If you buy a house in Spain and you want to bring your pet…

16.11.2022

It is increasingly common that when you buy a house in Spain you want to take your pet with you to your new home. That is all possible, but you must take into account all laws and regulations that are different in Spain than in, for example, the UK.

Bringing dogs (perros) and cats (gatos) to Spain

Spain has been a moderately dog-friendly country in recent years, because more than 125,000 dogs and cats are abandoned every year, but the Spaniard is becoming increasingly fond of their dog or cat, which is now also lovingly cared for. This is also evident from the growth of pet shops and veterinary practices that can be found in all the small villages of Spain.

There are also more and more holiday homes, B&Bs, campsites (if leashed) and hotels where you can bring your pet. In some cases you have to pay something extra if you are allowed to bring your pet. As in the Netherlands and Belgium, a dog is prohibited in a restaurant, but there are restaurant owners who allow this despite everything. If you go to a terrace, a dog is often allowed, but there are exceptions where a dog is not welcome.

In general, dogs are not welcome on the beaches on the Spanish coasts unless it is a dog beach that you find more and more. If you do take your dog to the beach and you are stopped by the police, they can give you a hefty fine. In the natural parks of Spain, your dog can run around to its heart's content unless it is explicitly stated that this is not allowed.

Traveling with the dog in public transport is almost impossible in Spain, but it is getting better. In some cities it is allowed to travel in public transport such as city buses and the metro, but there are also rules attached to this. This is only allowed at certain times of the day and only in the back of the bus or metro. Dogs must be on a leash, have a chip and wear a muzzle if necessary. In addition, only one dog per passenger is allowed to travel on the bus or metro.

If you want to transport your dog in the car, the dog must wear a special dog seat belt in the back seat or be behind a fence in the boot. As always, dogs should not be left in the car for too long in the sweltering sun. The police can act if the dog is left in a hot car for too long.

Spanish taxi drivers can refuse dogs in their taxi. Of course, this does not apply to guide dogs for the blind. If you are traveling by plane, you must report a number of days in advance that a dog will be taken with you. Not all airlines allow traveling with pets in the cabin or cargo hold. Check the airline websites for an explanation or otherwise call customer service.

You can request an EU pet passport for your dog and/or cat from the vet, which you will need if you want to take your pet to Spain. This EU pet passport contains a description of the animal, the name and address of the owner, the chip number and proof of vaccination against rabies. There is also room in the passport for a health certificate and other treatments or vaccinations.

Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies (rabies vaccination) at least 21 days before the flight. Your vet will inform you about these vaccinations and chip. Dogs and cats do not have to be quarantined in Spain.

Spain is a risk area, your dog or cat can get sick during the holidays as a result of tick or insect bites. For measures, contact the vet at least 4 weeks before departure. It can get very hot in Spain and the temperature can rise considerably in the summer. A dog can quickly overheat on a walk. So always provide enough water and cooling.

The High Risk Dogs have been given the name "perros potencialmente peligrosas" (PPP) in Spain and there are different rules attached to it. For Spain, PPP dogs are these breeds: Pitbull, Dogo Argentino, Rottweiler, Fila Brasiliero, American Staffordshire terrier, Tosa Inu and Akita Inu.

In the Netherlands there is talk of exempting dogs with a pedigree, this is not the case in Spain. Spanish law states that “pets that do not belong to any of the above breeds but that meet all or most of the following characteristics” are also covered by this law.

These are the features:

• All dogs with strongly developed muscles, a powerful, robust appearance and an athletic build and strength and stamina.
• High market value and a characteristic temperament.
• Short-haired.
• Height at the withers between 50 and 70 cm and a chest circumference between 60 and 80 cm, and weight above 20 kilos.
• Large, rectangular head with broad skull and strongly developed cheek and jaw muscles, large and strong jaws and large and powerful muzzle.
• Broad, muscular and short neck, broad and muscular chest, with well-developed ribs and a forelockerd body, Parallel, powerful and muscular front legs and very muscular hind legs.

It is recommended to contact the Spanish embassy if you want to bring one of these dogs with you.

So if you buy a house in Spain and you want to take your pet with you, let yourself be informed in advance.