Moving to Spain with your pet? A step-by-step guide to procedures and regulations in 2026

In Spain, documentation and health requirements change depending on the type of pet and whether it comes from a European Union country or from outside of it. To guarantee legal entry, it is essential to comply with the vaccination deadlines and identification protocols in force in 2026.

We have analyzed the regulations of the Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) and the European Union to offer you a clear roadmap on what documents you need and how to avoid penalties upon arrival in Spain.

At Fotocasa, we help you prepare for this process so that your move is safe both at customs and in your new rental home.

Do you know which animals are allowed entry into Spanish territory and which ones are restricted?

Which animals can be brought to Spain and which ones have restrictions?

Animals allowed as pets in Spain include dogs, cats, ferrets, birds (non-poultry), reptiles, rodents, and rabbits, provided they are not for commercial purposes. To be considered companion animals, the maximum number of specimens that can travel with their owner is five; otherwise, foreign trade regulations apply.

If you are thinking about buying a house in Spain or moving into a rental, it is important that you are familiar with the different regulations that apply both to the documentation for bringing your pet to Spain and to the various rules that apply to living with a companion animal in Spain.

What documents and vaccinations do I need to enter Spain with my pet?

The regulations for entering Spain with a companion animal change depending on the type of pet and whether you are coming from a European Union country or from a Third Country.

What documents are mandatory for traveling to Spain with dogs, cats, and ferrets?

Cats, dogs, and ferrets are the pets subject to the strictest regulations due to rabies prevention. They must be at least 12 weeks old before their first rabies vaccination and wait an additional 21 days to travel if it is their first dose. Additionally, they require a European Passport or a Animal Health Certificate.

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food. 2026 Data

What documents are necessary for traveling to Spain with birds (non-poultry)?

Birds have very strict regulations due to avian flu prevention. Before traveling, it is vital to verify that your pet is not an invasive species or protected by the CITES Convention, which regulates the trade of endangered species. Also, keep in mind that poultry (chickens, turkeys, etc.) are never considered companion animals.

If you are traveling with a bird from the EU, your pet must travel with an INTRA-2 model veterinary certificate issued within the last 10 days. If you are traveling from outside the EU, it is more complex. The bird must meet one of these options: 30 days of prior isolation, quarantine in Spain, or having been vaccinated against avian flu (H5 and H7).

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food. 2026 Data

What documents do I need to travel to Spain with reptiles, rodents, rabbits, and other pets?

In this case, the regulations also change whether we come from an EU country or from outside the EU. If you travel from the EU, your pet will require an INTRA model veterinary certificate specific to its species, written in Spanish and issued within the last 10 days.

If you travel with your pets from outside the EU, you must enter through a designated Traveler Entry Point and present the official certificate signed by a veterinarian from the country of origin.

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food. 2026 Data

Is the use of a microchip mandatory to enter Spain with dogs, cats, and ferrets?

To enter Spain with your pet, it is mandatory for the animal to be identified with a microchip (or tattoo prior to 2011) and have an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Important: the microchip must always be placed before the vaccination.

How do the European passport and health certificate work for dogs, cats, and ferrets?

If you come from the EU, you need the European Passport for Companion Animals. The European Passport for Companion Animals is only issued for cats, dogs, and ferrets. It is obtained through any authorized veterinarian in the EU after checking the microchip and the rabies vaccination.

If you come from outside the EU, you need an Animal Health Certificate signed by an official veterinarian of your country and a written declaration confirming that the transfer is non-commercial.

What are the deadlines for the rabies vaccine and the antibody test?

This depends on whether your country of origin is “listed” by the EU (countries with controlled rabies) or not.

• Listed Countries: Only microchip, vaccine, and wait 21 days.

• Non-Listed Countries: In addition to the above, you must perform an antibody test (blood sample) at least 30 days after vaccinating and wait 3 months from the sample before entering Spain. This test must be performed in an authorized laboratory and the result must be equal to or higher than 0.5 IU/ml before starting the trip.

