Looking to take your pet to Spain? Here are the guidelines for bringing your dog, cat or even ferret over to enjoy the Spanish lifestyle with you.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel living it up in Cadaques, Spain.
Moving to another country requires a lot of organisation and planning, so while considering moving your furniture and other things, moving your pet must be amongst the priorities.
Since Brexit, the rules have changed and as with many other bureaucratic steps, it is no longer as straightforward as it once was. That’s not to say you should be too concerned but be prepared for extra scrutiny.
Most people will be bringing in dogs and cats, though there are those who choose to relocate with rabbits, hamsters and other animals. Let’s look at bringing your dog or cat.
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What you need to bring a dog or cat to Spain
A cat on the Peñon de Ifach, Calpe, Alicante.
1.You will need to microchip your pet and the microchip should comply with ISO 11784/11785. Read more about microchip identification here. If, for some reason it doesn’t, you may bring your own scanning equipment. You could also contact the Spanish immigration to see if they have a scanner that will read your pet’s microchip.
2. Vaccination. Rabies exists in Spain, so your pet must be vaccinated against it. It should be given within the previous 12 months (and more than 21 days) before your arrival.
3. You will also need to present an animal health certificate (AHC). Learn more about how to obtain an animal health certificate here. This can be obtained from a vet but if your pet already has an up-to-date EU pet passport, you won’t need the AHC. Click here for more information from the European Union website.
4. Another document required is a Declaration of Non Commercial Transport. In effect, it says that you are not bringing in the animal to sell, to breed from or to transfer to another person.
For more information, head to the UK government website on taking pets abroad.
Please note that some breeds of dog are considered as dangerous and will require a special dangerous dog licence plus they will need to wear a muzzle when outdoors and controlled with a leash.
These breeds include:
Staffordshire Bull terriers
Pitbull terriers
Rottweilers
Vaccination
The pet must be more than 3 months old and will only be allowed entry 21 days after receiving the vaccination. Ask your vet to update the pet passport.
Animal Health Certificate
This must be provided by an Official Veterinarian (OV) licensed to issue AHCs. The certificate should be signed 21 days after the rabies vaccination and 10 days before your entry into Spain. It is valid for 4 months and should be written in both English and Spanish. However, if for example, you are reaching Spain through France or another country, you will also need the AHC to be translated into French or the language of whichever EU country you first arrived at.
Point of entry for travellers
Another step is to ensure that the pet enters Spain through a Travellers’ Point of Entry (TPE) as the documents will be checked here.
Sending a pet by plane
It is the most expensive option but is also the quickest and most effective. There are several companies that can arrange everything for you and take care of the paperwork required. Look for those that arrange pet flights.
Once in Spain
Your pet might grow to love life in Spain more than you!
New laws affecting all pets in Spain have recently been passed by the government and aim to protect animals, which are now considered to be part of the family – legally. The new regulations came into effect on 29th September 2023.
1. Dogs, cats and ferrets must be microchipped, registering the owner in case they get lost or abandoned.
2. Cats must be sterilised within 6 months of birth.
3. Euthanasia can only be applied if a vet decides there is good medical reason to do so.
4. Pet shops will no longer be permitted to sell dogs, cats and ferrets but have one year before this comes into effect. They will still be able to sell guinea pigs, hamsters and some birds.
5. Choke chains and electric shock collars for dogs are forbidden.
6. Cats may only be left at home for 3 days. Dogs for no more than 24 hours.
7. Breeding is only allowed by registered breeders. Unregistered breeders can face fines of up to €200,000.
8. Circuses can no longer use live animals.
9. Pets must now be allowed into public spaces, restaurants, hotels, public transport and bars.
Overall, the Spanish love their pets, with more pets registered than children below 15 years’ old!
Interestingly, the number of registered dogs and cats and even rabbits have already increased by up to 40% in cities and towns and this is due to more people living alone.
Finally, here are some more articles on moving to Spain:
