Moving with Pets

Bringing Pets to Spain

Moving with pets requires planning, but thousands of expats successfully relocate with their furry family members every year. Here's everything you need to know.

Requirements for Dogs and Cats

From the UK (Post-Brexit)

Since Brexit, the UK is a "Part 2 listed country" for pet travel. Requirements:

• ISO 15-digit microchip required

• Must be implanted before rabies vaccination

• Must be given after microchipping

• At least 21 days before travel

• Keep vaccination records

• Issued by a UK vet no more than 10 days before travel

• Valid for 10 days for entry, then 4 months for return to UK

• Costs £100-200

• Treatment 24-120 hours before arrival in Spain

• Must be recorded on AHC

From EU Countries

Simpler with EU Pet Passport:

• Microchip

• Rabies vaccination

• EU Pet Passport from registered vet

• No AHC needed for direct EU travel

From Other Countries

Requirements vary. Generally:

• Microchip and rabies vaccination

• Health certificate from country of origin

• May need blood titre test (rabies antibody test)

• Quarantine may apply from some countries

Transport Options

By Car/Ferry

• Pets travel with you

• Less stressful for many animals

• Stop for breaks, familiar environment

• Long journey (2+ days)

By Air

• Airlines: Iberia, Air Europa, Vueling allow pets in cabin

• Cost: €50-150 per flight

• Book early, limited spots

• IATA-approved crate required

• Cost: €200-500+

• Some breeds restricted (snub-nosed dogs)

• Temperature restrictions (won't fly in extreme heat)

• Handle everything door-to-door

• Costs vary: €500-2,000+

• Less stress for you

• Good for nervous pets or complex journeys

Considerations

• **Breed restrictions:** Some airlines won't fly brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs) due to breathing issues

• **Summer heat:** Many airlines embargo pet transport when temperatures exceed certain limits

• **Sedation:** Generally not recommended for flying

Finding Pet-Friendly Accommodation

• Many landlords refuse pets

• Be upfront when enquiring

• Expect additional deposit (1-2 months)

• Include pets in contract

• Filter for "mascotas permitidas" on property portals

• Ask estate agents specifically about pet policies

• Villas/houses easier than apartments

• Gardens helpful for dogs

Registering Your Pet in Spain

Microchip Registration

Register your pet's microchip with a Spanish database:

• **REIAC** (national database)

• Usually done by your Spanish vet

• Required for dog license in most municipalities

Dog License (Licencia de Tenencia)

Required in most municipalities:

1. Visit town hall (Ayuntamiento)

2. Bring microchip certificate, vaccination records

3. Pay small fee (€10-30)

4. May need liability insurance for certain breeds

Dangerous Dog Registration

If you have a breed classified as "potentially dangerous" (Pit Bull, Rottweiler, etc.):

• Special license required

• Psychological test for owner

• Liability insurance (€120,000 minimum)

• Always muzzled and leashed in public

• Check municipal rules—they vary

Healthcare for Pets

Finding a Vet

• Ask other expats for recommendations

• Look for vets who speak English (many do in expat areas)

• Emergency vet numbers: save them

• Costs similar to or cheaper than UK

• Consultation: €30-50

• Vaccinations: €40-80

• Neutering: €100-300

• Annual check-up: €50-80

Pet Insurance

Spanish pet insurance available but less common than UK. Options:

• **Mapfre**

• **Allianz**

• **Línea Directa**

Cost: €15-40/month depending on coverage and pet.

Some UK insurers may continue covering pets abroad—check your policy.

Parasites

Spain has parasites not common in UK:

• **Leishmaniasis:** Spread by sandflies, serious disease in dogs. Preventative collar/spot-on essential

• **Heartworm:** Transmitted by mosquitoes. Preventative treatment recommended

• **Ticks:** Year-round in Spain. Regular treatment needed

Your vet will advise on a prevention protocol.

Daily Life with Pets

Dog-Friendly Spaces

• Beaches: Many beaches allow dogs off-season, some year-round

• Parks: Some have dog areas (pipicán)

• Restaurants: Terrazas (outdoor terraces) often allow dogs

• Hiking: Excellent trails in the hills

Rules and Etiquette

• Pick up after your dog (fines for not doing so)

• Leash required in most public spaces

• Muzzle may be required in some areas

• Barking can cause neighbour disputes

Summer Heat

• Walk early morning and evening only

• Provide shade and water always

• Hot pavement burns paws—test with your hand

• Never leave pets in cars

• Watch for heat exhaustion signs

Pet Services in Marbella

• **Dog walkers:** €10-15/walk

• **Pet sitting:** €20-40/day

• **Grooming:** €30-60 depending on breed

• **Boarding kennels:** €15-30/night

• **Dog training:** Classes available in English

Cats in Spain

Cats generally adapt well. Notes:

• Indoor cats: easier, safer from traffic and disease

• Outdoor cats: watch for fights, parasites, hunting of local wildlife

• Catios and secure gardens increasingly popular

• Neutering highly recommended (stray population is high)

Other Pets