Key Takeaways
- Minimum timeline is 5–6 weeks if your pet needs a rabies vaccination. Vaccination must happen after microchipping, then you wait a mandatory 21 days before travel — start early.
- Dogs need tapeworm treatment within 24–120 hours before entering Spain. This must be documented by a vet — no treatment record means entry refused at the border.
- The Animal Health Certificate (AHC) replaces the EU Pet Passport for UK residents. Issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV), costs £100–200, valid for only 10 days from issue for EU entry.
- If your pet’s rabies vaccination is already current, you skip the 21-day wait and can travel within about a week once you have the AHC.
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Moving Pets to Spain from UK: Complete Guide
Brexit complicated pet travel to the EU. Here's exactly what you need to do to bring your dog or cat to Spain.
The Brexit Change
Before 2021, UK pets traveled to EU under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) with minimal fuss.
Now the UK is a "Part 2 listed third country." This means more paperwork and more planning.
The good news: It's still straightforward. Just more steps.
What You Need
1. Microchip
Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip.
Most UK pets already have this. Check your paperwork or have a vet verify.
If the chip isn't compliant, your pet needs a new one.
2. Rabies Vaccination
Requirements:
- Pet must be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated
- Vaccination must be done after microchipping
- Wait 21 days after vaccination before travel
If already vaccinated: Must be up to date. Check expiry on vaccination record.
If not vaccinated: Get it done immediately. The 21-day wait period is the main delay.
3. Tapeworm Treatment (Dogs Only)
Dogs must receive tapeworm treatment (Echinococcus) within 24-120 hours before entering Spain.
This means:
- Treated no more than 5 days before
- Treated no less than 24 hours before
- Must be documented by a vet
4. Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
This replaces the EU Pet Passport for UK residents.
What it is: Official veterinary certificate confirming your pet meets entry requirements.
Who issues it: An Official Veterinarian (OV) – your regular vet may need to refer you.
Cost: £100-£200 (vet fees vary)
Validity:
- 10 days from date of issue for entry to EU
- 4 months for onward travel within EU
- Single use (for UK to EU journey)
5. Pet Passport Option (If You Have One)
If your pet has an EU Pet Passport issued before Brexit:
- It's still valid for identification
- Still need AHC for UK to EU travel
- The passport makes return to UK easier
Timeline
Minimum Timeline: 5-6 Weeks
Week 1-2:
- Verify/get microchip
- Book rabies vaccination if needed
Week 3-4:
- 21-day wait period after vaccination
Week 5:
- Tapeworm treatment (if dog)
- Get Animal Health Certificate (1-10 days before travel)
Week 6:
- Travel
If Already Vaccinated
If your pet's rabies vaccination is current, you skip the 21-day wait:
1 week before travel:
- Verify all documents
- Book OV appointment for AHC
1-5 days before travel:
- Tapeworm treatment (dogs)
1-10 days before travel:
- Get AHC from OV
How to Get the Animal Health Certificate
Step 1: Find an Official Veterinarian
Not all vets can issue AHCs. Find an OV here:
- APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) list
- Ask your regular vet for referral
Step 2: Book Appointment
Book for 1-10 days before your travel date.
Bring:
- Pet's microchip paperwork
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Pet's regular health records
Step 3: At the Appointment
The OV will:
- Scan and verify microchip
- Check vaccination records
- Examine your pet
- Complete the AHC
Step 4: Receive Certificate
The OV completes the certificate. You get the original to travel with.
Travel Options
By Air
Most common for Spain.
Options:
- In cabin: Small pets (under ~8kg with carrier) can fly in cabin with you
- Hold: Larger pets travel as checked baggage or cargo
- Pet transport companies: Handle everything door-to-door
Airlines vary: Check pet policies for your specific airline and route.
Málaga and Alicante airports: Both receive pet flights regularly.
By Ferry + Drive
Routes:
- Portsmouth-Bilbao/Santander (Brittany Ferries)
- Plymouth-Santander (Brittany Ferries)
Advantages:
- Pet stays with you (cabins with pet access)
- No cargo hold stress
- Arrive with your car
Duration: 20-24 hours crossing, then drive south
By Car via France
Route: Eurotunnel or ferry to France, drive through France to Spain.
Advantages:
- Full control
- Pet with you entire journey
- Can stop as needed
Considerations:
- Long drive (12-20 hours depending on destination)
- France entry requirements (same as Spain)
- More tiring but less stressful for some pets
Pet Transport Companies
If you can't accompany your pet:
Services:
- Door-to-door transport
- Handle all paperwork
- Professional animal handlers
- Track pet during journey
Cost: £500-£2,000+ depending on pet size and service level
Companies: Several UK-based pet transport services specialize in Spain.
