How to move to Spain with your cat or dog from the UK (2025 guide)
Thinking about a move to Spain from the UK and worried about your beloved cat or dog? We completely understand, and are pleased to tell you that it’s totally possible to take them with you.
When you’re planning a move to Spain, one very important part of the planning process is how to get your cat or dog there. When we moved to Spain in 2019 (before Brexit) it was pretty easy to bring our cat Milo with us – a few jabs and a pet passport and he was ok to travel.
Post-Brexit however, moving to Spain with your cat or dog from the UK is more difficult and will take a bit more planning and cost more money than it did before. Moving to Spain with dogs or cats is still possible though, you just need to understand the requirements and make sure you have covered all the legal aspects.
Below we explain some of the things you need to know about moving to Spain with your cat or dog from the UK…
Before you start the process it’s important to be familiar with Spain’s Animal Welfare Law that came into effect in 2023. This law includes rules such as limiting the number of pets per person and requiring cats to be sterilised and microchipped before six months old.
Can I still bring my pet to Spain after Brexit?
The short answer is yes, you can still bring your pet from UK to Spain.
The main change is that you can no longer use a pet passport issued in Great Britain (England, Wales or Scotland) for travel to Spain or any other EU country.
You can still use a pet passport if it was issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland.
If you don’t have an EU pet passport already you will need to travel with your pet on an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) – see more below.
What does my pet need to travel to Spain?
To travel from the UK to Spain, your pet will need the following:
- A microchip that meets ISO standards
- A valid rabies vaccination that is at least 21 days old before travel
- A valid EU pet passport or a non-commercial EU animal health certificate ssued by a veterinarian within 10 days of travel
- A non-commercial declaration stating that youre not transporting your pet for commercial purposes like sale or trade
You’ must ‘ll need to get your pet microchipped before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination. If you don’t they’ll need to be vaccinated again.
All animals must be at least 12 weeks old to be vaccinated and you need to wait 21 days after the vaccination before you can travel.
What is an Animal Health Certificate?
Taking your cat or dog abroad within the EU now requires an Animal Health Certificate. The Animal Health Certificate (AHC) confirms that your pet has been microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.
You’ll need to get a new certificate for your pet each time you travel to an EU country and you must obtain it within 10 days of the date you travel. So for example, if you’ve taken your dog to Spain on holiday before, you will need to get a new AHC if you are planning on moving to Spain.
The certificate is issued by your vet and is valid for four months, for a single trip into the EU, onward travel within the EU, and for re-entry to Great Britain.
What are the transport options for travelling to Spain with a dog or cat?
When we moved to Spain we chose to put our cat Milo on a pet transport service. This meant that we could fly over, stay the night in a hotel, get the keys to our new home, and start to get things sorted while he was being driven over. They met us at the house a few days after we arrived and it definitely saved some stress.
There are a few ways you can travel to Spain with your pet, including:
Fly – Some airlines allow you to fly with your pet, whether in the cabin or putting them in the hold. However, none of the budget airlines flying from the UK to Spain offer this so you would need to book a flight on one of the bigger airlines such as British Airways. Taking pets on flights can be quite stressful if you think they won’t be a calm flyer, so make sure you think this through carefully.
Drive – You can take your dog or cat to Spain by car and are allowed to take pets on the ferry. This is cheaper than flying but depending where in Spain you are travelling to it could obviously be a long drive with many stops along the way.
Use pet transport – As mentioned before, another option for bringing your pet to Spain is to use a pet transport service. There are lots of companies who do regular trips from the UK to Spain and will have a van with cages to accommodate cats and dogs. They will pick up from your home in the UK and deliver to your new home in Spain. This can be a lot easier than taking them yourself, just make sure you ask plenty of questions about rest stops and feeding, and read reviews.
What do I need to do when I arrive in Spain with my pet?
When you arrive at a Spanish airport or port, you’ll need to go through a travellers’ point of entry. Here you’ll need to show your pet’s animal health certificate along with proof of their microchip and rabies vaccination, so make sure you have your pet passport or animal health certificate and other required documents readily available for inspection.
Is there a quarantine for pets travelling to Spain from the UK?
Post-Brexit no quarantine is required for pets traveling from the UK to Spain as long as they meet specific health and documentation requirements
I live in Spain, can I take my pet back to the UK?
If you live in Spain and have a pet passport that was issued in Spain or in another EU country, you’ll be able to use it to take your pet back to the UK. You will also be able to return to Spain with the EU-issued pet passport.
Where can I get an EU pet passport?
Once you’re in the EU, getting an EU Pet Passport is easy as you can get one from any authorised vet. This is useful if you plan to travel with your pet between EU countries and for future travel to the EU.
Visit this website for full details on EU pet passport requirements.
If you’re using a pet passport issued in the UK, it’s advisable to speak to your vet before you travel to make sure you’re compliant with EU rules.
Timeline for moving to Spain with your cat or dog from the UK
Now you know that it’s possible and how to move to Spain with your cat or dog, here’s a handy timeline to follow to make sure you have everything covered:
8+ Weeks Before Travel
- Microchip your pet
- Get the Rabies vaccination
4–6 Weeks Before Travel
- Book an appointment for an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
- Check all documentation
- Arrange your pet’s transport
1–2 Weeks Before Travel
- Obtain the Animal Health Certificate
Travel Day
- Bring all required documentation
- Prepare your pet for the journey
If you’re planning a move to Spain with a cat or dog, we hope that this information has put your mind at rest, and we hope you all have a very happy new life in the sun!
Hi I have been told that post Brexit Alicante airport doesn’t have the facilities to check pets coming from the UK my cat has an eu passport and I am a Spanish resident. Could I fly to an airport in Spain where entry is possible, then take a connecting flight to Alicante. Eg are there facilities in Madrid and Barcelona airports?
Are pets allowed on Spanish trains such as the AVE.
Thank you
Hi Michele, I’m afraid I have no idea – this is just a personal blog so I don’t have any access to official information. I would recommend contacting the airports/airlines directly.
Hi, there are facilities in Madrid. They will let you get your dog into the AVE/train but make sure you select the appropiate option as you might need to pay ban extra for the dog, etc.
My friend and I want to travel to Spain for 3months we have 3 small dogs very well behaved so if anyone can help please thanks
Hi Sandra, I’m not sure what you need help with but this is just a personal blog. We share helpful info for those moving to or traveling to Spain, but we aren’t a company. If you want to let us know what exactly you need help with we might be able to point you in the right direction.