Moving to Spain with Your Dog & Pets >> 2025 Complete Guide

Can I bring my dog or cat to Spain from the U.S. and other non-EU countries?

Whether you’re bringing a dog from the US, a cat from the UK, or a ferret from Germany, Spain allows pets to enter, as long as you follow the latest entry and health requirements. This updated 2025 guide covers everything you need to know about moving to Spain with your dog, cat, or other companion animal, including country-specific rules, costs, travel tips, and how to settle your pet into Spanish life.

You’ll also learn:

• How to meet Spain’s 2025 pet import regulations
• What paperwork do you need based on where you’re moving from (US, UK, EU, or elsewhere)
• How to avoid common problems like pet-unfriendly landlords or restricted dog breeds
• What it’s really like to live in Spain with pets, our experiences of parks, rentals, vets, and more

Spain is a pet-loving country, and thousands of Expats relocate here each year with their beloved animals. With this guide and a little preparation, your furry friend will be safe, happy, and wagging their tail (or purring!) in no time.

Quick Answers: Moving to Spain With Pets

• Can I bring my dog to Spain from the USA? Yes, with a microchip, rabies vaccine, and USDA-endorsed health certificate.
• Is quarantine required for pets in Spain? No, as long as all entry rules are followed.
• Does Spain have breed restrictions? No, but certain dog breeds require a special licence (PPP).
• How much does it cost to relocate a pet to Spain? Anywhere from €300–€3,000+, depending on origin and transport.
• Can I rent a flat in Spain with pets? Yes, but it may take extra searching or deposits. We’ll show you how.

What Are The Basic Requirements for All Pets Entering Spain?

There are two main groups of pets according to Spanish legislation. There are some standard rules that apply to all dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Spain. Other species have different regulations, and we’ll cover some examples below.

Note: If your dog is classified as a “Perro Potencialmente Peligroso” (PPP), which translates to “Potentially Dangerous Dog,” there are different requirements on arrival. Please see the section below for more details.

Bringing Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets to Spain.

Here are the requirements for the most common pets (called companion animals) people bring to Spain.

Requirement	Details
Microchip	Must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant Implanted before rabies vaccination
Rabies Vaccination	Given at least 21 days before travel Valid certificate required Must be administered after microchip implantation
Official Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport	EU citizens: valid EU Pet Passport US/UK/Other: government-endorsed veterinary certificate issued within 10 days of travel. The format must comply with EU/Spanish standards.
No Signs of Disease or Parasites	Pets must appear clinically healthy Vets may refuse entry for visibly sick animals

Note: You can bring up to 5 companion animals per person (as of Law 7/2023) – more than five pets, and you’ll need to go through additional paperwork to show that you have the resources to care for them. Also, remember that Spain’s 17 Autonomous communities have different regulations, so you’ll need to know where you are moving to.

Can You Bring More Exotic Pets to Spain?

Outside the designated companion animals, things get a little trickier, as your exact pet type may have specific requirements. If you are bringing an exotic or uncommon pet to Spain, we strongly suggest working with an experienced pet relocation company. Here are some examples of other pet types.

Pet Type	Allowed?	Key Requirements	Notes
Snake	✅	CITES (if applicable), Health Certificate	Species-specific laws, possible quarantine.
Frog	✅	CITES (if applicable), Health Certificate, Disease Control	Species-specific laws, possible quarantine.
Horse	✅	TRACES entry, Equine health certificate, Quarantine (if needed)	Must enter via an approved Border Control Post (BCP).
Bird	✅	Health Certificate, Possibly CITES, 5 max	Bird flu screening or quarantine may be required. A maximum of 5 per household.
Rabbit / Guinea Pig / Hamster	✅	Health Certificate, Carrier	Easy for personal pets, but a maximum of 5 per household.

Prohibited or Restricted Pets That You Cannot Bring to Spain

Spain does not allow the import of:

• Wild-caught protected species
• Animals listed in CITES Appendix I (without exceptional permits)
• Invasive species (e.g., red-eared slider turtles)
• Endangered or trafficked wildlife

Bringing Pets to Spain from Non-EU Countries >> Step-by-Step Timeline

If you’re moving to Spain from outside the EU, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, South Africa, or other “third countries”, you’ll need to follow Spain’s pet import rules for non-EU citizens. These steps apply if you’re relocating to Spain with a dog, cat, or ferret.

