Quick Summary

To take your dog to Spain, you must:

• Microchip your dog

• Get a valid rabies vaccination

• Wait 21 days

• Get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) within 10 days of travel

• Travel to Spain

• Get tapeworm treatment before returning to the UK​

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Step-by-Step: UK to Spain Dog Travel

1. Rabies Vaccination (Start here)

Your dog must be:

• Microchipped

• Vaccinated against rabies

Dogs can be vaccinated from 12 weeks old, and you must wait 21 days before travel.

Most rabies vaccines last 3 years, so it’s worth doing early.

Typical cost: £50–£90

 

2. Plan Your Route to Spain

Most UK pet owners travel by car:

• Eurotunnel (Folkestone to Calais)

• Ferry to France + drive

• Direct ferry to Spain

Flights are rarely practical due to restrictions on dogs entering the UK.

Choose routes carefully — some ferries allow pet cabins, others require dogs to stay in vehicles.

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3. Get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

An Animal Health Certificate is essential for travel to the EU.

You must:

• Get it within 10 days of departure

• Have had rabies at least 21 days before

• Visit an Official Veterinarian

Key facts:

• Covers up to 5 pets

• Valid for 6 months in the EU

• Single-use only (new one needed each trip)

This is where most people go wrong — errors can stop you boarding.

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4. Travel to Spain

Once your AHC is issued, you must travel within 10 days.

At the border:

• Microchip will be scanned

• Documents checked

After entry, your AHC allows travel across the EU.

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5. Tapeworm Treatment (Before Coming Home)

Before returning to the UK:

• Must be done 1–5 days before arrival

• Must be given by an EU vet

• Must be recorded in your AHC

Missing this can result in being refused entry into the UK.

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6. Return to the UK

At the UK border, officials check:

• Tapeworm treatment timing

• AHC completion

Once approved, you’re good to go.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Getting the AHC too early

• Missing the 21-day rabies wait

• Incorrect tapeworm timing

• Using an expired rabies vaccine

• Errors on the AHC

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Protecting Your Dog in Spain

Spain has additional parasite risks:

• Leishmaniasis (spread by sandflies)

• Heartworm (spread by mosquitoes)

• Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis (spread by ticks)

Speak to your vet about prevention before travel.

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Travelling by Car with a Dog

• Use a harness or seatbelt (legal requirement in Spain)

• Bring water and a non-spill bowl

• Take regular breaks

• Avoid feeding right before travel

• Never leave your dog in a hot car

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Need an Animal Health Certificate?

We offer low-cost, vet-issued Animal Health Certificates across the UK, with flexible appointments designed around your travel date.

• Book online in minutes

• Fast turnaround

• Experienced Official Veterinarians

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Contact Us if you have any further questions, our RCVS registered Official Veterinarians are on hand to offer you obligation free expert advice!

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Written by Dr Ezekiel Maguire MRCVS

Official Veterinarian and Founder of The Pet Passport Co.