Bringing Pets to Spain from the UK: Post-Brexit Guide (2025)

The complete guide to taking your dog, cat, or ferret from the UK to Spain after Brexit — microchipping, rabies vaccination, Animal Health Certificates, approved entry routes, and what to do once you arrive

Book Free Consultation View Pricing
100+
Successful cases
100%
Money-back guarantee (see terms)
Free
Initial consultation
5 visa types
Expert coverage

What Changed After Brexit

Before Brexit, UK pets could travel to Spain using a blue EU Pet Passport — a document that recorded microchip details, rabies vaccination history, and other health information. Once issued, it was valid for the pet's lifetime (subject to vaccine boosters) and could be used for any EU journey without restriction.

Since 1 January 2021, the UK is a third country in EU terms. The EU no longer recognises UK-issued EU pet passports for entry into EU member states. Instead:

  • Every journey from the UK to Spain now requires a fresh Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
  • The AHC is valid for 10 days from issue for entry into Spain
  • Once in Spain (or any EU country), the AHC is valid for 4 months for onward travel within the EU
  • The AHC must be issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) — not every vet qualifies; check the APHA register
  • Old EU Pet Passports issued by UK vets before Brexit are no longer valid — new EU member state passports issued in Spain (e.g. if your pet was vaccinated in Spain) may still be valid for EU travel, but not for re-entry from UK

Core Requirements for Bringing Pets to Spain

The following requirements apply to dogs, cats, and ferrets. Other animals (birds, reptiles, rabbits, rodents) have different and more complex rules — consult APHA or a specialist vet.

Microchip

15-digit ISO 11784/11785 standard chip. Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.

Rabies Vaccination

Must be given after the microchip. First-ever vaccine: wait 21 days. Boosters: no wait required.

Animal Health Certificate

Issued by Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel. Required for every journey.

Step-by-Step: Bringing Your Pet to Spain

1
Microchip Your Pet

Your pet must have a 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip (standard ISO 11784/11785). Most pets in the UK already have this. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination — if the chip was implanted after the vaccination, the vaccine does not count for EU entry and must be redone. Ask your vet to confirm the chip reads correctly before proceeding.

2
Rabies Vaccination

Book a rabies vaccination with your vet. The vaccination must be recorded against the microchip number. If your pet has had a previous valid rabies vaccination (and it is still within the booster window), no waiting period applies. If this is the first-ever rabies vaccination, you must wait 21 days after the jab before your pet can travel to Spain. Plan accordingly — the 21-day wait catches many pet owners by surprise.

3
Wait 21 Days (First Vaccination Only)

If this is your pet's first rabies vaccination, you are not allowed to enter Spain (or any EU country) until 21 days after the vaccination date. This waiting period is strict — Spanish border authorities can and do check vaccination dates against microchip records. Use this time to sort your AHC booking, travel logistics, and Spanish arrival plans.

4
Get Your Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

Within 10 days of your planned travel date, book an appointment with an Official Veterinarian (OV) authorised by APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency). Not all vets hold OV status — you may need to search the APHA OV register or call APHA on 03000 200 301. The OV will examine your pet, verify the microchip, check vaccination records, and issue the AHC. Keep the original AHC — you will need to present it at the border.

5
Travel via an Approved Route

You must enter Spain via an EU-approved entry point for pets. Not every port or airport qualifies — Spain has designated Traveller Entry Points (PDCA — Puestos de Control Fronterizo) where pets can be checked. Always confirm your route includes an approved entry point before booking travel. Approved entry points include Madrid Barajas airport, Barcelona El Prat airport, Málaga airport, Bilbao, and major ferry ports with EU approval. Check the TRACES system or the Spanish MAPA ministry website for the current approved list.

Approved Entry Points for Pets into Spain from the UK

Spain designates specific border control posts (BCPs / PDCAs) that are authorised to handle pet entry from non-EU countries. Attempting to enter Spain with a pet through an unapproved point can result in your pet being refused entry or detained in quarantine.

Entry PointTypeNotes
Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD)AirportMain hub — wide flight options from UK
Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN)AirportGood for northeastern Spain and Catalonia
Málaga Airport (AGP)AirportIdeal for Costa del Sol, Andalusia
Alicante Airport (ALC)AirportGood for Costa Blanca, Murcia
Bilbao PortFerryBrittany Ferries route from Portsmouth/Plymouth
Santander PortFerryBrittany Ferries route from Portsmouth
Ferry travel tip: Travelling by ferry (Portsmouth/Plymouth to Bilbao or Santander) is popular for families with pets as it avoids the stress of air travel and allows pets to be in a kennel area rather than the cargo hold. Brittany Ferries accommodate pets in cabin areas on many sailings — book early as pet cabins are limited.

Moving to Spain Permanently with Pets: What to Do on Arrival

Once you arrive in Spain permanently, there are several steps to integrate your pet into the Spanish system.

