How do I bring my dog or cat?

Bringing a dog or cat from Great Britain to Spain is far simpler than moving one to Australia: no blood test, no quarantine. Since Brexit you need an animal health certificate for the journey, and once you live in Spain there are local rules, especially for some popular British dog breeds.

How it works from Great Britain

Since 1 January 2021 Great Britain counts as a non-EU country for pet travel. Spain’s agriculture ministry says pets from Great Britain must enter through an airport or port authorised as a travellers’ point of entry (punto de entrada de viajeros), with a health certificate. Pet passports issued in England, Scotland or Wales can’t be used to enter the EU, although Northern Ireland residents can still use an EU pet passport.

The move counts as non-commercial only if you have 5 animals or fewer, you are not selling or giving them away, and they travel with you or someone acting for you. They can travel separately, but within 5 days of your own journey. More than 5 is only allowed for competitions, shows or sporting events, with proof.

Countdown

Spain does not require tapeworm treatment for dogs, according to idealista’s 2026 guide, but check the GOV.UK page before you travel because the rules for other countries on your route may differ. Check the official page

Getting there

Driving through France, or the ferries from the UK to Santander or Bilbao, are popular because your pet stays close. Ferries offer pet-friendly cabins or kennels, but spaces are limited, so book early. Small pets may fly in the cabin with some airlines; larger ones go in the hold in an approved crate. idealista puts short-haul pet flights at about €100 to €300.

What it costs

There is no fixed price for an AHC in the UK. In April 2026 The Connexion rang UK vets and found prices from £110 to £384 for one pet, with extra pets added for £30 or more each. Add the microchip, rabies jab and your travel costs. Estimate The UK and EU have agreed in principle that the UK could rejoin the pet passport scheme, but until that happens you need a new AHC for every trip from Great Britain.

Once you live in Spain

Spain’s animal welfare law, Ley 7/2023, came into force on 29 September 2023. For newcomers the key points are:

• Dogs, cats and ferrets must be microchipped and registered in your region’s pet register (Registro de Animales de Compañía). Keep your import papers: they go with the registration
• Cats must be microchipped and neutered before 6 months old, unless registered for breeding by a registered breeder
• Pick up after your dog and keep pets from causing nuisance or danger to others
• The law also says dog owners must take a free dog-ownership course and hold third-party liability insurance. As of late September 2026 both still depend on detailed regulations that had not been approved, so they could not yet be enforced nationally. Some regions already require insurance for all dogs

Check your region

“Potentially dangerous” dogs (PPP)

Spain has a separate regime for potentially dangerous dogs (perros potencialmente peligrosos, PPP). Under Real Decreto 287/2002, these breeds and their crosses are included automatically:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Rottweiler
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Tosa Inu
• Akita Inu

Dogs with most of the physical traits listed in the decree, and any dog that has shown marked aggression, can also be classed as PPP. The owner needs a licence from the town hall (ayuntamiento). To get it you must be an adult, have no relevant criminal convictions, pass a physical and psychological fitness check, and hold liability insurance of at least €120,000 (about £101,700). The licence lasts 5 years and the dog goes on the municipal PPP register. In public, the dog must wear a muzzle, be on a lead shorter than 2 metres that doesn’t extend, and one person can only walk one PPP dog. Regions and town halls can add their own rules. Ask your town hall

Renting and travel later

Check that your rental allows pets before you sign: see Renting a home in Spain. Once resident, a Spanish vet can issue an EU pet passport for travel inside the EU. If you later return to the UK, read Taking your pet back to the UK.