Spain
Entry Requirements
Is Spain a good place to travel or relocate to with your dogs and/or cats?
Here are reviews and details to help you see if Spain is a good place to go to with your pets.
Official EU government website on importing pets
Official government website on pets coming from the US to Spain
Entry Requirements from Non-high Rabies Country
Also called “Part 1” and “Part 2” listed countries
Medical Requirements:
The anti-rabies vaccination must be valid at the time of travel.
You must wait 21 days after getting the vaccine if it is the first time the animal has been vaccinated against rabies or if the previous vaccination was not maintained.
Documentation Required and how to get it:
An official health certificate will be issued by a veterinarian in the country of departure.
For pets coming from the US, that certificate has to be endorsed by a USDA Endorsement Office. It is essential that the endorsement happens at least 10 days before the pet is due to arrive in the European Union.
It is pretty simple to travel between countries in the EU, and all the information you need is recorded in the pet passport.
Getting a pet passport is recommended once you arrive in any EU country if your pet will be traveling throughout the EU or if they will be returning often. For future visits, this can replace the health certificate.
In some cases, airlines require a veterinarian’s certificate stating that the pet is healthy to travel.
Entry Requirements from High Rabies Country
Also called “Unlisted Countries”
Medical Requirements:
The anti-rabies vaccination must be valid at the time of travel.
Have a rabies titration test (blood sample) performed at an EU-authorized lab at least three months before traveling (list of rabies testing authorized laboratories on the Europa website). As long as the rabies vaccine is kept up to date, the results of the initial test will be valid.
Documentation Required and how to get it:
Obtain an official health certificate issued by a veterinarian in the country of departure. Look to see if the country you are coming from has timeline requirements.
Getting a pet passport is recommended once you arrive in any EU country if your pet will be traveling throughout the EU or if they will be returning often.
In some cases, airlines require a veterinarian’s certificate stating that the pet is healthy to travel.
Additional Considerations
Microchip Requirements:
(ISO) standards ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 microchips given before or at the time of the rabies vaccine.
Quarantine Requirements (if any):
NA other than exceptional circumstances
Breed Restrictions:
You must have a special license for breeds of dogs considered dangerous, and place them on the dangerous animals’ register. They need to wear a leash and muzzle in public.
Number of pet restrictions:
5 pets per person
Is this country considered high-risk rabies for entry into the US?
No
Is this country considered high rabies for entry into EU countries?
No
Are you flying to Spain?
Read Flying with a Dog Under the Airplane Seat: The Ultimate Guide
Read Flying with a Big Dog: Travel Tips for Ease & Safety
This information was last updated January 2023. If you notice any errors or updates, please let us know by contacting us here.
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2 Reviews on “Spain”
Leaving the uk to travel to Tenerife was a breeze. We went via Eurotúnel the pet reception was in and out in 5 mins, they hand you the chip reader you scan your pet and they check your pets passport or AHC and that’s it, done! We travelled through France using air b&b and onto spain where we got the Fred Olsen crossing from huelva to Tenerife using a pet friendly cabin (must book way in advance) the cabin was immaculate. When I’m Tenerife we had booked a pet friendly hotel in las Américas which was equally as immaculate and perfect location. Eevee couldn’t go on the beach when the lifeguard is there but as soon as they leave at 6 she swam most nights in the sea. There was other people with dogs too so this is obviously the norm. There is a dog beach not far from las Américas but it wasn’t the best so we only went once. Eevee was allowed in all the restaurants we used and bars. We took a dog pram for her simply to keep her off the floor on a night where waiters were busy with drinks and also during the day to keep her out of the mid day sun (she got a lot of attention) as she was pushed round like a princess. On the way home we went back vía Portugal again no dog signs on the beach but as it was January a few locals were on the beach with their dogs so we done the same, no lifeguard present. Moving on to Ostend the beach there was dog friendly and the bar we used couldn’t have been any better as she laid in the window watching the world go by. I would recommend travelling with your pet abroad as it’s a fantastic experience. We swam with Eevee in the sea and it was better than swimming with dolphins, it was magical. We are booked again to return on dec 11th this year. ❤️🐾
Ever since I learned about your trip to Tenerife it has been on my mind to go there with our dogs.
My cats travel to Spain twice a year and have done so for more than 10 years now. They’re used to the flight and we also go to the Madrid (https://guideyourtravel.com/madrid-affordable-budget-guide-for-backpackers/) area. The city is busy but you can get to more peaceful areas in just a quick drive and we always stay in a quiet town where the cats can go outside. They love the warm weather in summer and the beautiful nature here. Just keep an eye out for caterpillars which can be harmful to pets. They build nests in pine trees but are more common in the south of Spain so we don’t encounter them too often.
Wow, thanks so much for sharing your experience. That’s amazing that your cats are able to acclimate to their outdoor environment in multiple locations. I’ll have to write about those caterpillars in a future post because they are a big concern to pet owners in Spain and Portugal.