For many families and individuals relocating abroad, pets are part of the family — and they come too. If you’re considering moving pets to Spain, there are specific rules and requirements to follow to ensure a safe, legal, and comfortable transition for your furry friend. This guide walks you through the essential steps, from paperwork to transportation and settling in once you arrive.
To bring a pet into Spain legally, you must follow certain health and identification protocols. These are designed to prevent disease and ensure animal welfare.
Microchipping is mandatory for all pets entering Spain. Your pet must be fitted with a 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip before any vaccinations are administered. This microchip must be registered to your name and up to date.
Your pet must also have a valid rabies vaccination, administered at least 21 days before travel. The vaccination must be recorded by a licensed vet and clearly linked to the microchip number.
For pets travelling from outside the EU, a veterinary health certificate is required. This must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Spain and confirms your pet is healthy, vaccinated, and fit to travel.
If you’re entering from another EU country, you will need an EU pet passport, which contains all relevant vaccination and identification information. This document is essential for cross-border travel and can often be updated by your local vet in Spain once you’ve registered.
When moving pets to Spain, age and quantity limits also apply. Pets must be at least 15 weeks old — this accounts for the minimum age for a rabies shot and the 21-day waiting period post-vaccination. You are permitted to bring up to five pets with you, provided they are not being moved for commercial purposes or resale.
If arriving from a non-EU country, you may also be required to use specific entry points and declare your pets to the authorities upon arrival. These formalities vary slightly depending on the airport or border crossing used, so it’s wise to check the local protocol ahead of time.
Air travel is the most common method of moving pets to Spain, and different airlines have different policies. Some allow small pets to travel in the cabin with their owners, while others require pets to be transported in the aircraft’s hold in specially approved carriers.
Your pet’s travel crate must meet international safety standards — offering enough space for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Adequate ventilation, absorbent lining, and secure fastenings are also necessary. Preparing your pet for crate travel in the weeks before the journey is one of the best ways to reduce stress and ensure their wellbeing.
For longer or complex relocations, many people choose to hire pet relocation services. These companies specialise in coordinating pet moves, handling everything from flights and customs clearance to home delivery, documentation, and welfare monitoring.
Once you and your pet have arrived in Spain, there are a few additional steps to help them settle in.
Registering with a local veterinarian is important. They can issue or update your EU pet passport, advise on regional rules (such as required vaccinations or tick treatments), and provide general health support.
In many regions of Spain, it is also mandatory to register your pet with the local town hall or veterinary council. This process varies slightly depending on the municipality, but usually involves presenting your pet’s microchip details, passport or certificate, and your own ID.
As of September 2023, Spain introduced new regulations under the national Animal Welfare Law, making civil liability insurance mandatory for all dog owners. This law applies regardless of the dog’s breed, size, or classification — meaning it is no longer limited to breeds previously considered “potentially dangerous.”
If you’re moving pets to Spain, and one of those pets is a dog, securing this insurance is now a legal obligation. The policy must provide coverage for any damage or injury your dog may cause to third parties — including individuals, other animals, or property. It’s designed to promote responsible pet ownership and ensure financial protection in the event of an accident.
Although the requirement is in place, the government is still developing the full regulations regarding coverage limits, enforcement, and how policies should be structured. However, all dog owners are currently expected to have civil liability insurance in force, and some regions may already be enforcing it through local pet registration procedures.
If you’re moving with more than one dog, you may need a multi-pet policy, and it’s advisable to confirm whether the insurer meets the legal standards required under Spanish law.
Currently, civil liability insurance is not a legal requirement for cats. However, voluntary pet insurance is available and may be beneficial for veterinary costs, travel-related cover, or peace of mind in communal living spaces.
Most Spanish insurers now offer dog liability policies either as standalone plans or bundled with pet health insurance. The process typically involves:
Spain is a generally pet-friendly country, particularly for dog owners. Many restaurants and cafés welcome well-behaved dogs, and there are numerous parks and beaches where pets are allowed (some seasonally restricted). However, rules can differ by region, especially regarding leash laws, muzzle requirements for certain breeds, and pet access to public transport.
It’s important to respect these rules, not only for compliance but also to help build a positive impression of foreign pet owners within your community.