How to Take Your Dog to Spain: A Complete Guide for Stress-Free Travel
January 26, 2025 | by grcirva
Are you dreaming of moving or travelling to Spain with your furry companion? Taking your dog to Spain requires careful planning, from flights and costs to import regulations and pet-friendly accommodations. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about safely and stress-free flying your dog to Spain.
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1. Understanding Spain’s Pet Import Rules 📜
Before booking your flight, you must understand Spain’s pet travel regulations. Here’s what you need to prepare:
✔️ Microchip Identification – Your dog must have an ISO 11784/11785-compliant 15-digit microchip.
✔️ Rabies Vaccination – Your dog must be vaccinated at least 21 days before travel.
✔️ Pet Passport or Health Certificate – Your pet passport is sufficient if you’re from an EU country. If you are from a non-EU country, you’ll need an official veterinary health certificate.
✔️ Tapeworm Treatment (If Required) – This is only mandatory for dogs travelling from certain countries like the UK.
2. Flying to Spain with Your Dog: Airlines & Rules ✈️🐕
There are several ways to fly to Spain with a dog, and each airline has its pet policies.
🐾 In-Cabin Travel (For Small Dogs)
- Some airlines allow small dogs (under 8 kg, including carriers) in the cabin.
- Your pet must stay inside an airline-approved carrier under the seat before you.
🐶 Checked Baggage (For Medium & Large Dogs)
- If your dog is between 8-32 kg, they may fly as checked baggage in a ventilated hold.
🐕 Cargo Travel (For Large Breeds)
- Dogs over 32 kg travel in the cargo hold, which is temperature-controlled and pressurized.
Best Airlines for Dog Travel to Spain
✈️ Iberia – Allows pets in the cabin up to 8 kg; larger dogs fly in cargo.
✈️ Air Europa – Accepts dogs in-cabin and as checked baggage.
✈️ Lufthansa – Great for pet travel with excellent animal welfare policies.
💡 Pro Tip: Always confirm the airline’s pet travel policies before booking, as they change frequently.
3. Cost of Taking a Dog to Spain 💰
Flying a dog to Spain has costs that vary based on airline, route, and pet size. Here’s an estimated breakdown:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| In-Cabin Flight | 50 – 150 |
| Checked Baggage | 100 – 300 |
| Cargo Transport | 300 – 1,000 |
| Pet Passport (EU) | 50 – 100 |
| Veterinary Health Certificate (Non-EU) | 100 – 250 |
| Microchip + Rabies Vaccine | 50 – 100 |
💡 Total Estimated Cost: €200 – €1,500, depending on travel method.
4. Transporting Dogs to Spain: Alternatives to Flying 🚗🚢
If you prefer not to fly your dog to Spain, there are alternative transport options:
🚗 Driving to Spain with Your Dog – If you’re travelling from a nearby country like France or Portugal, you can take a road trip with your pet. Just ensure your car is well-ventilated and make frequent stops.
🚢 Ferry to Spain with a Dog – Some ferry companies allow dogs on board, either in pet-friendly cabins or designated kennel areas. Popular ferry routes include the UK to Spain (Brittany Ferries).
5. What to Pack for Your Dog’s Spain Adventure 🎒🐶
Pack these essentials for a smooth journey:
✔️ Travel Crate (Airline-Approved)
✔️ Collapsible Water & Food Bowls
✔️ Dog Food & Treats
✔️ Leash & Harness
✔️ Pet Passport & Health Documents
✔️ Calming Products (If Needed)
6. Arriving in Spain: What Happens at Customs? 🇪🇸
Once you land in Spain, customs officers may check your dog’s:
📜 Microchip & Passport
💉 Rabies Vaccination Records
🔍 Health Certificate (For Non-EU Arrivals)
If everything is in order, you can enjoy Spain with your pup!
7. Dog-Friendly Spain: Where to Stay & What to Do 🏨🐾
Spain is a pet-friendly country with dog-friendly hotels, beaches, and parks. Here are top places to explore:
🏖️ Dog-Friendly Beaches:
- Playa Canina de Agua Amarga (Alicante)
- Playa de Llevant (Barcelona)
🌳 Best Dog Parks:
- Parque Juan Carlos I (Madrid)
- Parc de la Ciutadella (Barcelona)
🏡 Dog-Friendly Hotels:
- Petit Palace Hotels (Multiple Cities)
- Barceló Hotels (Pet-friendly branches)
Final Thoughts: Is Taking Your Dog to Spain Worth It?
Absolutely! While it takes planning, bringing your dog to Spain is an amazing experience for both of you. Make sure to follow travel regulations, choose the best transport option, and explore Spain’s dog-friendly spots for an unforgettable adventure.
🚀 Ready to Fly to Spain with Your Dog? Let us know in the comments!
Additional FAQs About Taking a Dog to Spain
1. Can I bring multiple dogs to Spain at once?
You can bring up to five pets per person if they meet all health and documentation requirements. If you get more than five dogs, the move may be classified as a commercial import, requiring extra paperwork.
2. Do I need a pet passport to take my dog to Spain?
- EU travelers: A valid EU pet passport is required.
- Non-EU travelers (USA, UK, etc.): A veterinary health certificate (endorsed by an official vet) is necessary instead of a pet passport.
3. How far in advance should I prepare for taking my dog to Spain?
Start the process at least 3–4 months in advance to:
✅ Get your dog microchipped
✅ Administer the rabies vaccine (21+ days before travel)
✅ Obtain the health certificate or pet passport
4. Can I take my dog to Spain without a rabies vaccine?
No. Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs entering Spain. The vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel and recorded in your pet's health certificate or passport.
5. Are there breed restrictions for bringing dogs into Spain?
Spain does not ban breeds, but some "potentially dangerous" breeds (e.g., Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans) require:
- A special license
- Liability insurance
- Leashing and muzzling in public places
6. Can I take my dog to Spain by train or bus?
🚄 Trains: Spain's Renfe trains allow small pets (under 10 kg) in a carrier, but large dogs are usually prohibited.
🚌 Buses: Most intercity buses do not allow dogs, except for guide dogs.
7. Is Spain's climate safe for all dog breeds?
Spain's hot summers can be challenging, especially for brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs. To keep your dog safe:
🌡 Avoid midday heat
💦 Ensure constant hydration
❄ Use air conditioning when indoors
8. What should I do if my pet gets anxious during travel?
To reduce travel stress:
🐶 Familiarize your dog with its travel crate in advance
🛫 Take short trips before the flight to ease anxiety
🌿 Use vet-approved calming aids (pheromone sprays, supplements, etc.)
9. Can I return my dog to my home country after visiting Spain?
Yes, but each country has re-entry requirements. If returning to the UK or another country, ensure your dog has:
✅ A valid rabies vaccination
✅ A microchip
✅ Tapeworm treatment (if required by your home country)
10. What happens if my dog's paperwork is incomplete upon arrival in Spain?
If your dog's documents are missing or incorrect, Spanish customs may:
🚫 Deny entry to your pet
📍 Place your pet in quarantine
📄 Require additional paperwork before release
📌 Tip: Always double-check all pet documents with your vet before traveling to avoid issues.
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