Bringing your pet from the UK to Spain in 2026

Bringing a pet from the UK to Spain is very doable — but the post-Brexit rules catch many owners out, because the old EU Pet Passport is no longer valid for journeys starting in the UK.

What you now need

• An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) — issued by an official vet within 10 days of travel. It covers a single journey and is valid for onward EU travel for four months.
• A microchip to ISO standard 11784/11785, fitted before or at the same time as the rabies jab.
• A valid rabies vaccination, with a minimum 21-day wait after a first vaccination before you can travel.

Entry and the official vet

Because the UK is now a "third country," pets must enter Spain through a designated Border Inspection Post (BIP) — not every airport or port qualifies. And the AHC must be issued by an APHA-registered Official Veterinarian (OV), whose appointments book up fast, so plan well ahead.

Once you're here

In Spain, you'll also want to register your pet locally and find a good vet. I can help you map out the timeline, gather the right documents, and recommend an excellent local vet — so the move is calm for you and your animal.