BRINGING A DOG FROMUnited Kingdom to Spain
Dog · Moving
Bringing a cat instead?No quarantine. Needs microchip, rabies vaccination, animal health certificate, owner's declaration, port of entry, health declaration and non-commercial limits.
Always confirm with the destination's official authority and your airline before travelling.
Entry requirements
EU animal health certificate endorsed by the origin authority within 10 days of entry, owner declaration, entry via a travellers' point of entry; no titer test.
Microchip implanted by a vet; if not ISO-readable, the owner must carry a reader. A clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011 is also accepted.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Microchip implanted by a vet; if not ISO-readable, the owner must carry a reader. A clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011 is also accepted.
before or on the day of the first rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccine at ≥12 weeks of age, after the microchip; valid from 21 days after the primary course; boosters within validity (Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688, Annex VII Part 1).
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Rabies vaccine at ≥12 weeks of age, after the microchip; valid from 21 days after the primary course; boosters within validity (Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688, Annex VII Part 1).
primary vaccination completed at least 21 days before travel
EU animal health certificate (model in Annex III to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705), issued by an official vet of the origin country, or by an authorised vet and then endorsed by the origin competent authority, with copies of the vaccination details attached. After the entry check it stays valid for onward travel inside the EU for 6 months or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever is earlier.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
EU animal health certificate (model in Annex III to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705), issued by an official vet of the origin country, or by an authorised vet and then endorsed by the origin competent authority, with copies of the vaccination details attached. After the entry check it stays valid for onward travel inside the EU for 6 months or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever is earlier.
issued or endorsed not more than 10 days before entry into the EU (plus the length of the voyage if travelling by sea)
Signed declaration by the owner (or authorised person) that the movement is non-commercial, on the model in Part 2 of Annex V to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705, attached to the certificate.
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Signed declaration by the owner (or authorised person) that the movement is non-commercial, on the model in Part 2 of Annex V to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705, attached to the certificate.
Enter through a travellers' point of entry designated by the Member State of arrival and present the pet for the documentary and identity check there. Each Member State publishes its own list (the European Commission's index links them all).
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Enter through a travellers' point of entry designated by the Member State of arrival and present the pet for the documentary and identity check there. Each Member State publishes its own list (the European Commission's index links them all).
Signed declaration by the owner (or authorised person) that during the transit the pet had no contact with rabies-susceptible animals and stayed in the vehicle or inside the international zone of the port or airport. Without it, the titer test required from unlisted countries applies.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
Signed declaration by the owner (or authorised person) that during the transit the pet had no contact with rabies-susceptible animals and stayed in the vehicle or inside the international zone of the port or airport. Without it, the titer test required from unlisted countries applies.
- · the pet passed through a third country or territory that is not in Annex I or II on the way
At most 5 dogs, cats or ferrets per non-commercial movement (exception for registered events, animals over 6 months); owner travels within 5 days if an authorised person accompanies the pet.
DETAILS +DETAILS −
At most 5 dogs, cats or ferrets per non-commercial movement (exception for registered events, animals over 6 months); owner travels within 5 days if an authorised person accompanies the pet.
- No titer test is needed if the pet comes directly from an Annex II country where the owner lives, or stayed only in Annex I/II countries, or only transited an unlisted country with a signed declaration that it stayed in the vehicle or the airport/port international zone. — European Commission (EUR-Lex)
- Onward validity of the certificate inside the EU after the entry check. — European Commission (EUR-Lex)
- Certificates on the old 577/2013 model are still accepted until 31 March 2027 if issued before 1 October 2026. — European Commission (EUR-Lex)
- An EU pet passport held by a resident of Great Britain is not valid for travel from Great Britain to the EU. — European Commission, DG SANTE
- Preparation time 4 weeks: microchip + rabies vaccine at ≥12 weeks, 21 days until valid; certificate issued/endorsed in the last 10 days before arrival.
No quarantine
Timeline
Working out your dates…
Documents
One paper per requirement above; carry originals. 0 of 5 ready.
Official fees
The official pages we researched for this route name no fee. Vet, lab and airline charges are not covered here.
Entry points
Where a pet may enter Spain, per the rules.
- List as of 2026-09-24The Commission's index of travellers' points of entry (one PDF or link per Member State). Note the page also exempts Norway, which is not in Annex I.Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Travellers' points of entry (index of per-country lists))· checked 24 Sep 2026
- List as of 2026-06-02Including Ceuta ES-CE and Melilla ES-ML land borders and the Canary Islands ES-CN.The MAPA list (updated 2 June 2026) has about 70 rows — airports, ports and land borders with contact details, opening hours and the measures applied to non-compliant animals (redispatch, isolation, euthanasia); it is linked rather than copied.
