Spain is the second-most visited country in the world, after France. With over 5,000 kilometres of beaches, fabulous food and culture, and a climate that puts us in the shade, it’s not hard to see why more than 17 million Brits flocked there last year. For many, having their pet join them on holiday is something that will make the time away even more enjoyable. But how tricky is it to take your pet with you to Spain? 

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Can you travel to Spain with a pet? 

Yes, you can, but there are some considerations to bear in mind, and you’ll need to plan ahead. There are specific legal requirements, depending on where you’ve come from and how you travel.

Making travel arrangements

To get to Spain with your pet, you have a few options:

Fly 

If you are flying from the UK to Spain, certain airlines will permit you to travel with your dog in the cabin. However, the same rules do not apply in reverse, and dogs flying into the UK can only transferl as cargo, and not in the cabin (with the exception of service dogs). When you reach Spain, you can use a pet-friendly airport taxi to complete the journey, and many cities have a pet-friendly service, such as the Barcelona airport taxi. 

Drive

It’s a long journey to drive between Spain and the UK, and to get across the English Channel you’ll need to book a ferry or take the Eurostar. Pick the shortest possible crossing route, as dogs usually have to stay in the car. It will then take at least a couple of days, with plenty of scheduled comfort breaks, to drive the rest of the way to Spain. 

Ferry

You could take a ferry from the UK that goes directly to Spain. If you are taking your dog, you’ll still have to take your car, as dogs are not allowed to transferl with foot passengers. The journey takes 1-2 days, and you can stay in a pet-friendly cabin if you book well in advance.

Should I take my pet with me?

Not every pet will benefit from travelling and visiting new places. The RSPCA advises against taking cats, rabbits and small animals on holiday, as the experience is likely to be too stressful for them. You’ll also need to consider your pet’s age, health, and past experiences, as travelling can take a lot out of them. It may be preferable for your pet’s wellbeing and welfare for them to stay with a friend, pet sitter, boarding kennel, or cattery while you are away instead.

There are certain rules that must be followed when you transfer a pet abroad, which vary depending on your country of origin and your destination. 

For entry to Spain, your pet must be at least 12 weeks and 21 days old, have a microchip, rabies vaccinations and a health certificate issued by a vet. You can not take more than five pets with you when you travel, and the health certificate will only be valid for four months. If your pet needs their rabies vaccination, you must wait 21 days after the vaccination date before you get an animal health certificate, and the animal health certificate will need to be issued in the 10 days before you travel. 

Make sure you speak to your vet well in advance of your planned holiday, so they can get the ball rolling with these requirements and ensure your pet is fit and ready for the journey.

It’s also important to find a vet in Spain local to where you will be staying, in case of emergency. You’ll need to visit them to get your dog wormed (for tapeworm) between 5 days and 24 hours before you return home. 

What else do I need to think about?

It’s worth thinking about whether your holiday plans are going to be suitable for your dog’s needs. 

  • If it’s going to be hot, plan how you will keep your dog cool and protected from the heat. Be aware that certain animals and breeds are more susceptible to heat stroke. 
  • Make sure your dog is up to date with their vaccinations, flea, and worming treatments, and especially anti-sandfly treatments if needed for the destination and season.
  • Make sure you have enough medication for your dog to last the whole trip, if this is something your dog needs. 
  • Research whether the accommodation or resort is dog friendly. Will a bed, bowl, lead, and towel be provided? Where can you safely exercise your dog and allow them to go to the toilet (not forgetting to pack poo bags)! Are there dog-friendly cafes and beaches close by? Will your dog be able to be involved in planned family activities?
  • Be sure to pack some familiar smelling items for your dog, such as a toy or blanket from home. 
  • Prioritise lots of rest for your dog as holidays can be exhausting! Sticking to a routine will help them feel more reassured as well.

Further information

Further reading: