Taking Your Pet to Spain After Brexit
Spain is one of the most popular destinations for UK travellers, and many people want to bring their dogs and cats with them — whether for a family holiday, a long stay, or a permanent relocation. Since Brexit, the process for travelling to Spain with a pet has become more involved than it was under the EU Pet Passport system, but it is entirely manageable with the right preparation.
As a member state of the European Union, Spain is subject to the same post-Brexit entry requirements that apply across the EU. The core documents and health requirements are the same whether you are travelling to Spain, France, or Germany. However, Spain has its own specific regulations and health risks that are worth understanding in detail before you go.
Documentation Required to Enter Spain with a Pet
The three requirements that apply to all UK pets entering any EU country also apply to Spain. Your pet must have a 15-digit ISO-standard microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before first travel if your pet has not been vaccinated previously), and an Animal Health Certificate completed by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of departure.
There is no tapeworm treatment requirement for pets entering Spain — this requirement only applies to dogs travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, and Norway. If Spain is your destination, you do not need to arrange a tapeworm treatment as part of your travel preparation, though it is worth checking with your vet if your dog is on a regular worming programme regardless.
The AHC is a single-use document, valid for one trip from the UK to the EU. It remains valid for four months for travel within the EU itself, so if you are planning to visit multiple countries during your stay you do not need to obtain additional certificates for each country.
Approved Entry Points Into Spain
You must enter Spain through an approved Border Inspection Post. Spain has approved pet entry points at several major airports and ferry terminals, including Barcelona, Madrid Barajas, Palma, Malaga, and Valencia airports. Ferry routes from the UK to Spain are operated by Brittany Ferries, with crossings from Portsmouth to Santander and Bilbao. These routes are approved for pet travel, but you must declare your pet at check-in and ensure your documentation is in order before boarding.
Travelling to Spain by Ferry
The ferry crossing to Santander or Bilbao from Portsmouth is a popular choice for pet owners because it avoids the shorter Channel crossing and the need to arrange Channel Tunnel access. The crossing takes around 24 to 32 hours depending on the route and vessel.
On most ferry crossings, pets are required to remain either in the vehicle on the car deck or in dedicated on-board kennels. They are generally not permitted in passenger cabin areas. Brittany Ferries offers pet-friendly cabin options on some routes, which allow dogs to stay in the cabin with their owners — these must be booked in advance and are subject to availability. Check the current pet policy directly with the ferry operator when booking, as policies can vary between vessels and routes.
Dangerous Dog Legislation in Spain
Spain has national-level legislation relating to certain dog breeds considered potentially dangerous, and individual Comunidades Autónomas (autonomous regions) may have their own additional rules. Before travelling with a Rottweiler, Pit Bull Terrier type, Dobermann, Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or similar breed, you should research the specific regulations in the region you plan to visit.
Requirements typically include mandatory muzzling in public spaces, keeping the dog on a lead of no more than 1.5 metres, holding a valid civil liability insurance policy, and registering the dog on the regional census of potentially dangerous dogs. Penalties for non-compliance can be significant. Contact the relevant regional authority or seek advice from a Spanish vet or legal professional if you are unsure whether your dog falls within the affected categories.
Disease Risks for Dogs in Spain
One of the most important health considerations for UK dog owners travelling to Spain is the risk of diseases that are not present in the United Kingdom. Three in particular deserve attention: leishmaniasis, heartworm, and tick-borne diseases.
Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by a parasitic organism transmitted by sandfly bites. The disease is endemic across much of Spain and is caused by Leishmania infantum. UK dogs have no natural immunity to this disease and are particularly vulnerable when visiting affected areas. The sandflies that carry the disease are active primarily at dawn and dusk during warmer months.
Prevention options include the Canileish vaccine, which is available through vets and offers a degree of protection for dogs that have tested negative for the disease. Repellent spot-on treatments and collars that deter sandflies can also reduce risk. Speak to your vet about the most appropriate preventative measures for your dog before travelling to Spain, particularly if you are visiting rural or coastal areas in the south, where transmission rates tend to be higher.
Heartworm
Heartworm, caused by Dirofilaria immitis and transmitted by mosquitoes, is not present in the UK but is found in southern Spain. It is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if untreated. Preventative treatment is available and should be discussed with your vet before travel. Treatment is typically given monthly and should ideally be started before you arrive in Spain.
Tick-Borne Diseases
Rural areas of Spain carry a higher risk of tick-borne diseases than the UK, including Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Babesia. These can cause severe illness in dogs and require prompt veterinary treatment. Use a reliable tick prevention product throughout your trip — either a spot-on treatment or a tick-repellent collar — and check your dog regularly for ticks, removing any promptly and correctly.
Hot Weather and Dog Safety in Spain
Spain's summer temperatures pose a serious risk to dogs, particularly breeds with flat faces, thick coats, or older dogs with underlying health conditions. Heat stroke can develop rapidly and is a veterinary emergency. During hot months, walk your dog only in the early morning and late evening when temperatures are lower. Never leave a dog unattended in a car, even with windows open — temperatures inside a vehicle can reach dangerous levels within minutes. Always ensure your dog has access to shade and fresh water throughout the day.
Finding Veterinary Care in Spain
Spain has a well-established network of veterinary practices, particularly in tourist areas and cities. If your dog becomes unwell during your stay, search for a local vet (veterinario) or out-of-hours emergency clinic (clínica veterinaria de urgencias). Many urban practices have English-speaking staff or can access translation support. It is worth checking whether your pet insurance policy covers veterinary costs abroad before you travel.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Spain is increasingly welcoming to pet owners, and a growing number of hotels, rural guesthouses (casas rurales), and apartment rentals accept dogs and sometimes cats. Always confirm the pet policy and any associated charges when booking, and check whether there are size or breed restrictions. Beaches in Spain vary in their dog policies — some designate pet-friendly sections while others prohibit dogs entirely during the summer season.