12–8 Weeks Before Travel

What to Do	Why It Matters
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785-compliant)	The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine to be valid.
Book your vet appointments	Gives you time to meet all health and legal requirements.
Crate train your pet (start early!)	Reduces stress during travel, especially for cargo pets.
Research and book airlines & flights	Not all airlines allow pet travel, especially in summer or for certain breeds
Contact a pet relocation company (optional)	Helpful if moving with multiple pets or complex needs

6–4 Weeks Before Travel

What to Do	Why It Matters
Administer rabies vaccine (if not already valid)	Must be given at least 21 days before arrival in Spain
Check vaccine certificate – matches microchip number & dates	Errors here = denied entry
Confirm travel crate meets IATA standards	The airline may refuse boarding if the crate is non-compliant
Schedule your vet health certificate appointment	Must happen within 10 days of travel

10–5 Days Before Travel

What to Do	Why It Matters
Get an official veterinary health certificate	Required by Spain; must be in EU format
Submit the certificate to your government for endorsement (e.g., USDA, DEFRA, CFIA)	Without this, your pet can be rejected at the Spanish border
Print multiple copies of all documents	Bring paper + digital copies when flying.

Arrival In Spain With Your Pets

What to Do	Why It Matters
Enter Spain through an approved entry point.	Spain requires pets from non-EU countries to arrive via an approved entry point with veterinary resources to process your pet..
Present documents to customs (Sanidad Animal)	Officials may check the microchip and the paperwork
No quarantine if all requirements are met	Immediate entry: Welcome to Spain!

After Arrival (Week 1–2)

In Spain, there are different processes and requirements in each Autonomous Community (and often in each municipality!). Once you know where you are going to live, contact your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau to find out your local requirements. Here are the common steps that many municipalities will ask for.

What to Do	Why It Matters
Register your pet’s microchip in Spain (REIAC database)	Required in most municipalities, and will help to reunite you if your pet goes missing.
Apply for a PPP licence if needed (for restricted dog breeds)	Must be completed before walking your dog in public
Set up vet care + pet insurance	Vets are widely available, but quality and costs vary. Try to get local referrals and recommendations.
Explore pet-friendly parks, beaches & cafes!	You can start enjoying Spain with your furry friend 🐾

What Are The Best Pet Transportation Options from the USA to Spain?

Relocating your pet from the United States to Spain requires more than just booking a ticket; you need to choose the best transportation method based on your pet’s size, breed, temperament, your travel preferences, and budget.

This guide compares every available option, from in-cabin flights to private jets and pet-friendly transatlantic cruises, so you can make the most informed, stress-free decision for you and your furry companion.

Option	Best For	Price Range	Travel Time
In-Cabin Airline	Small pets (under 8kg incl. carrier)	$300–$700	~8–12 hours
Manifest Cargo	Medium–large dogs; unaccompanied pets; restricted breeds	$800–$2,500+	8–20 hours (with handling time)
Pet Relocation Service	Complex logistics; VIP support; elderly clients; PPP breeds	$2,000–$6,000+	1–5 days (door-to-door)
Queen Mary 2 (Cruise + onward travel)	Dogs only; large breeds; anti-flight owners	$3,000–$6,000+ (dog only)	7 days at sea + ground/air to Spain
Private Jet	Luxury travel; high-anxiety pets; multiple large dogs	$10,000–$80,000+	8–12 hours (direct)

We’ve had clients use all of the above options, as well as a mix of them. For some, it makes sense to fly to a US East Coast hub on a shared private flight and then use a European Airline for the trans-Atlantic flight. We’ve also had a client who traveled by coach from Austin to Atlanta and then hopped on a flight to Madrid. Some pets are happy to travel, and others aren’t. You’ll know your pet and your budget, so you can make the best decision possible.

Based on consistent client feedback and years of hands-on relocation experience, we recommend Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, and Iberia (Spain’s national carrier)as the most reliable airlines for transporting pets between the U.S. and Spain.

These European carriers offer well-established pet travel programs, handle animals with care, and have trained staff who understand the documentation and customs process for Spain.

Lufthansa and Iberia, in particular, have great feedback from our clients for their smooth cargo services and communication, especially when relocating large dogs or pets travelling alone. If your pet qualifies for in-cabin travel, Iberia and Air France also offer comfortable options with pet-friendly booking procedures.

