Moving to Spain with a Pet: A Complete Guide

Spain is a fantastic destination for pet owners. With a relaxed attitude toward dogs, it offers plenty of open spaces, pet-friendly cafes, and stunning beaches where your pet can enjoy a great quality of life. Many cities, like Barcelona and Madrid, have large green areas for dogs to roam, and pets are welcome in most public transportation systems. If you're relocating with a dog, cat, or other pets, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for adventure and companionship. However, as with any international move, there are specific regulations to follow regarding pet transportation, vaccinations, and residency. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know for a seamless transition to Spain with your pet.

Bringing Your Pet to Spain: Rules and Regulations

When moving to Spain with a pet, it’s essential to comply with European Union regulations. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• Microchip: Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip.
• Vaccinations: Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before entering Spain.
• EU Pet Passport or Health Certificate: If traveling from an EU country, your pet needs an EU pet passport. For non-EU countries, a veterinary health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian is necessary.
• Tapeworm Treatment: This is mandatory for certain pets, such as dogs, when traveling from high-risk countries.
• Dangerous Breeds: If you own a breed classified as “dangerous,” you’ll need additional permits and must register the pet with local authorities.

Pet Relocation Services

Handling the logistics of moving a pet can be stressful, but professional relocation services can help ease the burden. Here are some trusted companies that specialize in transporting pets to Spain:

• Pet Air UK
• Animalcouriers
• PetRelocation
• Four Paws International
• Euro Pet Transport

These companies will manage all the paperwork, flight bookings, and quarantine regulations, where applicable.

Finding Pet-Friendly Accommodation

Spain has many pet-friendly accommodation options, from short-term rentals to long-term housing. Websites like Airbnb and Booking.com allow you to filter for pet-friendly properties. However, it's always best to confirm with the landlord or property owner to avoid any surprises.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Spain

Spain is home to some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Europe. Whether you're in coastal cities or remote islands, your pet can enjoy the sand and sea. Some of the best dog-friendly beaches include:

• Costa Brava: Playa de la Rubina (Castelló d'Empúries), Playa de Can Pere (Tossa de Mar)
• Costa Blanca: Playa del Albir (Alfaz del Pi)
• Malaga: Playa de la Cala del Moral
• Canary Islands: Playa de la Tejita (Tenerife), Playa de Las Canteras (Gran Canaria)
• Balearic Islands: Playa de Son Bauló (Mallorca)

Always check local regulations, as some beaches have seasonal restrictions or specific areas designated for dogs.

Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails

Spain’s diverse landscape is perfect for outdoor adventures with your pet. Here are some popular pet-friendly hiking trails across the country:

• Sierra de Guadarrama (Madrid): Mountain trails with spectacular views, suitable for active dogs.
• Picos de Europa (Asturias/Cantabria): Majestic mountain paths with lush forests and rivers.
• La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park (Catalonia): Scenic trails with unique volcanic landscapes.
• Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park (Almería): Coastal paths offering panoramic ocean views.

Veterinary Services & Emergency Clinics

It's important to have access to reliable veterinary care in Spain. Here are some emergency vet clinics in key regions:

• Madrid: Hospital Veterinario de Madrid
• Barcelona: Clínico Veterinario de Barcelona
• Valencia: Clínica Veterinaria Avenida de las Cortes
• Malaga: Hospital Veterinario Costa del Sol
• Seville: Hospital Veterinario San Bernardo

Pet Insurance in Spain

Pet insurance can help you cover unexpected veterinary costs. Some popular providers in Spain include:

• Mapfre Pet Insurance
• Fidelidade Pet Insurance
• RGA Seguros Pet Insurance
• Linea Directa Pet Insurance

It’s worth comparing policies to find the best fit for your pet’s needs, especially considering different levels of coverage.

Adopting a Dog in Spain

If you’re interested in adopting a pet in Spain, there are numerous shelters where you can give a dog a second chance. Some of the well-known ones include:

• Fundación Affinity (Barcelona)
• Asociación Nacional Amigos de los Animales (Madrid)
• Refugio de Animales de Cádiz
• SOS Animal (Malaga)

Adopting from a shelter can be a great way to help reduce pet overpopulation and provide a loving home to a dog in need.

Special Regulations for Dangerous Dog Breeds

In Spain, certain breeds are considered "potentially dangerous" and have stricter regulations. These breeds include:

• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Rottweiler
• Pit Bull Terrier
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Tosa Inu

Owners of these breeds must meet specific ownership requirements, such as being over 18 years old, not having a criminal record, and securing third-party liability insurance. Additionally, the pet must be muzzled and leashed in public, and a special license must be obtained through local municipal authorities. This license must be renewed annually.

Using the DogPack App

The DogPack app is a great resource for dog owners moving to Portugal. It helps you locate dog-friendly parks, beaches, hiking trails, and pet services across the country. It also allows users to connect with other dog owners and share recommendations, making it an essential tool for pet lovers in Portugal.

Useful Spanish Phrases for Pet Owners

If you're new to Spain, knowing some basic phrases can make it easier to communicate with vets, landlords, and fellow pet owners. Here are a few useful phrases:

• Mi perro es amigable (Is my dog friendly?)
• ¿Puedo traer a mi perro? (Can I bring my dog?)
• ¿Dónde está la clínica veterinaria más cercana? (Where is the nearest veterinary clinic?)
• Mi perro necesita un veterinario. (My dog needs a vet.)
• ¿Hay alguna playa para perros cerca? (Is there a dog-friendly beach nearby?)

Final Thoughts

Spain is a wonderful country for pet owners, with numerous opportunities for enjoying outdoor activities with your furry friend. By taking the necessary steps for your pet’s documentation, securing pet-friendly accommodation, and knowing the best places for vet care and recreation, you can enjoy a smooth and rewarding relocation to Spain with your pet.