Bringing your pets to Galicia: complete guide to importing animals from abroad

General requirements for travelling with pets to Spain

Spain is part of Regulation (EU) 576/2013 on the movement of pet animals. Requirements vary depending on whether your pet comes from an EU country or a third country like post-Brexit UK.

Regardless of origin, every pet animal (dog, cat or ferret) entering Spain must meet three fundamental requirements:

• Microchip: mandatory for electronic identification. Must be ISO 11784/11785 compatible.
• Rabies vaccination: valid and administered by an authorised vet. Must be at least 21 days old before travel.
• Passport or health certificate: issued by an official vet.

The European pet passport

If your pet already has a European pet passport issued by an EU vet, you can travel to Spain without additional paperwork. The passport must contain: animal details, microchip number, owner details, vaccination records and antiparasitic treatments.

The passport is valid for the animal's lifetime as long as vaccinations are up to date. It costs about €20-50 from any authorised EU vet.

Importing from outside the EU: step by step

1. Microchip: implant an ISO 11784/11785 microchip before any rabies vaccination.
2. Rabies vaccination: administer AFTER the microchip. Wait at least 21 days.
3. Animal Health Certificate (AHC): issued by an official vet within 10 days before travel. Valid 4 months for entry into the EU.
4. Non-commercial declaration: maximum 5 animals, not for sale.

Post-Brexit: Since 1 January 2021, UK animals need an Animal Health Certificate instead of a European passport to enter Spain. The AHC costs £100-250 and is valid for a single trip.

Airlines and routes to Galicia

Airlines generally allow pets up to 8-10 kg in the cabin (in a carrier). Larger animals travel in the hold in an IATA-approved crate (€50-200 per leg). Assistance dogs travel free in the cabin.

From the airport to the Costa da Morte: about 1 hour by car to Cee, 1h 15min to Fisterra and 1h 30min to Muxía.

Pet-friendly housing on the Costa da Morte

Finding pet-friendly accommodation on the Costa da Morte is relatively easy. Rural stone houses with land are ideal. A house with 500m² of land in Corcubión or Cee costs between €120,000 and €200,000, offering plenty of space for pets.

Veterinary clinics on the Costa da Morte

Pet insurance in Spain

Dog beaches in Galicia

Tip: The Costa da Morte has dozens of wild coves and semi-empty beaches where dogs can run freely, especially outside the summer season.

Importing from the UK post-Brexit: specific guide

Since 1 January 2021, the UK is considered a non-EU country for pet movement:

1. No more European pet passports issued in the UK.
2. You need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an official British vet within 10 days before travel.
3. AHC is valid for a single trip to the EU.
4. Cost: £100-250 per certificate.
5. Your pet must have an ISO microchip and valid rabies vaccination (21+ days before travel).

If you plan to travel frequently, get a European pet passport from a Spanish vet after your first arrival.

Checklist: prepare your pet's journey

1. Verify the ISO microchip is implanted and working
2. Check rabies vaccination is valid (21+ days before travel)
3. Obtain the European passport or Animal Health Certificate
4. Book your flight or ferry informing the company about your pet
5. Buy an IATA-approved travel crate (if travelling in the hold)
6. Visit the vet for a pre-travel check-up
7. Prepare documentation: passport/AHC, vaccination certificate, microchip proof
8. Research vets near your destination in Galicia
9. Arrange pet insurance with coverage in Spain
10. On arrival, register your pet at the local town hall