Quick answer
Your pet needs a microchip, an in-date rabies vaccination (after the chip), and an Animal Health Certificate issued within 10 days of travel (UK pet passports no longer count). Dogs may need a tapeworm treatment. Once in Spain, register your pet at the town hall. Budget anywhere from a few hundred euros DIY to ~€2,000–€3,500 for a full relocation service.
The checklist
- 1MicrochipAn ISO-standard microchip must be fitted first — before the rabies vaccine.
- 2Rabies vaccinationGiven after the chip, and in date. Allow the required waiting period before travel.
- 3Animal Health Certificate (or EU passport)Issued by an official vet within 10 days of travel (UK/US). EU-resident pets use an EU pet passport.
- 4Tapeworm treatment (dogs)Required for certain routes — check your journey.
- 5Register in SpainAdd your pet to the local census and update the microchip to a Spanish database.
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Get pet-relocation helpFrequently asked questions
What do I need to bring my dog to Spain from the UK?▼
Your dog needs a microchip, an in-date rabies vaccination (given after the chip), and an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an official vet within 10 days of travel. Dogs also need a tapeworm treatment for some routes. The UK pet passport is no longer valid post-Brexit.
Is a UK pet passport still valid for Spain?▼
No. Since Brexit, UK-issued pet passports are not accepted. UK pets travel on an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) instead, issued shortly before each trip — or you can get an EU pet passport from a vet once you're living in Spain.
How much does it cost to move a pet to Spain?▼
It varies widely. Doing the paperwork yourself (vet, chip, vaccine, AHC) can be a few hundred euros/pounds, while full pet-relocation and flight services can run to around €2,000–€3,500+ depending on the animal, size and route.
Can I bring my pet to Spain from the US?▼
Yes — US pets need a microchip, a rabies vaccination and a USDA-endorsed EU health certificate issued close to travel. Requirements and airline rules vary, so check current EU/Spain import rules and use an experienced pet-relocation service for long-haul.
Do I need to register my pet in Spain?▼
Yes, in most regions. Once settled, register your pet on the local animal census at the town hall (and, for dogs, sometimes a regional registry). Your Spanish vet can advise and update the microchip details to a Spanish database.
Related guides & services
General information, not veterinary or legal advice. Import rules change and vary by country/airline — confirm the current requirements with an official vet or pet-relocation service.