At the Spanish Border
What to Expect
When entering Spain (any entry point):
- Documents may be checked
- Pet may be scanned (verifying microchip)
- Usually a formality if paperwork is correct
If Documents Are Wrong
Problems can include:
- Quarantine (worst case)
- Return to UK (at your expense)
- Fines
This is why paperwork matters. Don't cut corners.
After Arrival in Spain
Register with Spanish Vet
Why:
- Establishes local veterinary relationship
- Needed for ongoing care
- They can help with Spanish pet requirements
Spanish Pet Registration
Some municipalities require pet registration (dogs especially).
Check with your local ayuntamiento (town hall) for requirements.
Ongoing Vaccinations
Continue rabies vaccination annually (or per vet recommendation).
Keep records for return trips to UK or onward EU travel.
Returning to UK
From Spain to UK
Requirements are simpler:
- Microchip (must match records)
- Rabies vaccination (current)
- Tapeworm treatment for dogs (1-5 days before UK arrival)
- EU Pet Passport OR AHC from Spanish vet
EU Pet Passport
If your pet doesn't have one, a Spanish vet can issue an EU Pet Passport once your pet is registered in Spain with current rabies vaccination.
This makes future UK trips easier.
Special Situations
Puppies and Kittens
Rabies vaccination only after 12 weeks old, then 21-day wait.
Minimum age for travel: Approximately 15 weeks (12 weeks + vaccination + 21 days).
Multiple Pets
Each pet needs its own:
- Microchip
- Vaccination record
- AHC (one certificate can cover multiple pets, or separate)
Airline limits: Most airlines limit pets per passenger (often 2).
Banned Breeds
Spain has restrictions on certain dog breeds (varies by autonomous community).
Andalucía: Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, and Akita Inu may require special registration, insurance, and handling requirements.
Research your specific breed before moving.
Exotic Pets
Different rules apply. Birds, reptiles, and other exotic animals have specific CITES and import requirements.
Consult specialists for non-standard pets.
Costs
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Microchip (if needed) | £10-£30 |
| Rabies vaccination | £30-£60 |
| Tapeworm treatment | £10-£30 |
| Animal Health Certificate | £100-£200 |
| Airline pet fee | £50-£300 |
| Ferry cabin with pet | £150-£300 |
| Pet transport service | £500-£2,000+ |
Budget: £200-£400 minimum for doing it yourself (plus transport).
Common Mistakes
1. Leaving Paperwork Too Late
AHC is valid only 10 days before travel. But you need vaccinations, 21-day wait, etc. Start 6+ weeks before.
2. Wrong Microchip
Some older UK chips aren't ISO compliant. Verify before you start.
3. Expired Rabies Vaccination
If your pet's vaccination lapsed, you start the 21-day wait again.
4. Missing Tapeworm Treatment
Dogs without documented tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before entry can be refused or quarantined.
5. Wrong Dates on Certificate
AHC timing is specific. Too early = invalid. Book OV appointment carefully.
Checklist
6 weeks before:
- Verify microchip compliance
- Check rabies vaccination status
- Book rabies vaccination if needed
4 weeks before:
- Vaccination done, 21-day wait begins
- Book travel (flight/ferry)
- Find Official Veterinarian for AHC
2 weeks before:
- 21-day wait complete
- Confirm OV appointment
1 week before:
- Tapeworm treatment (dogs) – schedule for 24-120 hours before entry
- OV appointment for AHC
- Final document check
Travel day:
- All documents with you
- Pet carriers ready
- Water and supplies
Related:
Related Guides
- IBI Property Tax in Spain
- Income Tax in Spain
- Modelo 720 Guide
- Spain Tax Deadlines
- How to Find a Good Gestor
- Capital Gains Tax in Spain
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the IBI rates in Mijas?
Mijas applies an IBI rate of approximately 0.54-0.72% of the cadastral value, depending on the property type and location. Rural properties (Mijas Pueblo) tend to have lower cadastral values than coastal properties (La Cala de Mijas).
Where is the Mijas tax office?
The Ayuntamiento de Mijas has offices in both Mijas Pueblo and Las Lagunas. The main tax and administrative office is at Avenida de Mejico in Las Lagunas. Tax matters can also be handled via the Sede Electronica at mijas.es.
Do I need a padron in Mijas for tax purposes?
Yes. Your empadronamiento (padron registration) at the Ayuntamiento de Mijas establishes your tax residency in the municipality. This affects your IBI rates, and it is required for many administrative procedures.
What is the plusvalia tax in Mijas?
The plusvalia municipal (Impuesto sobre el Incremento de Valor de los Terrenos de Naturaleza Urbana) is charged when you sell property. Since the 2021 reform, it is calculated using either the real gain method or the cadastral value method, whichever is lower.
Where can I find an English-speaking gestoria near Mijas?
Several gestoria offices serve the Mijas area from La Cala de Mijas and Fuengirola. See our guide to English-speaking gestorias on the Costa del Sol for vetted recommendations.