While some U.S. airlines offer pet travel, most do not allow pets as manifest cargo on transatlantic flights, which is why we typically steer our clients toward European carriers with a proven track record.

What Are the Estimated Costs For Bringing a Pet to Spain (From a Non-EU Country)?

We understand that the costs of bringing your pet vary enormously. If you have a tiny dog that is already vaccinated and microchipped, your costs may be minimal. A large pitbull with no records may cost considerably more! These are some very general costs to give you some ideas to add to your Moving Budget Planner.

Item	Estimated Cost Range (USD/EUR)
Vet prep + rabies vaccine	$100–300 / €90–250
Official health certificate	$150–400 / €130–350
Government endorsement fee	$40–100 / €35–90
Airline transport	$400–2,000+ / €350–1,800+
Optional relocation agent	$1,000–4,000+
Total To Bring Your Pet To Spain (DIY)	$700–2,500+ / €650–2,300+

How Hard is Renting in Spain with Pets?

One of the most common concerns among pet owners moving to Spain is, “Will I be able to find a rental that allows pets?” The short answer is: yes, but it may take some negotiation.

We live in a house that was advertised as “no se admiten mascotas” (no pets allowed). Our two crazy cats (and two grumpy guinea pigs) moved in with our landlord’s blessing. How did we do it?

While it is true that many Spanish rental listings say “no se admiten mascotas” (no pets allowed), in our experience, and that of our clients, this often isn’t a hard no. With the right approach, many landlords will happily accept responsible pet owners.

In fact, one of the most effective ways to shift a landlord’s mindset is simple:

• Include a cute photo of your well-behaved pet
• Offer a pet reference from a previous landlord or vet
• Express your commitment to keeping the property clean and well-maintained

Our rental search partners are experts at finding pet-friendly homes and negotiating with landlords who may be on the fence. They understand how to present you as a respectful, reliable tenant and not just someone “with a dog.”

💡 Looking for a pet-friendly home in Spain? Ask us about our Spanish Rental Search Service to easily find the perfect home for all the members of your fmaily, human and others!

Living in Spain with a Pet

Living in Spain with a pet is more than just possible — it’s joyful. Most towns and cities have at least one dedicated dog park (zona canina) where your pup can run off-leash and make friends. Spanish leash laws do exist — dogs must technically be on a lead in public spaces — but enforcement is usually relaxed in green areas and dog zones, especially if your dog is well-behaved.

You’ll also find pet-friendly beaches (playas para perros) across the country, particularly in coastal regions like Catalonia, Valencia, and Andalusia. These beaches are often marked with signs and waste bins, and many locals bring towels and umbrellas for their dogs to enjoy the sun in style.

Finding a good local vet is one of the first things we recommend after you arrive. The best place to start? Ask other pet owners in your area, or post in local expat Facebook groups or on Reddit communities like r/Spain or r/expats. You’ll get real feedback and trusted recommendations. Spanish locals are incredibly helpful, and once they know you’re a responsible pet owner, they’re usually happy to share their favourite vet (and groomer, and pet sitter…).

Costs can vary widely. Routine vet visits, vaccinations, and basic check-ups are often much cheaper than in the US or UK; sometimes just €25–€40 for a consultation. But emergency animal hospitals, especially in cities, can be significantly more expensive. A late-night visit to an emergency clinic for something like a swallowed toy or heatstroke can easily run into the hundreds of euros. That’s why we always recommend pet insurance, and knowing where your nearest 24-hour animal hospital is just in case.

One of our cats, Shadow (in the picture below), picked a Friday night to become very unwell. The vet time, an overnight stay in the emergency hospital with a catheter, and some medication cost more than €350, and we were presented with the bill when we went to collect the pitiful creature! When he had a recurrence a few days later, we booked him into the local vet practice – a similar set of treatments cost €90. Alastair Johnson, Owner of Moving to Spain.

Spain is very pet-friendly, and your dog or cat will be treated like family. In fact, at many outdoor cafes, your dog will get a bowl of water (and maybe even a snack) before you do! You’ll also find annual pet festivals, charity walks, and adoption events where locals gather to celebrate their furry companions.

Many of our clients say that their pet was the best way to make friends in Spain. From casual chats at the dog park to building real friendships on the local paseo, animals have a way of opening doors (and hearts).

