Moving to Spain with Pets
Everything you need to know about moving to Spain with a dog or cat — microchip, rabies vaccine, EU Pet Passport, flights, ferries and finding a vet on the Costa Blanca.
Spain is a brilliantly pet-friendly country — vets are excellent and affordable, most rentals and many beaches accept dogs, and the climate suits most breeds. Bringing your pet from another country is well-organised once you know the steps.
EU & UK pets: the basics
Three things, in this exact order:
- •ISO-compatible microchip (must be implanted before the rabies vaccine)
- •Rabies vaccine (valid 21+ days before travel)
- •EU Pet Passport (from any EU vet) or Animal Health Certificate (from a UK vet, valid 10 days)
Pets from the US, Canada & Australia
Add a USDA / CFIA / DAFF-endorsed Veterinary Health Certificate within 10 days of travel, plus rabies serology test if coming from a high-risk country.
How to travel
Small pets (under 8kg) often fly in cabin. Larger pets go as cargo or via specialist pet-relocation services. Ferries from the UK (Brittany Ferries Portsmouth–Bilbao/Santander) are popular for dog owners — pets stay in the car or pet cabins.
After you arrive
Register at a local vet within 30 days, switch your Pet Passport to a Spanish one, and consider pet insurance (€10–€30/month). The Costa Blanca has excellent 24-hour vet clinics.
Moving to Spain with Pets — FAQs
Need help moving to Spain?
Our local team helps with visas, NIE, healthcare, housing and more. One friendly point of contact for your whole relocation.