Relocation Guides
Moving to Spain with pets
The broader relocation planning involved in bringing a pet, beyond the entry paperwork itself.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15Start pet-specific preparation at the same time as your own — some requirements (like a rabies antibody titre test from certain countries) need to be completed months before travel.
This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.
Overview
Bringing a pet to Spain involves more than just the entry requirements — travel logistics, finding pet-friendly housing, and helping your pet settle in all need planning. This guide covers the wider picture; for the specific microchip, vaccination and paperwork requirements, see our dedicated guide to bringing pets to Spain.
Requirements
- Relevant to anyone relocating to Spain with a dog, cat or other pet
Step-by-step process
- Start the entry-requirement process (microchip, rabies vaccination, and any required blood tests) well in advance — see our detailed guide, since timing requirements can take months for some countries
- Research pet-friendly housing early, since not all Spanish rentals accept pets, and some that do have size or breed restrictions
- Plan your pet's actual travel — check your airline's specific pet policy (cabin vs. hold, carrier requirements, size limits) well before booking
- Once in Spain, register your pet in your municipality's animal census and find a local vet (see our guides to registering your pet and finding a veterinarian)
- Give your pet time to adjust to a new climate, home and routine — plan for a settling-in period rather than expecting an immediate smooth transition
Required documents
- EU pet passport or veterinary health certificate, depending on origin
- Proof of microchip and valid rabies vaccination
- Airline-specific documentation, if travelling by air
Common mistakes
- Booking housing before confirming it accepts pets, then having to search again under time pressure
- Leaving airline pet policy research until close to the flight, when cabin space for pets is often limited and books up early
Practical tips
- Search specifically for 'pet-friendly' listings when house-hunting, and confirm pet policy directly with landlords even when listings don't mention it either way
- Spain's warmer climate in much of the country may require an adjustment period for pets from cooler countries — ask your vet about specific precautions
How Tuchati can help
If you're coordinating a family move that includes pets, Tuchati can help you sequence the pet-specific and personal steps together.