Potentially Dangerous Dog Breeds (PPP)

Spain classifies certain dog breeds as PPP – Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos, meaning “Potentially Dangerous Dogs.” If you’re moving to Spain with a dog from one of these breeds, or a mixed-breed with similar traits, you’ll need to meet additional legal requirements.

These rules aim to ensure public safety while still allowing responsible owners to keep and enjoy these dogs as family pets. The key takeaway is that these breeds are not banned, but you must meet civic standards.

What Is a PPP Dog in Spain?

PPP – Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos, meaning “Potentially Dangerous Dogs”, are grouped using:

• Breed (specific breeds listed by the Spanish government)
• Physical characteristics (muscular build, strong jaws, deep chest, etc.)
• History of aggression or behaviour

PPP laws apply nationwide, but enforcement and additional restrictions can vary by Autonomous Community and region.

List of PPP Breeds in Spain (as of 2025)

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

Remember: Spain’s PPP classification does not assess individual temperament; it is breed- and appearance-based.

What Are the Typical Characteristics of PPP Breeds?

Crossbreeds, or mixed-breed dogs, can also be classified as PPP if they share similar physical or behavioural traits. Many PPP dogs are loyal, intelligent, and affectionate with proper training. However, they may also share traits that place them under stricter control in Spain:

• Strong, muscular, and powerful build
• Robust, athletic body structure
• Deep, broad chest (60–80 cm circumference)
• Large, square-shaped head and short neck
• Strong jaws and pronounced cheek muscles
• Wide mouth with large teeth
• Compact, solid, and heavy body
• Well-developed, straight, and muscular limbs
• Thick, short coat
• Height at withers between 50–70 cm
• Weight typically above 20 kg (adult)

Is Your Dog a PPP? If you are not sure, then you should ask your local vet or Town Hall for an evaluation

What are the PPP Licence Requirements (Licencia para PPP)?

If your dog is classified as PPP, you must obtain a PPP licence (Licencia de Tenencia de Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos) from your local Ayuntamiento (Town Hall).

Here’s what you need:

✅ Step-by-Step: How to Get a PPP Licence in Spain

1. Be over 18 years old.
2. Have no criminal record (certificate required)
3. Pass a physical and psychological aptitude test
   • Conducted at approved medical centres
   • Cost: approx. €30–60
4. Hold valid third-party liability insurance
   • Minimum coverage: €120,000
   • Must cover damage to third parties
5. Provide proof of vaccinations and a microchip
6. Register your dog in the municipal PPP registry
   • You’ll receive a licence valid for 5 years (renewable)

🐾 Tip: Apply for the licence before walking your dog in public. Some municipalities fine unlicensed owners on the spot.

Public Handling Rules for PPP Dogs

Even with a licence, PPP dogs are subject to strict public handling rules:

Rule	For PPP Dog
Must be leashed in public	No longer than a 1–2m leash
Must wear a muzzle	Yes, at all times in public
One dog per handler	Yes, at all times in public
Cannot be walked by children	The handler must be 18+ in public spaces
Must be housed securely at home	Yes – strong fencing or secure area required

Final Thoughts: Bringing Your Pet to Spain Can Be Smooth and Stress-Free

Moving to Spain with your beloved pet is absolutely possible, and with the right planning, it can be far less stressful than most people imagine. Whether you’re relocating with a small dog, a curious cat, or a group of rescue pups, Spain welcomes companion animals, and thousands of Expats make this move every year.

We’ve seen firsthand how pets help new arrivals connect with local communities. Some friends of ours didn’t meet their neighbours for months, until they adopted a Galgo (Spanish greyhound). Suddenly, they were on first-name terms with everyone on their street. A dog in Spain doesn’t just get you out for walks, it often gets you welcomed into the neighbourhood and the dog park crew.

And when you sit outside a bar or restaurant, don’t be surprised if your dog gets a bowl of water (and maybe even a slice of jamon) before your own order is taken. In general, Spanish people love animals, especially dogs, and treat them as a natural part of family and social life.

By understanding Spain’s pet import rules, choosing the right transport method for your pet’s size and needs, and preparing early, you’ll ensure your furry friends arrive safe, healthy, and ready to enjoy their new life in the sun.

FAQ – Moving to Spain With Your Dog or Other Pet