Traveling with a dog around Europe is becoming increasingly popular, and Spain is one of the favorite destinations, especially during the winter-spring season. However, before you decide to travel to Spain with your dog, it's worth carefully planning your trip, understanding local regulations, and finding out what challenges you might encounter.
Is traveling to Spain with a dog a good idea? What is it like to rent an apartment with a dog? How to transport a dog in Spain and avoid problems? We answer these and other questions in this practical guide!
Entering Spain with a dog – required documents and regulations
If you plan to transport your dog to Spain, you must meet several conditions specified in EU regulations:
✅ Dog passport – issued by a veterinarian with vaccination records (quarantine period below)
✅ ISO 11784/11785 microchip – mandatory for all dogs traveling in Europe
✅ Rabies vaccination – must be done at least 21 days before departure (applies to the first vaccination or if there was no continuity in vaccinations)
Additional preparation:
✅ Translate the most important information about the dog from its health book into Spanish – veterinarians often don't speak English
✅ Prepare a list of veterinary clinics at your place of stay with addresses, phone numbers, and opening hours
✅ Pack a first aid kit for your dog – elastic bandages, anti-parasitic agents, electrolytes, diarrhea medication, anti-inflammatory preparations, tick removers. It's always good to have the most necessary items with you.
Please note! If your dog has already been vaccinated against rabies and the subsequent vaccination was performed before the previous one expired, it can enter Spain without a 21-day waiting period.
Vaccinations and health risks in Spain
Traveling to Spain with a dog is not just about documents – it's worth thinking about additional prophylaxis.
✅ Leishmaniasis – a serious disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Use Scalibor collars, Advantix drops, or vaccinate your dog before departure (in Poland, we don't routinely vaccinate against leishmaniasis)
✅ Parasites and ticks – in the warm climate of Spain, tick infestations are higher than in Poland.
✅ Pine processionary caterpillars (Spanish "orugas") – are dangerous for dogs! Their hairs cause tissue necrosis, can lead to severe allergies, necrosis, and ultimately the dog's death. Avoid pine forests in spring (January to May); there are often warning signs. On sidewalks, you might observe a "procession" of caterpillars. If your dog comes into contact with them, do not rub the area yourself – immediately contact a veterinarian.
✅ Rabies antibody titration – not required for entry into Spain, but it's worth doing, it's a blood test.
Are there any dogs that cannot be transported to Spain?
Spain has a list of PPP (Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos) breeds, meaning dogs considered potentially dangerous.
Breeds subject to restrictions:
Pit Bull Terrier
Rottweiler
Dogo Argentino
Akita Inu
Tosa Inu
American Staffordshire Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Fila Brasileiro
If your dog is on the PPP list:
✔️ You must have a license to own a dog of this breed (issued in Spain).
✔️ The dog must wear a muzzle and a leash no longer than 2 meters in public places.
✔️ Owner's third-party liability insurance is required for the dog.
Some regions may have additional restrictions, so it's worth checking before you go!
Transporting a dog to Spain – car, plane, train
By car
Traveling by car with a dog to Spain is a convenient option, especially if you plan a longer stay.
✔️ Spanish regulations clearly state that a dog in a car must be in a carrier, secured with a seat belt, or separated from the front seats by a grille.
✔️ In Spain, it is forbidden to transport a dog loose in a car – violating the regulations can result in a fine of up to 500€.
✔️ We encourage you to read our guide on how to prepare for a long car trip with a dog HERE
By plane
If you have a dog under 8kg, some airlines allow you to fly with your dog on board (in a carrier of appropriate dimensions).
✔️ Example airlines: Lot, Lufthansa, Iberia, AirFrance
✔️ Layover – check if the airport has a "Pet Relief Area" or the possibility to go out with your dog.
By train to Spain
✔️ On international lines, dogs must have a mileage ticket purchased – you don't buy a regular ticket for them like in Poland.
✔️ On Renfe trains in Spain, only dogs up to 8 kg and in a carrier can be transported.
Please note! Uber Pets in Spain – the service is poorly developed, even in large cities.
Dog health insurance in Spain – why is it a necessity?
Spaniards have a different approach to raising dogs – often dogs run loose unsupervised, and the owner walks dozens of meters away, talking on the phone. In many cases, loose dogs can be aggressive, leading to frequent bites.
How to avoid problems?
✔️ Check if the place you are going to for a trip is popular for Spanish dog owners where dogs are loose (Facebook groups, ask locals for advice, e.g., in a hotel, restaurant)
✔️ Avoid popular dog walking areas if your dog is not sociable.
Where to buy dog insurance?
✅ Poland:
Generali – "Mój Pupil" (My Pet) – it's worth checking if it covers treatment abroad.
PZU – "Pies i Kot w Podróży" (Dog and Cat in Travel) – may cover treatment costs in the EU.
✅ Spain:
Barkibu.com – easy online registration.
Mapfre, Petplan, Caser Seguros – local insurance companies.
If your dog gets bitten, insurance will cover the treatment costs. In Spain, vet prices are higher than in Poland!
Renting an apartment and accommodation with a dog in Spain
Spaniards are reluctant to rent apartments to people with dogs. In many listings, you will see the annotation "no mascotas" – meaning dogs are not allowed. However, there are more and more such places – always make sure before booking.
A perfect option for traveling with dogs might be a camper van. Independence and freedom are tempting. Just remember that in Spain, you cannot camp "in the wild" – you have to use designated areas (campsites or marked spots).
Planning a trip to Spain with your dog? Watch our live stream
We discuss the details with Ania (@zbusowani) who travels around Europe in a campervan with her family and three dogs, and Iza, a resident of Madrid and a frequent traveler with her dog in Spain.
