Relocating to Spain with a Pet: Rules for UK, US and EU Arrivals

Spain remains one of the top three destinations for British expats and attracts significant numbers of American, Canadian and other non-EU nationals each year. The Costa del Sol, Barcelona, Valencia and the Canary Islands have well-established international communities – and their pets come with them. Here is what you need to know.

Arriving from the UK

Post-Brexit, UK pets need the full third-country import protocol:

1. ISO microchip (before any rabies vaccination that counts)
2. Rabies vaccination – current; administered after microchipping
3. FAVN titre test at an EU-approved laboratory; result at least 0.5 IU/ml; test at least 30 days after vaccination
4. 3-month wait after a positive titre result before entering Spain/EU
5. Animal Health Certificate (AHC) – completed by a UK Official Veterinarian (OV) within 10 days of your arrival in Spain; endorsed by APHA if required
6. TRACES NT notification at the Spanish Border Inspection Post (BIP)

Main Spanish BIPs for air arrivals include Madrid Barajas (MAD), Barcelona El Prat (BCN) and Malaga Costa del Sol (AGP). For Canary Islands arrivals, Gran Canaria (LPA) and Tenerife South (TFS) also have processing capability – confirm current BIP status before booking.

For detailed step-by-step UK-to-EU rules, see EU pet travel post-Brexit.

Arriving from the USA or Canada

The same third-country protocol applies: microchip, rabies vaccination, FAVN titre test, 3-month wait, endorsed health certificate. For USA-origin pets, the health certificate must be endorsed by USDA APHIS Veterinary Services.

Arriving from EU Countries

If you are moving from another EU country, your EU pet passport is fully valid in Spain. No additional paperwork, no titre test, no border inspection beyond standard checks.

Spanish Registration Requirements

Microchip registration: Spain uses regional registries managed by the autonomous communities (CCAA). In Catalonia, this is the RIVIA system; in Andalusia, the RAPAD system. Your Spanish vet registers the chip in the regional database.

Dog licence and census: Most Spanish municipalities require dogs to be registered on the municipal census (padron municipal de animales). The process varies by town hall (ayuntamiento). Your vet or local expat community can advise on the specific process where you live.

Potentially dangerous breeds (PPP): Spain has a national list of breeds classified as potentially dangerous (razas potencialmente peligrosas). This list includes: American Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dobermann, Argentine Dogo, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu and Akita Inu. Owners of PPP breeds must obtain a special licence, take out mandatory third-party liability insurance and comply with additional handling rules (muzzle, short lead, adult handler). Check whether your breed is on the PPP list before importing.

Life with a Pet in Spain

Spain is broadly pet-friendly, with a strong culture of walking dogs in parks and along paseos. Many restaurants have outdoor terraces where well-behaved dogs are tolerated or welcomed. Spanish summers can be very hot – the interior and southern regions regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius in July and August, which is unsafe for outdoor exercise during midday hours.

Veterinary care is of high quality and generally less expensive than in the UK or USA. Vet practices in coastal and urban areas frequently have English-speaking staff.

Sources: APHA guidance UK-to-EU travel; USDA APHIS international travel; Real Decreto 287/2002 Spain PPP legislation; TRACES NT platform; DGAV Spain (MAPA).