Moving to Spain With Pets (Dogs, Cats, Ferrets): Paperwork, Timelines & Common Mistakes
Moving is stressful. Moving with a pet is only stressful when the paperwork isn't done in the right order. Spain follows EU rules for 'non-commercial movement' of dogs, cats, and ferrets, plus Spain-specific entry rules—especially around rabies timing and minimum age.
Key Takeaways
Do rabies first, then count the days. The most common mistake is doing things out of order.
- For EU entry: microchip (or eligible tattoo), valid rabies vaccine, EU pet passport
- Spain does not allow entry of dogs/cats/ferrets under 15 weeks old
- From non-EU: EU animal health certificate + non-commercial declaration required
- From rabies-risk countries: antibody titration test + 3-month wait period
- Up to 5 pets allowed for non-commercial movement
Moving to Spain from Another EU Country
If you're relocating from within the EU, Spain's Ministry of Agriculture lists the essentials for dogs, cats, and ferrets:
Microchip Identification
Identified with a microchip, or a tattoo only if done before 3 July 2011 and still readable.
Rabies Vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination at travel time, recorded in the passport. Vaccine becomes valid 21 days after first dose.
EU Pet Passport
A European (EU) pet passport with key sections completed by an authorised vet.
Minimum Age: 15 Weeks
Pets under 15 weeks are not authorised to enter Spain. Rabies minimum age is 12 weeks + 21 days for validity.
Moving to Spain from the UK, USA, or Other Non-EU Countries
The EU and Spain describe a different document set for entry from a "third country" (non-EU):
EU Animal Health Certificate
Obtained from an official state vet not more than 10 days before arrival. This is the core document for non-EU entry.
Non-Commercial Declaration
A written declaration that the movement is non-commercial (not for sale or transfer of ownership).
Designated Entry Points
For certain cases, you must enter through a designated travellers' point of entry and declare you're travelling with a pet.
Without EU pet passport: You'll need the animal health certificate + declaration + a certified copy of identification and vaccination data.
Coming from a "Rabies-Risk" (Non-Listed) Country
If your pet is coming from a country not listed in the EU Annex (rabies-risk countries), the planning timeline is significantly longer:
Rabies Serological Test
Done in an EU-approved laboratory after vaccination.
Blood Sample Timing
Blood sample taken at least 30 days after vaccination (for first vaccination).
3-Month Waiting Period
Entry authorised only after 3 months from the blood sample date.
This is the #1 reason people miss their move date. When you add all steps together, the minimum age can end up around 7 months. Start planning early.
Timeline Checklist: What to Do and When
Use this as a planning sequence (not legal advice—always verify based on where you're travelling from):
8–12+ Weeks Before Travel
Microchip (or confirm eligible tattoo), then rabies vaccination planning (minimum age applies).
After Primary Rabies Shot
Wait the required time for validity (Spain specifies 21 days after vaccination for validity).
If Coming from Non-Listed Country
Schedule antibody test steps early and factor the 3-month wait after blood sample.
Close to Departure (Non-EU)
Arrange the EU animal health certificate + non-commercial declaration within 10 days of travel.
Moving Day and Arrival: Reduce Border Friction
What usually causes trouble at arrival isn't one big issue—it's missing one small item (a date, a stamp, or the wrong document). Carry a simple "border pack":
For EU Moves
- EU pet passport
- Microchip number matches document
- Rabies record is current
For Non-EU Moves
- EU animal health certificate
- Non-commercial declaration
- Certified ID & vaccination copies
- Antibody test results (if applicable)
How Insurance Fits In
This guide is about entry and relocation—not vet cover. Still, once you're settled, most expats want two separate protections:
Pet Insurance (Vet Cover)
Covers vet costs, illness, and accidents. Usually "pet insurance" style cover.
Third-Party Liability
If your pet causes damage or injury. Often included via home insurance liability cover.
Expert reviewed
Written and reviewed by licensed insurance agents Maya Kallio and Marco Elsinger, who have helped over 15,000 expats in Spain since 2012.
Maya Kallio
Licensed Insurance Agent
Since 2012
Marco Elsinger
Licensed Insurance Agent
10+ years
Languages: English, Finnish, Spanish, German
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Check these answers or get in touch.
Can my puppy or kitten enter Spain before 15 weeks of age?
No. Spain's Ministry of Agriculture states that dogs, cats, and ferrets under 15 weeks are not authorised to enter Spain, because the minimum age for rabies vaccination is 12 weeks and the vaccine only becomes valid after 21 days. If you're planning a move with a young animal, your timeline needs to start from the rabies rules—not from your flight date.
What documents do I need if I'm moving from the UK or another non-EU country?
For non-EU moves, you generally need an EU animal health certificate (obtained shortly before arrival) plus a written non-commercial declaration. Spain adds that where there is no EU pet passport, you'll need the animal health certificate + declaration + certified copy of ID and rabies vaccination data, and entry may need to be via designated travellers' points of entry.
When do I need a rabies antibody (titration) test?
If you're coming from a country not listed under the EU rules (rabies-risk countries), Spain requires a rabies serological test in an approved lab. Blood sampling happens at least 30 days after vaccination, and entry is authorised only after 3 months from the sample date. Start planning months ahead if your departure country is non-listed.
How many pets can I bring when relocating to Spain?
Under EU rules, you can travel with up to five pets (dogs, cats, or ferrets) for non-commercial movement. If there are more than five, you're usually pushed into a stricter import-style process unless a specific exception applies (like a competition/exhibition scenario).
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