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Bringing Pets to Spain: What British Expats Need to Know
Pets are family. For many British people moving to Spain, the dog or cat is non-negotiable. The good news is that bringing pets to Spain is relatively straightforward if you understand the requirements, plan the transport and prepare for the arrival.
The bad news is that Brexit changed the rules. The old Pet Passport scheme no longer applies. There are now specific requirements for animals entering the EU from Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). Northern Ireland has different rules due to the Protocol.
This article explains the current requirements, transport options, costs and what to do when you arrive in Spain with your pet.
The Key Requirements After Brexit
Since Brexit, pets from Great Britain need:
Microchip — ISO-compliant (15-digit, 11784/11785 standard). If your pet was chipped with an older non-ISO chip, you may need a new chip or a scanner that can read it.
Rabies vaccination — valid, administered after the microchip was implanted. The vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before travel.
Animal Health Certificate (AHC) — issued by a UK-registered vet, valid for 10 days from issue for entry into the EU, and for 4 months for onward travel within the EU. This replaced the Pet Passport for Great Britain pets.
No tapeworm treatment required for dogs entering Spain — unlike some EU countries (e.g., Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway), Spain does not require tapeworm treatment for dogs. However, it is good practice anyway.
Important: The UK is no longer part of the EU Pet Passport scheme. British Pet Passports are not valid for travel to the EU. You need an Animal Health Certificate for each trip.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland follows EU rules due to the Protocol. Pets from Northern Ireland can use an EU Pet Passport (if issued in Northern Ireland) or follow the same AHC process as GB pets if travelling from GB to NI to EU. This is a complex area — check current rules if you live in Northern Ireland or cross the Irish Sea.
The Animal Health Certificate (AHC): What You Need to Know
The AHC is the most important document. Here is how it works:
Getting the AHC
Find an Official Veterinarian (OV) — not every vet can issue AHCs. You need an OV (a vet authorised by the UK government to issue pet travel documents). Most large practices have one. Call ahead to confirm.
Book an appointment — ideally 2–3 weeks before travel, to allow time for the rabies vaccination to be valid (21-day rule) and for the certificate to be prepared
Bring your pet — the vet must examine the animal, verify the microchip and check the rabies vaccination record
The certificate is issued — usually on the same day or within 24 hours
Cost
The AHC typically costs £100–£250 depending on the vet practice and whether additional treatments are needed. Some practices charge more for out-of-hours or urgent appointments.
Validity
Valid for entry into the EU for 10 days from the date of issue
Valid for onward travel within the EU for 4 months from the date of issue
Valid for re-entry to the UK for 4 months from the date of issue (but you will need a new AHC for the next trip to the EU)
Important: The AHC is for single entry to the EU. If you return to the UK and want to go back to Spain, you need a new AHC each time. This is a significant change from the Pet Passport, which was valid for multiple trips.
Transport Options
By Air
Most British pets travel to Spain by air. The main options:
In the Cabin (Small Pets)
Pets under 8–10 kg (including carrier) can often travel in the cabin on international flights
The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you
Cost: typically £50–£150 per pet, depending on airline
Airlines that allow cabin pets to Spain: Vueling, Iberia (some routes), Air Europa (some routes), BA (only assistance animals in cabin), easyJet (no pets in cabin), Ryanair (no pets)
Check your specific airline's policy — rules change and vary by route
In the Hold (Checked Baggage)
Pets too large for the cabin travel in the hold as checked baggage
This is the most common option for dogs
The crate must be IATA-compliant
Cost: typically £150–£400 depending on airline and pet size
Temperature restrictions: Airlines often refuse to fly pets in the hold during extreme heat (July–August in Spain). Plan travel in spring, autumn or winter if possible.
Cargo (Separate Freight)
Very large pets or multiple pets may need to travel as cargo
This is more expensive and complex but sometimes necessary
Cost: £300–£800+
Recommended: Use a pet transport specialist if cargo is needed
Airlines Flying UK–Spain with Pet Facilities
Vueling: Allows pets in cabin and hold on many UK–Spain routes
Iberia: Cabin and hold; good network
Air Europa: Cabin and hold on many routes
TUI: Some routes allow pets in hold
British Airways: Only assistance animals in cabin; pets in hold on some routes
Jet2: Pets in hold on some routes
Always check directly with the airline before booking. Pet policies change, and not all routes allow pets.
