🐾 How to Move Your Pet to Spain from the UK: The Complete 2025 Guide

Relocating to Spain is a dream for thousands of UK expats every year — sunshine, lifestyle, lower cost of living, and a culture that loves animals. But what about your pets? Bringing a dog or cat to Spain is possible, but you need to be aware of the latest rules after Brexit, veterinary requirements, and the realities of pet-friendly living in Spain.

This guide covers everything you need to know about moving pets to Spain from the UK in 2025.


✈️ Can I Take My Dog or Cat to Spain From the UK?

Yes — thousands of pets travel from Britain to Spain each year. But since Brexit, the process has changed. UK-issued EU Pet Passports are no longer valid. Instead, you’ll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) and proof of rabies vaccination.

This means:

  • You must plan at least 21 days before departure.
  • Your vet must issue an AHC within 10 days of travel.
  • The certificate is valid for one trip into the EU, onward travel, and return to the UK (for 4 months).

🐕 Step 1: Microchip & Vaccination

  • Your pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip (15-digit).
  • Rabies vaccination must be given after microchipping.
  • A 21-day waiting period applies for first rabies vaccinations.

👉 Without this, your pet will be denied entry into Spain.


📜 Step 2: Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

From January 2021, the UK became a “third country,” meaning old UK Pet Passports aren’t valid for travel to Spain. Instead, you’ll need:

  • An Animal Health Certificate issued by an Official Vet within 10 days of travel.
  • The AHC must be presented at the border along with vaccination proof.
  • For multi-pet households, each pet requires its own AHC.

💡 Pro tip: Ask your vet if they can provide bilingual AHC paperwork (English & Spanish) to avoid confusion at customs.


🏖️ Step 3: Breed Restrictions in Spain

Spain has laws covering “potentially dangerous dog breeds” (PPP law). These include:

  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Rottweiler
  • Akita Inu
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Tosa Inu

If your dog is one of these breeds (or even a crossbreed that resembles them), you’ll need to:

  • Register with your local ayuntamiento (town hall) within 1 month of arrival.
  • Obtain third-party liability insurance (minimum €120,000 cover).
  • Always walk with a muzzle and a short lead in public.

🚢 Step 4: Travel Options to Spain with Pets

  • By Air – Many UK airlines allow pets as cargo (in the hold, climate-controlled). Some allow small pets in the cabin.
  • By Ferry – Brittany Ferries offers pet-friendly cabins and kennels on UK–Spain routes (Portsmouth–Santander, Plymouth–Bilbao).
  • By Road – Many expats choose to drive, especially if relocating with multiple pets. Check Eurotunnel or ferry pet policies.

💡 If flying, ensure you have an IATA-approved travel crate — big enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down.


🏠 Step 5: Living in Spain with Pets

Spain is generally pet-friendly, but here are key things to know:

  • Many rentals don’t allow pets — always check before signing a contract.
  • Dogs must be registered locally, and annual rabies boosters are required.
  • In most cities, dogs are allowed on public transport, but often with a muzzle.
  • Popular dog-friendly regions include the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and Valencia.

💰 How Much Does It Cost to Move a Pet to Spain?

  • Vet costs (microchip, rabies, AHC): £150–£300 per pet
  • Pet-friendly ferry/airline fees: £80–£400
  • Pet transport company (optional): £800–£1,500
  • Insurance/registration in Spain: €50–€200 annually

Overall, most expats spend £500–£2,000 moving a pet to Spain.


❓ FAQs on Moving Pets to Spain

Can I still use a UK Pet Passport?
No, since Brexit, only EU-issued pet passports are valid. You need an AHC from a UK vet.

Is quarantine required?
No quarantine if your paperwork is correct.

Do cats need the same paperwork?
Yes, cats follow the same microchip + rabies + AHC rules as dogs.

Can I take more than one pet?
Yes, up to five pets per person (unless attending a competition/show).


📦 Don’t Forget Your Household Move

While you work on your pet’s paperwork, you’ll also need to move your house contents abroad. That’s where we can help.

👉 Use the Advance Moves Quick Quote system to compare prices instantly and save on your international move:
https://www.advancemoves.com/quickquote/worldwide


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