Moving to Spain is exciting — and yes, your four-legged sidekick can absolutely come too. Spain follows EU pet travel rules, which are easy enough to follow once you know the sequence: microchip first, then rabies vaccination, the right documents, and travel through an approved entry point.
Follow the steps below and you’ll avoid delays, quarantine worries, and last-minute drama..
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What Spain requires at a glance
Spain applies EU Regulation 576/2013 for dogs, cats and ferrets. The essentials are: an ISO-compliant microchip, a rabies vaccination given after the chip is inserted, and a wait of at least 21 days from a primary vaccination before travel. Pets must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination, which means they cannot enter Spain before they are 15 weeks old.
For non-EU arrivals, pets must enter through a designated travellers’ point of entry where their identity and documents will be checked. You can bring up to five pets with you, provided they are travelling with or within five days of their owner or an authorised person.
If your pet doesn’t have a valid rabies vaccination, they won’t be allowed in — Spain does not make exceptions.
Travelling from the EU or EEA
If you’re relocating from another EU or EEA country, things are refreshingly simple. You will need an EU Pet Passport issued by an EU vet, showing proof of the microchip and a valid rabies vaccination. Tattoos are only accepted if they were applied before July 2011 and are clearly readable.
Within the EU, there’s no customs process for personal pet travel. You can travel directly into Spain with your passport in hand and your pet’s documentation ready.
It’s worth keeping your EU Pet Passport updated with vaccinations after you arrive, especially if you plan to travel around Europe in future.
Special situations
You can bring up to five pets with you under the non-commercial movement rules. If you’re travelling with more than five pets, or your animals are travelling more than five days before or after you, the movement is classed as commercial and a different set of rules applies.
For pets other than dogs, cats, and ferrets, such as birds, rabbits or reptiles, the requirements vary. Some species have additional health certificate needs or restrictions, so it’s important to check with your national authority well in advance.
On arrival in Spain
If you’ve met all the requirements, your pet will not be subject to quarantine. At the travellers’ point of entry, officials will scan the microchip, review the paperwork, and clear your pet to enter.
Once settled in Spain, it’s worth registering with a local vet and asking about getting an EU Pet Passport. This will make future trips in and out of Spain much easier, especially if you plan to travel around Europe. Keep your rabies boosters up to date to avoid restarting the 21-day wait period.
Travelling from the US and other non-EU countries
For pets from the US, you will need an EU health certificate, not an AHC. This must be completed by an accredited vet and endorsed by the official national authority in your country before you travel — for US travellers, that means USDA APHIS.
The steps are similar: microchip first, rabies vaccination second, then wait the required 21 days after a primary vaccination. You will also need to provide proof of your change of residence, such as a visa, residency certificate or work contract, along with a copy of your passport and Spanish NIE.
Your shipping company or vet will issue a bill of lading or air waybill, and you should carry proof that the items are personal and used. Import duties can be waived if you prove the goods are for personal use and have been owned for at least six months, but VAT may still apply to certain items deemed new.
Travelling from the UK
Since Brexit, UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid for entry into the EU. You will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) each time you enter the EU unless you obtain an EU Pet Passport from a vet in Spain once you are resident.
The process is straightforward but needs careful timing. Your pet must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and wait the required 21 days after the primary vaccination before travelling. An Official Veterinarian in the UK will issue the AHC, which is valid for entry into the EU within ten days of being issued. The certificate will allow onward travel within the EU for up to four months, depending on its expiry date.
When you enter Spain, you must do so through a travellers’ point of entry and be ready for document checks. Dogs do not need a tapeworm treatment to enter Spain, but you will need one if you plan to take your dog back to the UK, Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway.
Choosing your entry point
For non-EU arrivals, you must use a designated travellers’ point of entry where officials can check your documents and microchip. In practice, this means most major airports such as Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia, and Tenerife Sur. It’s a good idea to confirm with your airline or ferry operator that your arrival point is approved.
Remember, Spain will not admit pets under 15 weeks old.
Travel options and practical tips
Whether you’re flying or taking a ferry, plan early. Airlines have limited slots for pets, so it’s best to book your pet’s place at the same time as your own ticket.
Depending on their size and the airline’s rules, your pet may be able to travel in the cabin with you or in the hold. Assistance dogs have different regulations and may travel in the cabin regardless of size. If your pet is travelling in the hold, you’ll need an IATA-approved crate large enough for them to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
Label the crate with your contact details, feeding instructions, and your pet’s name. Some airlines restrict summer travel for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds, and extreme heat or cold can also affect availability, so check with the carrier in advance.
The timeline for a smooth move
If you’re moving from the EU, most of your work is simply ensuring your pet’s EU Pet Passport is in order.
From the UK or US, start at least two months ahead. The first step is to book flights or ferries that accept pets and confirm their travel rules. At your vet appointment, check the microchip status, vaccination history, and any additional requirements. UK travellers will need to schedule their AHC appointment within ten days of departure, while US travellers should arrange for the EU health certificate and national endorsement with plenty of time to spare.
In the week before travel, prepare your crate, assemble your documents, and confirm your arrival point is a travellers’ point of entry. On travel day, give your pet a light meal, exercise them before departure, and allow extra time for check-in.
Final thoughts
The process for bringing your pet to Spain is not difficult once you break it down into clear steps: microchip first, rabies vaccination second, documents last — and then enter through a travellers’ point of entry.
EU residents can rely on their Pet Passport, Brits need an Animal Health Certificate, and Americans require an EU health certificate endorsed by their national authority. By planning ahead and keeping your paperwork in order, you can make the move stress-free for both you and your pet, so you can focus on settling into your new Spanish home together.
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