Moving Pets to Spain: EU Rules, Health Certificates, and What Brexit Changed
Spain is one of the most popular destinations for UK expatriates and retirees relocating with pets. The good news: Spain’s EU membership means the import rules are well-established and manageable. The less good news: Brexit changed things for UK pet owners in ways that still catch people out.
What Changed After Brexit
Before Brexit, UK pets travelled to Spain on EU pet passports - a single booklet that stayed valid for the animal’s lifetime with updated vaccination records. Since 1 January 2021, that system no longer applies for UK-to-EU travel.
What you need now: An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a UK Official Veterinarian (OV). The AHC must be issued within 10 days of travel and is valid for that journey only. You need a new one for each trip.
If you’re moving permanently, you only need it once. If you’re planning regular trips between the UK and Spain, the 10-day window means repeat vet visits.
Core Documentation for UK to Spain
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Microchip | ISO 15-digit, implanted before or at first rabies vaccination |
| Rabies vaccination | Current (within validity period), administered after microchip |
| Animal Health Certificate | Issued by OV within 10 days of travel |
| EU pet passport | Not required (not valid for UK-origin travel) |
What Spain Requires at Entry
Spain applies EU Regulation 576/2013 for non-commercial pet movements. Border inspection posts (BIPs) at major Spanish entry points (Madrid Barajas, Barcelona El Prat, Malaga, Bilbao) carry out documentary and identity checks. Physical inspections are conducted on a risk basis.
The main BIP for air arrivals is Barajas (Madrid) and El Prat (Barcelona). Declare your pet at the border health post on arrival.
Breed Restrictions in Spain
Spain has breed-specific legislation through Royal Decree 1440/2021. Breeds classified as potentially dangerous (PPP - Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos) require:
- Owner licence
- Third-party liability insurance (minimum €120,000 coverage)
- Muzzle in public
- Lead of no more than 2 metres
Affected breeds include: Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu, and dogs above a size/weight threshold regardless of breed.
This does not prevent import but affects conditions of keeping.
Flying Pets to Spain
Most major carriers operate routes to Spanish airports. BA, Iberia, Ryanair (cargo only for pets), Vueling, and Lufthansa Group airlines all serve Spain. In-cabin pets are accepted by Iberia and Vueling for small animals meeting weight limits. British Airways does not accept in-cabin pets.
Cost Estimate (UK to Spain)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| OV appointment + AHC | £150-250 |
| Airline cargo or cabin fee | £50-400 |
| Total | ~£200-650 |
Sources: European Commission Pet Travel rules (Regulation 576/2013); UK Government official pet travel guidance (APHA); Spain MAPA official guidance. Data current as of May 2026.