• Important: booster vaccinations: These must be administered before the previous one expires. If you miss the deadline, it is considered a “primary vaccination” and you must wait 21 days before being able to travel.

Other important regulations for traveling to Spain with your pet

Beyond vaccinations and health certificates, there are other logistical rules you should know if you are planning to travel to Spain with your companion animal.

Can companion animals travel without their owner?

As the owner, you must travel with your pet. If the pet travels with another person or by other means, it must do so with a signed authorization and you must make the trip within a maximum period of five days before or after the animal’s transfer.

What are Entry Points?

If you are coming from outside the UE, it is mandatory to enter through a designated Traveler Entry Point, where you must present the documentation to the Civil Guard for validation.

What is the declaration of non-commerciality?

The declaration of non-commerciality is a mandatory document certifying that your pet’s transfer is for private reasons, such as a move, and not for a sale. It is essential for entering Spain from outside the EU and acts as the legal authorization for a third party to transport your animal under the 5-day rule. It must be signed by the owner, written at least in Spanish, and attached to the health certificate; otherwise, authorities could detain the animal considering the movement as a covert commercial activity.

How to transport your pet safely and legally in Spain?

The DGT (General Directorate of Traffic) is very strict: the animal must never be loose. In the event of an accident at 50 km/h, a 20 kg dog strikes with a force of 700 kg.

What does the DGT say about traveling by car?

To travel with your pet in Spain, you must use double-attachment harnesses, pet carriers on the floor, or divider grilles. Never secure the animal with a collar to the seat belt, as it can be fatal during sudden braking.

Can I take my dog on public transport?

Rules regarding pets on public transport change depending on the city. In the Barcelona or Madrid Metro, dogs are usually allowed to enter with a muzzle and a short leash, except during rush hours. On long-distance trains (Renfe), the limit is usually 10 kg if they are in a carrier, although there are specific programs for large dogs.

If you are moving to Spain with your pet and want to use public transport, it is recommended to check local regulations beforehand.

Can I live in a rental in Spain with my pet?

The Urban Leasing Law (LAU) gives the landlord the freedom to choose whether to admit pets or not. If the contract explicitly prohibits pets, having them can be grounds for contract termination. Therefore, if you are looking for a rental apartment and have pets, it is important to check the contract or speak with the landlord first.

How much does it cost to rent a house in Spain?

Is it possible to negotiate the pet clause in the contract?

Yes. Many tenants offer an additional deposit or damage insurance to convince the landlord. If the contract says nothing, you could legally have one, but transparency is always better to avoid problems.

The climate in Spain: how does it affect your pet’s health?

Spain experiences extreme summers. The asphalt can reach 50°C, causing burns on paw pads.

How to prevent heatstroke and Leishmaniasis?

Avoid walks between 12:00 and 18:00. Additionally, it is vital to use collars or pipettes against the sandfly, the mosquito that transmits Leishmaniasis, which is very common in the Mediterranean basin.

Coexistence rules: muzzles, leashes, and mandatory insurance

With the new Animal Welfare Law 7/2023, civil liability insurance is mandatory for all dogs.

Which dogs are required to wear a muzzle?

In addition to dogs classified as potentially dangerous, any dog that has shown episodes of aggression or that travels on certain types of public transport must wear one.

Spain, among the best countries in the world to live in

Moving to Spain with a pet requires planning at least 3 months in advance if you are coming from a non-listed country. The trend in 2026 is towards greater “pet-friendly” integration, but with firmer legal control.

If you are traveling with a dog or a cat, the success of the move depends on the microchip and the rabies vaccine. Without these two pillars, entry will be denied at the border.

If you are thinking about moving to Spain, you might be interested in our article: What is the maximum amount of time I can stay in Spain in 2026.

Did you like the article? Help me by giving 5 stars.