Moving to Spain with Your Pet: A Legal Guide
Moving with your furry friend? For dogs, cats, and ferrets, navigating Spain’s pet import rules is straightforward if you follow the steps. But if you have exotic pets like parrots or reptiles, the regulations get more complex.
1. Microchip & Identification
ISO-compliant microchip (15-digit, ISO 11784/11785) is required—implanted by a registered veterinarian.
If your pet has an older non-ISO chip, bring a compatible scanner.
Tattoos issued before July 3, 2011, are accepted if followed by a post-tattoo rabies shot
2. Rabies Vaccination
Pets must be at least 12 weeks old at vaccination time, administered after microchipping.
Travel from non-EU countries requires a 21-day wait post-vaccination
3. Required Documents & Health Certificate
Animal Health Certificate (AHC): Issued within 10 days before departure; must be bilingual (Spanish/English).
Valid for EU entry for 10 days and intra‑EU travel for four months—but each separate trip needs its own certificate.
A written declaration is necessary to confirm the pet’s non-commercial purpose
4. Additional Steps from Non-EU “Unlisted” Countries
After rabies vaccination, pets from unlisted third countries require a blood titer test and a 30-day wait—or possibly quarantine up to three months—depending on results
5. Intra-EU Travel
Microchip and rabies vaccination are necessary.
Pet passport (or AHC for non-EU residents) remains essential.
EU passports must include microchip ID
6. Spain’s New Animal Welfare Law (Sept 2023)
Under Spain’s new regulations (affecting all pets, not just imports), compliance is mandatory:
Registration in the Companion Animal Registry upon arrival; failure may incur fines or confiscation.
Sterilisation: Outdoor or breeding animals must be sterilised; cats before six months unless they’re registered breeders.
Ongoing vaccinations: Vet must confirm pets are up to date.
Liability insurance: Mandatory for dog owners; for “dangerous dogs,” a minimum €120,000 coverage is enforceable.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Pet type | Dog, cat, or ferret |
| Age & microchip | ≥12 weeks old, ISO microchip (or old tattoo + rabies shot) |
| Rabies vaccination | Administered >21 days before travel |
| Titer test | Required for “unlisted” countries |
| AHC | Issued ≤10 days pre-travel; bilingual; one trip per certificate |
| Declaration | Non-commercial transport |
| EU passport | Valid alternative for intra-EU movement |
| Welfare law compliance | Registration, sterilisation, vaccination, insurance |
Final Thoughts
Ensuring your pet meets Spain’s import and subsequent domestic welfare requirements minimises delays and helps avoid legal complications. For advice please send us an email HERE
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