  1. Register with a local Spanish vet: Spain has a national animal register (RIVIA — Registro de Identificación de Animales de Compañía — or regional equivalents). Your vet will register your pet's microchip on the Spanish system. This is essential for any future veterinary care, travel within Europe, and if your pet is ever lost.
  2. Keep rabies vaccinations current: Spain requires regular rabies boosters. Your Spanish vet will advise on the schedule. Keep the vaccination certificate — you will need it if you ever travel back to the UK with your pet (which now requires its own set of steps).
  3. Check municipal registration: Many Spanish municipalities require dog owners to register their dog with the local Ayuntamiento (town hall) and obtain an annual dog licence (licencia municipal). Requirements and fees vary by municipality.
  4. Third-party liability insurance: New Spanish law (Ley de Bienestar Animal, in force from 2023) requires all dog owners in Spain to have third-party liability insurance. Cost is typically €30–€60 per year. Your Spanish vet or local insurance broker can arrange this.
  5. Some municipalities' padrón registers: A handful of Spanish municipalities maintain an animal padrón (census). Ask at your Ayuntamiento whether this applies in your area.

Breed Restrictions in Spain: The PPP List

Important: If you own one of the breeds listed below (or a dog that resembles them in characteristics), you must comply with Spain's Ley de Animales Potencialmente Peligrosos requirements before or immediately upon arrival in Spain. Failure to comply can result in your dog being confiscated.

Spain classifies certain breeds as Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos (PPP) — Potentially Dangerous Dogs. The PPP list includes:

  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Rottweiler
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Tosa Inu
  • Akita Inu
  • Dogs resembling the above in build/characteristics

Owners of PPP breeds must:

  • Obtain a PPP licence from the local Ayuntamiento (requires criminal record check, medical certificate of psychological fitness, and a course in some regions)
  • Keep the dog on a lead of maximum 2 metres in public at all times
  • Muzzle the dog in any public space
  • Carry third-party liability insurance of at least €120,000 cover
  • Never allow children under 16 to walk the dog alone

Note: Some autonomous communities in Spain have additional or modified rules. Catalonia, for example, has implemented elements of the newer Ley de Bienestar Animal which shifts focus from breed to individual behaviour assessments. Always check regional rules for your specific destination in Spain.

Cats, Ferrets, and Other Pets

Cats

Cats follow exactly the same process as dogs: microchip (ISO 15-digit), rabies vaccination (after the chip), 21-day wait if first-ever vaccine, then AHC within 10 days of travel. Spain has no breed restrictions for cats. Once in Spain, register with a local vet and on the regional animal register.

Ferrets

Ferrets also require the same three-step process: microchip, rabies vaccination, and AHC. Ferret owners often find it harder to locate an Official Veterinarian comfortable with ferret AHC paperwork — ring APHA and your intended vet in advance to confirm they can handle ferrets.

Cost Breakdown: Bringing Your Pet to Spain

ItemApproximate Cost (UK)Notes
Microchip implant £25–£50 If not already done. One-time cost.
Rabies vaccination £50–£80 Per dose. Boosters needed every 1–3 years.
Animal Health Certificate (AHC) £150–£300 Required for every journey. OV vet consultation fee.
Pet travel carrier / crate £30–£150 Required by airlines. Must meet IATA standards.
Airline pet fee (if flying) £50–£200+ Varies by airline and whether in-cabin or cargo hold.
Ferry pet surcharge £30–£80 Per sailing. Brittany Ferries offers pet-friendly cabins.
Spanish vet registration €30–€60 On arrival in Spain. One-time registration fee.

Costs are estimates for 2025. AHC costs vary significantly by region and vet. Always get a quote in advance from your chosen OV vet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You can bring your dog to Spain from the UK. Since Brexit you need a microchip, a rabies vaccination (given after the microchip), and an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel. If it is your dog's first rabies vaccination, add a compulsory 21-day wait before you can travel. Travel must be via an approved EU entry point for pets.

No. UK-issued EU pet passports have not been valid for travel from the UK to Spain since 1 January 2021. You need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every trip. If your pet was issued an EU pet passport by a vet in an EU country (e.g. while you lived in Spain), that passport may still be valid within the EU — but for travel from the UK specifically, you need an AHC.

An AHC is valid for 10 days from the date of issue for entry into Spain. Once inside Spain (or the EU), the same AHC is valid for 4 months for onward travel within the EU. You need a new AHC for each separate trip from the UK to Spain — it cannot be reused. This means if you travel back and forth frequently, you will need a new AHC each time you depart from the UK.

Your pet could be refused entry into Spain and either held in official quarantine at your expense, or returned to the UK. In worst-case scenarios (e.g. missing documentation or vaccination), the pet could be euthanised under Spanish border control regulations. This is rare but has happened. Always confirm your route uses an approved EU Traveller Entry Point (PDCA) before booking travel.

Cats and ferrets follow the same process as dogs: microchip, rabies vaccination (after the chip), 21-day wait if first-ever jab, and AHC within 10 days of travel. Spain has no breed restrictions for cats. Ferrets must also comply with all three requirements. The AHC process is the same — find an Official Veterinarian who is experienced with the species you own, as some OVs are more comfortable with dogs and cats than ferrets.

Book Your Free Consultation

45 minutes with a Spain immigration specialist. Completely free, no obligation.

Book Now — It's Free View Packages & Pricing

Related Guides

Key Timing Reminder

AHC must be issued within 10 days of travel. First rabies vaccination: wait 21 days after jab. Book your Official Veterinarian well in advance — OV appointments are limited.

Planning Your Move to Spain?

We help 100+ UK nationals move to Spain every year — and yes, we know moving with pets adds a whole extra layer. Our team can guide you through the full process, from visa to settling in.

Book Free Consultation View Packages & Pricing