Moving Pets to Spain (Without Losing Your Mind or Your Dog)

Because your pet didn’t agree to international bureaucracy — but here we are.

For most people relocating abroad, pets aren’t “extras.” They’re family. They sleep on your bed, judge your life choices, and will absolutely not forgive you if you mess this up.

If you’re moving pets to Spain, there are rules — real ones, with paperwork and deadlines — but none of them are impossible if you know what you’re doing.

This guide walks you through the process clearly, legally, and without unnecessary panic, from paperwork to planes to settling into Spanish life with your four-legged shadow.

What You’ll Find in This Guide

• Entry requirements (the non-negotiables)
• What to sort before you travel
• How pets actually get to Spain
• What happens when you arrive
• Dog insurance (yes, really)
• Life in Spain with your pet

Entry Requirements for Moving Pets to Spain

(This bit is not optional, no matter how cute your dog is.)

Spain takes animal health seriously — which means there are specific boxes that must be ticked.

1. Microchip (First. Always first.)

Your pet must be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO-compliant chip before any vaccinations happen.
Not after. Not “around the same time.” Before.

The chip must:

• Be registered in your name
• Match every document exactly

If the chip and paperwork don’t line up, your pet doesn’t travel. End of discussion.

2. Rabies Vaccination

Your pet must have:

• A valid rabies vaccination
• Given after the microchip
• At least 21 days before travel

This must be recorded by a licensed vet and clearly linked to the microchip number.

3. Paperwork (EU vs Non-EU)

• From outside the EU: You’ll need a veterinary health certificate, issued within 10 days of arrival in Spain.
• From another EU country: You need an EU Pet Passport.

Once you’re living in Spain, a local vet can update or reissue the passport.

Things to Know Before You Book Anything

Age & Numbers Matter

• Pets must be at least 15 weeks old
• You can bring up to five pets
• They must be personal pets, not commercial imports

Entry Points & Declarations

If you’re arriving from outside the EU, you may need to:

• Enter via approved ports or airports
• Declare your pet on arrival

Rules vary slightly depending on where you land, so check in advance — don’t guess.

How Pets Get to Spain (Planes, Crates & Reality)

Most pets arrive by air, but airlines all play by slightly different rules.

Cabin vs Hold

• Some airlines allow small pets in the cabin
• Others require pets to travel in the hold, in approved carriers

This isn’t about cruelty — it’s about safety standards and airline regulations.

The Crate Is Not Just a Box

Your pet’s crate must:

• Allow them to stand, turn, and lie down
• Be well ventilated
• Have secure fastenings
• Include absorbent lining

Pro tip: Introduce the crate weeks before travel. A pet who thinks the crate is “their space” is a much calmer traveller.

Using a Pet Relocation Service

For complex moves, multiple pets, or long-haul flights, many owners use professional pet relocation companies. They handle:

• Flights
• Customs
• Paperwork
• Welfare monitoring
• Final delivery

It costs more — but for some people, it saves sanity.

Arriving in Spain: What Happens Next

Once you land, you’re not quite done.

Register With a Local Vet

Your vet will:

• Update or issue an EU pet passport
• Advise on regional health rules
• Handle ongoing vaccinations and care

Register Your Pet Locally

In many areas, pets must also be registered with:

• The local town hall
• Or the regional veterinary council

This usually involves:

• Microchip details
• Pet passport or certificate
• Your ID

It’s straightforward — but don’t skip it.

Dog Insurance in Spain: The Bit Everyone Misses

The Law (As of September 2023)

Spain’s national Animal Welfare Law now requires civil liability insurance for all dogs.

Not just big dogs.
Not just “dangerous” breeds.
All dogs.

If your dog causes injury or damage — to a person, another animal, or property — this insurance covers it.

Who Needs It?

• Residents and non-residents
• Anyone bringing a dog to Spain long-term
• Owners of any breed

If you have multiple dogs, you may need a multi-pet policy.

What About Cats?

Cats don’t currently need liability insurance by law — but optional cover is available for:

• Vet bills
• Travel issues
• General peace of mind

How to Get Dog Liability Insurance

Most Spanish insurers now offer it, either standalone or bundled.

You’ll usually need:

• Proof of ownership
• Microchip number
• NIE and address in Spain
• A small annual premium

(Some regions already check this during pet registration.)

Life in Spain With Your Pet (The Good Stuff)

Spain is generally very pet-friendly:

• Many cafés welcome dogs
• Parks and walking routes are everywhere
• Some beaches allow dogs seasonally

That said, rules vary by region:

• Leash laws
• Muzzle requirements
• Public transport access

Follow local rules — it makes life easier for everyone and keeps the welcome mat out for foreign pet owners.

Final Thought

Moving pets to Spain isn’t hard — it’s just precise.
Get the order right, respect the timelines, and don’t wing it.

Your pet will forgive the flight.
They will not forgive quarantine.