Airlines
Airline rules are separate from entry rules and change without notice — confirm in writing when you book. Only what the carriers' own pages say, read 25 Sep 2026. All airlines
- Lufthansa LHCabinYesHoldYesSnub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
- Emirates EKCabinNoHoldYesSnub-nosedCargo: only Nov – Apr
- CabinNoHoldYes, up to 45 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: not 1 May – 31 Oct
- Qantas QFCabinNoHoldCargo onlySnub-nosedNot stated
- CabinYesHoldNoSnub-nosedHold, cargo: no
- CabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cmHoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: no
- CabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cmHoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
- CabinNoHoldCargo onlySnub-nosedCargo: restricted
- CabinNoHoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: restricted
Announced changes
- FROM 01 JAN 2028From 1 January 2028, the laboratory report of the rabies titer test must carry a code that lets its authenticity be checked on the laboratory's website.
Return trip to United Kingdom
Easy for a returning pet (no separate returning-resident rule; standard import rules apply), about 4 weeks of preparation. No quarantine when the paperwork is in order.
Source:Defra / APHA (GOV.UK) (opens official site: Put your pet in rabies quarantine)· checked 04 Oct 2026
Questions about Spain
Answered in plain words from the authorities' own pages, each linked to its source.
01What is a "non-commercial movement"?
It is the movement of a pet accompanying its owner that is not for sale or transfer of ownership. The owner is directly responsible for the pet.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202603How many pets can I bring under the non-commercial rules?
Generally, you can move a maximum of 5 pet animals for non-commercial purposes.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202604Does my pet need to meet EU entry requirements if we are just transiting through an EU airport?
No, if the pet stays in the international transit area and does not enter EU territory. If the pet enters the territory, it must meet EU entry conditions and have an animal health certificate.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202605Who is eligible to get an EU pet passport?
These passports are meant for pets whose owners mainly live in an EU member state. You can obtain one from a veterinarian authorised by the national authority in your EU country.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202606I live outside the EU but own a house there; can I use an EU pet passport?
No. Residence is the deciding factor, not property ownership. You must follow rules for pets entering from a non-EU country, including getting an animal health certificate.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202607Can I use an EU pet passport if I am a resident of Great Britain?
No, EU pet passports for Great Britain residents have been invalid since 31 December 2020. You need an Animal Health Certificate issued by an official vet in Great Britain for every entry.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202608When must microchips include a country code?
For non-commercial moves between EU countries, microchips must have the country code starting 1 January 2028. Pets chipped before 22 April 2026 according to specific rules are exempt.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202609Do I need to bring a microchip reader if my pet is from a non-EU country?
If a pet's microchip from a non-EU country does not meet EU technical requirements, the owner must provide a reading device to verify identification upon request.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202610What are the rabies vaccination rules for young pets coming from outside the EU?
Pets from non-EU countries must be vaccinated. They must be at least 12 weeks old at primary vaccination and the movement must occur at least 21 days after the full primary course.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202611When is a rabies antibody test required when transiting through a non-EU country?
A rabies antibody test is not needed if the non-EU country is listed in specific regulations. Otherwise, it is not required if the owner signs a declaration that the pet was confined and had no contact with susceptible animals.
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 202612Which dogs need tapeworm treatment before entering the EU?
Only dogs require this treatment, not cats. It must be administered by a vet 24–120 hours before entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, or Northern Ireland (UK).
Source:European Commission, DG SANTE (opens official site: Dogs, cats and ferrets — FAQs)· checked 04 Oct 2026
What they actually checked at the border
Reports from people who made this trip, read by a person before publishing.
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Share your tripSources
Every requirement above comes from one of these pages. Last researched 25 Sep 2026. Seen a change? Tell us.
- Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 — animal health requirements for non-commercial movement of pet animals (opens official site)European Commission (EUR-Lex) · used for: microchip, rabies vaccination, animal health certificate, owner's declaration, port of entry, health declaration, notes, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-03-27
- Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (Animal Health Law), Part VI — non-commercial movements of pet animals (opens official site)European Parliament and Council (EUR-Lex) · used for: non-commercial limits, quarantine, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2021-04-21
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 — lists of third countries or territories (consolidated 2026-06-19) (opens official site)European Commission (EUR-Lex) · used for: which origins the rule covers, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-06-19
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705 — model passports, animal health certificates and declarations (opens official site)European Commission (EUR-Lex) · used for: notes, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-03-27
- Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country (opens official site)European Commission, DG SANTE · used for: notes, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-07-15
- Travellers' points of entry (index of per-country lists) (opens official site)European Commission, DG SANTE · used for: entry points, this route · checked 24 Sep 2026 · document dated 2026-09-03
- MAPA — Lista de puntos de entrada de viajeros autorizados para el control de animales de compañía (Real Decreto 990/2022) (opens official site)Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación (Spain) · used for: entry points, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-06-02
- Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692, Annex XXI — rabies antibody titration test; Echinococcus treatment for entry (opens official site)European Commission (EUR-Lex) · used for: announced changes · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-08-12
- Put your pet in rabies quarantine (opens official site)Defra / APHA (GOV.UK) · used for: return trip · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2025-09-08
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Checklists for nearby trips — same rules engine, same official sources.