1. Can I bring my pet to Spain if I’m relocating?
Yes. Spain allows dogs, cats, and ferrets to enter under standard EU pet movement rules, provided they are microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by the correct travel documents.
If you’re bringing other small pets — such as rabbits, birds, reptiles, or rodents — entry is still possible, but follows different import procedures and may require special veterinary authorization or CITES certification. We help you clarify the applicable category for your pet and coordinate any additional documentation required.
2. What documents are needed to bring a pet to Spain?
Requirements differ depending on where you’re coming from:
- From the EU: your pet needs an EU Pet Passport, issued by an authorized vet and including proof of microchip and rabies vaccination.
- From outside the EU: your pet needs an ISO-compliant microchip, rabies vaccination, and an official veterinary health certificate (Annex IV format) validated by your national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA, DEFRA, CFIA).
We help clients prepare and verify all documentation before travel.
3. How early should I start preparing my pet’s paperwork?
Begin preparations at least two months before your move. Rabies vaccines must be given at least 21 days before travel, and some non-EU countries require titer blood tests and validation that can take several weeks.
4. What if I’m moving from a non-EU “high-risk” country for rabies?
Your pet will need:
- Rabies vaccination
- Rabies antibody (titer) test from an EU-approved lab
- Three-month waiting period after the blood draw before entering Spain
This timeline ensures your pet is accepted at EU borders without quarantine.
5. Do pets need quarantine when entering Spain?
No — if all documents and vaccines are valid. Pets arriving from listed (safe) countries, whether EU or non-EU, enter freely. Quarantine only applies if paperwork is missing or invalid, or if coming from high-risk countries without completed tests.
6. How do pets travel to Spain?
You can bring your pet in cabin, as checked baggage, or as cargo, depending on airline rules and the pet’s size. Carriers must be IATA-approved, and airlines require advance booking for pet transport. We can connect you with specialized pet relocation services for international travel coordination and customs clearance.
7. What happens when we arrive in Spain?
Pets must enter Spain through airports or ports equipped with authorized Border Control Posts (PIF – Puestos de Inspección Fronterizos) that are certified to handle live animal arrivals. Not all airports in Spain accept pets arriving from abroad, so flight routes must be planned accordingly.
At the entry point, customs and veterinary officers verify your pet’s microchip, vaccination, and certificates.
- For EU arrivals, checks are rare.
- For non-EU arrivals, a veterinary inspection takes place at the airport’s animal reception area.
Keep all original documents accessible — including the veterinary certificate and proof of transport. We can assist in selecting approved entry airports (such as Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, or Valencia) and coordinating customs formalities with certified pet agents.
8. Can my pet travel separately from me?
Yes, but you must arrive within five days before or after your pet. Beyond that, it is classified as a commercial shipment, with stricter import procedures. We coordinate logistics to ensure both arrivals align with non-commercial entry rules.
9. Are any pet species or breeds restricted in Spain?
Most pets are welcome, but Spain regulates certain “Potentially Dangerous Dog” (PPP) breeds such as Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and American Staffordshire Terrier. Owners of these breeds must obtain a special license, liability insurance, and use a leash and muzzle in public. We help clients understand local regulations and arrange required insurance.
10. What are housing options for families with pets in Spain?
Many landlords accept pets, but terms vary. We help you identify pet-friendly housing and ensure lease agreements include a pet clause for legal clarity. Some owners request an additional pet deposit (1 month’s rent) for large animals.
11. Do I need insurance for my pet in Spain?
Pet insurance is optional for most animals but mandatory for PPP breeds. It covers third-party liability, accidents, and sometimes veterinary care. Plans cost around €10–€25/month and are easy to arrange with local insurers.
12. How do I register my pet once in Spain?
Registration is required for all dogs and cats. You must:
- Visit a local vet to register your pet’s microchip in the regional database (Registro de Animales de Compañía).
- Keep vaccination records updated.
- For dogs, some regions require annual license renewals.
We help new residents complete pet registration alongside their own empadronamiento.
13. What are the rules for travelling within the EU after settling in Spain?
Once your pet is registered and has a Spanish pet passport, you can travel freely across the EU without new vaccinations — as long as the rabies shot stays current. Pets must be microchipped and travel with their passport at all times.
14. Can I bring more than one pet to Spain?
Yes, but under non-commercial import rules, the limit is five pets per person. Bringing more requires a commercial import permit and additional inspections.
15. What about exotic pets, birds, or reptiles?
Exotic animals and birds are subject to CITES regulations (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). You’ll need special import authorization. We can refer you to certified relocation partners familiar with Spanish customs protocols for non-domestic animals.
16. How are pets treated in Spanish daily life?
Spain is highly pet-friendly. Most cities have designated dog parks, pet beaches, and vet clinics. Dogs are allowed on public transport (with leash/muzzle where required) and many cafés welcome pets. Larger cities like Valencia, Madrid, and Barcelona are especially welcoming.
17. Do I need to microchip my pet again in Spain?
If your pet’s existing microchip meets the ISO 11784/11785 standard, it will be accepted. Otherwise, a Spanish vet can re-chip or provide a compatible reader. We assist clients with regional registration to avoid administrative issues.
18. How does climate affect pets in Spain?
Spain’s warm climate can be challenging in summer. Cities like Seville, Valencia, and Alicante can exceed 35°C. Choose housing with good ventilation and avoid walking pets during peak heat. Many vets offer tips for seasonal adaptation.
19. Can I find English-speaking veterinarians in Spain?
Yes. In major cities and coastal regions, many veterinarians speak English and are used to treating expat pets. We share a list of trusted English-speaking vets in your new area as part of your relocation file.
20. How does Livin’España assist families relocating with pets?
We coordinate the entire pet relocation process alongside your visa and housing:
- Verify health and import requirements for your origin country.
- Connect you with certified pet relocation agents and local veterinarians.
- Secure pet-friendly housing and lease clauses.
- Assist with registration, insurance, and vet setup after arrival.
Your pets are treated as family — and we make sure their journey to Spain is safe, legal, and stress-free.