UK to Spain Pet Transport: Step-by-Step Guide for Dogs and Cats Post-Brexit

Spain is the top destination for UK expats. Hundreds of thousands of British citizens live there, and tens of thousands more make regular visits. Moving a dog or cat to Spain from the UK is well-documented, straightforward in the steps – but it catches people out if they are not aware of the post-Brexit documentation changes.

The Post-Brexit Baseline

Before January 2021: UK pets used EU pet passports for Spain travel. Since January 2021: UK pets need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each journey.

The AHC is a legal government document. It replaces the EU pet passport for each trip.

Step-by-Step: UK to Spain

Step 1 (weeks-months before): Confirm microchip and vaccination

  • ISO 15-digit microchip in place
  • Rabies vaccination current (within manufacturer’s stated validity period – typically 1 or 3 years)

Step 2 (2-4 weeks before): Book OV appointment

  • Find an Official Veterinarian (OV) registered with APHA
  • Book an appointment that falls within 10 days of your travel date
  • OVs get booked up – book as soon as you have confirmed travel dates

Step 3 (within 10 days of travel): OV examination and AHC

  • OV examines the pet
  • OV completes and signs the AHC
  • Some AHC formats require APHA endorsement; others do not – confirm with your OV

Step 4: Travel

  • Carry the original AHC (not a copy)
  • Declare your pet at the BIP on arrival in Spain
  • Present original AHC and allow the vet to scan the microchip

Travel Routes: UK to Spain

RouteNotes
Direct flight (London to Madrid/Barcelona/Malaga)Most common for relocations; cargo for larger dogs
Ferry (Portsmouth/Plymouth to Santander or Bilbao)Popular for multiple pets or large dogs; 24-36 hour crossing
Eurotunnel + driveTrain through tunnel + drive south through France and Spain

Spanish Breed Restrictions (PPP)

Spain’s PPP (Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos) classification covers breeds including Pit Bulls, American Staffs, Rottweilers, Dogo Argentino, and others. These breeds can be imported but require:

  • Owner licence (obtained in Spain)
  • Third-party liability insurance
  • Muzzle and short lead in public

This affects conditions of ownership in Spain, not the import itself.

Cost Estimate

ItemCost
OV appointment and AHCGBP 150-250
Airline cabin fee (small dogs/cats)GBP 50-200
Airline cargo (larger dogs)GBP 200-600
Ferry (if applicable)Variable; pet surcharge GBP 20-50

Sources: European Commission Regulation 576/2013; APHA UK pet travel guidance; Spain MAPA import requirements. Data current as of June 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. An AHC is required for each journey from the UK to Spain and must be issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel. It is valid for that trip and for travel within the EU for 4 months. If you make regular trips, you need a new AHC each time you re-enter the EU from the UK.

Yes. Pets can travel to Spain via Eurotunnel (Folkestone to Calais) or ferry routes (Portsmouth to Bilbao or Santander; Plymouth to Santander). All routes require the same Animal Health Certificate documentation. Some ferry routes allow pets to remain in vehicles in the hold or in on-board kennels.

No. Spain does not require the Echinococcus tapeworm treatment. The tapeworm treatment is required only for entry into Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, and the UK. Spain follows standard EU rules: microchip, current rabies vaccination, and AHC.

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