By Ferry
Several ferry routes from UK to northern Spain carry pets:
Plymouth–Santander (Brittany Ferries)
Portsmouth–Santander (Brittany Ferries)
Portsmouth–Bilbao (Brittany Ferries)
Pet options:
Pet-friendly cabins — some ferries have cabins where pets stay with you (limited availability, book months ahead)
Kennels on board — pet stays in a ship kennel during the crossing (you can visit)
Car travel — pet stays in your car during the crossing (not ideal for long crossings, especially in summer heat)
Cost: £50–£150 per pet depending on option and route Journey time: 24–36 hours
Pros: No airport stress, no cargo hold, your car comes with you Cons: Long journey, seasickness, limited availability of pet-friendly cabins
By Car Through France
Some people drive to Spain via France, especially if they have multiple pets or a large dog.
Considerations:
Pet-friendly hotels needed overnight in France
French pet entry rules ( broadly similar to EU, but check)
Long drive (1,000+ km from Calais to Barcelona, 1,400+ km to Málaga)
Pet passports/AHC still needed for EU entry
Some dogs struggle with long car journeys
Pros: You control the journey, your car is available in Spain immediately Cons: Long, tiring, requires French and Spanish toll planning, multiple stops
Costs Summary
Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Animal Health Certificate | £100–£250 |
Rabies vaccination (if not current) | £40–£80 |
Microchip (if not chipped) | £15–£30 |
Airline cabin travel | £50–£150 |
Airline hold travel | £150–£400 |
Cargo/freight | £300–£800+ |
Ferry (pet-friendly cabin) | £100–£250 |
Ferry (kennel) | £50–£150 |
Pet transport specialist | £500–£2,000+ (door-to-door) |
Pet insurance for travel | £30–£100 (optional but recommended) |
Total typical cost | £200–£800 (most common scenarios) |
What to Do on Arrival in Spain
Register with a Local Vet
Find a local vet (veterinario) in your first week. They will:
Scan the microchip and confirm it reads
Register your pet in the local system (some regions have pet registration databases)
Advise on Spanish pet healthcare, vaccination schedules and local risks
Spanish Pet Healthcare
Vaccinations: Spanish vets follow similar schedules to UK vets. Rabies is mandatory for travel. Distemper, parvovirus, leishmaniasis (a significant risk in parts of Spain) and other vaccines are recommended depending on region.
Leishmaniasis: This sandfly-borne disease is a serious risk in many parts of Spain, particularly the Mediterranean coast. Prevention collars, spot-on treatments and vaccines are available. Ask your vet immediately.
Pet insurance: Available in Spain. Some British pet insurance policies cover pets abroad; check your policy. Spanish pet insurance is typically cheaper but may have different coverage.
Pet-Friendly Housing
Not all Spanish rental properties allow pets. If renting:
Ask explicitly before viewing
Get pet permission in writing in the tenancy contract
Be prepared for a higher deposit (sometimes one month's extra rent)
If buying, there are no restrictions, but community rules (reglas de comunidad) in apartment buildings may limit pet size or number
Emotional Preparation
Moving is stressful for pets. The journey, new environment, new smells, new routine and your own stress all affect them.
Tips:
Bring familiar bedding, toys and food for the first few weeks
Maintain routine as much as possible (feeding times, walk routes)
Give them time to adjust — some pets take days, others take weeks
If your pet is anxious, speak to your vet about calming options before travel
Consider a pet transport specialist if your pet is particularly anxious or elderly
Summary Checklist
Check microchip is ISO-compliant
Confirm rabies vaccination is current and administered after the microchip
Book an Official Veterinarian appointment 2–3 weeks before travel
Obtain Animal Health Certificate (valid 10 days for entry)
Book pet-friendly transport (airline cabin/hold, ferry, or car)
Check airline temperature restrictions (avoid July–August if possible)
If renting in Spain, confirm pet permission in writing
Research local vets in your destination before arrival
Ask about leishmaniasis prevention in your area
Bring familiar items for the first weeks
Budget £200–£800 for the total transport and documentation cost
What Costa Bridge Can Do
Our Arrival Admin Planning Support includes:
Pet transport timeline and checklist
Airline and ferry pet policy research for your route
Local vet recommendations in your destination area
Pet-friendly rental property guidance
Questions to ask your UK vet before travel
Our Move-to-Spain Readiness Review includes pet considerations in the overall household planning:
Does your target rental market allow pets?
Are your pet's needs compatible with the climate (e.g., heat-sensitive breeds in southern Spain)?
Does your timeline allow for the AHC process?
Learn about Arrival Admin Planning Support →
This article was last updated in July 2026. Pet travel rules changed significantly after Brexit and may change again. Always verify current requirements with the UK government pet travel helpline and your airline before booking.
This is practical guidance, not veterinary or legal advice. Always consult your vet for pet health decisions and an official veterinarian for travel documentation.