pet must be at least 12 weeks and 21 days old.
• It must be vaccinated against rabies.
• It will need to have a microchip or other approved type of identification on its body.
• If you are from a non-EU country, you must enter Spain through one of the designated Travelers’ Points of Entry (January-2022). You then declare to the Guardia Civil’s Tax Department that you are traveling with a pet and provide its documentation.
• Your pet must also have a health inspection report certified by an official veterinarian in your home country (with Spanish translation). And certified copies of the identification and vaccination documents.
• When you enter Spain, you may also be asked for a written declaration to specify the purpose of your trip. You must declare that you intend to keep and not sell your pet.

Moving to Spain With Your Dog from the UK Since Brexit

Now that the UK has left the EU, you cannot use the old pet passports can to enter the EU. Since 2020 you must follow the same rules listed above for anyone bringing their pet to Spain from outside the European Union (EU).

In the UK, an animal health certificate (AHC) can only be issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV). You can arrange an appointment for this by contacting your veterinary practice. Ensure that your veterinarian is authorized to provide this inspection report, as not all are.

You must take your pet to an issuing vet to apply for an animal health certificate. You’ll need to show their medical records, including proof of rabies vaccination,

Remember that all the rules for entries from outside the EU (including the rabies vaccination) will apply.

Moving your Pet to Spain from the USA

The same rules apply to the USA as to other nations outside the EU. There are no specific rules for moving an American pet to Spain.

Check out our Spain Relocation Cost Calculator to budget your move.

Animals You Cannot Bring To Spain

• Exotic or poisonous animals.
• Some reptiles
• Wild animals that weigh over 2 kg
• Adult mammals that weigh over 10 kg are considered dangerous. Spain does not allow them to be kept as pets.

Birds, tropical fish, some reptiles, rodents, or rabbits must have a health certificate to enter Spain. Use the Spanish government pet import webpage to check the rules if you have an unusual pet like any of those above.

You must also check which animals are considered pets by your local municipality, as each Autonomous Community is different.

Large Dogs

You should be aware that some dogs have been designated as PPP ( perro potencialmente peligroso, or potentially dangerous dog), and the regulations differ. Some breeds may not enter the country at all. These included the following breeds:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Dogo Argentino
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• English Bull Terrier
• Rottweiler
• Akita Inu
• Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)
• Tosa Inu

Other large breed dogs may enter as long as they are registered with the proper authorities.

Puppies and Kittens

Your pet must be at least 12 weeks and 21 days old. This requirement is because it must have been vaccinated against rabies. The minimum age for the vaccination is 12 weeks, and it takes 21 days to become valid.

Pet relocation companies

If you are planning a move to Spain, you are probably already stressed out with all the hurdles you must cross. In that case, a pet relocation service may be the answer. They handle all the details of safely delivering your pet to your new residence.

Registering pets in Spain

Under Spanish law, every dog, cat, or ferret needs to be microchipped. The microchip must comply with EU regulations and ISO standards so any microchip scanner in Spain can read it.

Your pet must be registered in the Animal Identification Registry or Registro de Animales de Compañía. This is a municipal database. It contains all your pet’s details, including your name and address, and whether or not your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.

Once you have registered your pet, you will be sent an animal health card with your pet’s identification number.

Pet insurance in Spain

It may be necessary to take out civil liability insurance for damage to third parties. In Madrid, it is mandatory for all dog breeds. But in most other autonomous communities, it’s only necessary for dogs deemed PPP or “potentially dangerous.”

Veterinary assistance can also be covered, giving you peace of mind. This insurance can cover the costs of consultations, check-ups, annual rabies vaccinations, and more.

Being a Pet Owner in Spain

Approximately 40% of Spanish households have at least one pet, with dogs and cats being the most popular choices. That translates to a lot of furry family members. Some estimates are as high as 5.5 million dogs and 4.5 million cats, making it one of Europe’s highest number of pets.

This doesn’t surprise us at all. If you arrive at any outdoor cafe with your dog, the staff will usually bring over a bowl of water. There are leash-free doggie playgrounds, and dogs are often allowed leash-free on the beaches in the off-season. Bring a dog for a walk and you’ll get friendly smiles and people happy to stop for a chat.

Traveling in Spain with a pet is well-catered for. Most campsites, many private rentals, and some hotels are pet-friendly.

One word of warning. Veterinarian fees can vary dramatically, and emergency care can be very expensive. This is a service we suggest getting local knowledge before committing. We used the closest 24-pet hospital for an issue with Shadow, our rescue cat. We were €700 in billings by the time he recovered enough to bring home. We belatedly found out that another emergency vet about 15 15-minute drive from our home charges less than half the overnight and consult fees – it would have saved us a fortune.

Note: Many pet owners in Spain have pet insurance to cover these sorts of emergencies.

Should you take your dog to Spain?

To summarize, taking your dog, cat (or ferret!) to Spain may involve some preparation and extra costs. But you can’t put a price on the joy of reuniting with your best furry friend! Following the rules, moving to Spain with your dog or other pet is straightforward.

FAQ – Moving to Spain With A Pet