From April 2026, the EU rules on pet travel will change in Spain

On April 22, the legal framework for travelling with companion animals within the European Union will be changed. This new framework applies to all EU member states including Spain. This update comes after the European Commission adopted a Delegated Regulation, which revised the rules of what EU law defines. Non-commercial movement of companion animals.

The basis of the regulation is the EU Animal Health Law The new system, which was adopted in 2016, replaces in practice the previous one that governed pet travel in 2013. This new law applies to dogs and cats as well as ferrets and some pet birds. It harmonises the requirements for documentation, vaccination and identification when animals travel between countries.

The changes were made in conjunction with a political agreement that was reached between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on a more comprehensive regulation to strengthen animal welfare and improve traceability as well as combating illegal breeding of dogs and cats. Together, these measures are the most significant update in pet travel rules for EU countries since more than a ten-year period.

What has changed since 22 April

The new Delegated Regulation comes into force on April 21, 2014, when the transitional phase for Regulation (EU 576/2013 expires. On April 21, 2014, the non-commercial movements in Europe of companion animals are governed by one single legal act.

Dogs, cats, and other ferrets that travel between EU states must meet the same basic requirements. Animals must either be identified by a readable chip or a tattoo, applied before July 2011. They must also have a valid Rabies vaccination. Dogs are allowed to enter certain countries without rabies. Echinococcus multilocularis The existing requirement for documentation of anti-parasitic treatments continues to apply.

The regulation confirms, too, that the maximum number of dogs or cats per trip for non-commercial purposes is five. The stricter commercial rules apply to movements above this number, unless they are in a narrowly defined circumstance such as participating in a competition or sporting event.

Restrictions on entry for non-EU citizens

This regulation strengthens the role played by the official animal welfare authority when dogs, ferrets, and cats enter the EU via a third-country. A veterinarian’s certificate is a valid document.. This document confirms identification, rabies immunization, or any other requirements. Echinococcus The movement must be non-commercial and not for commercial purposes. Its validity generally is limited to 6 months after entry into the EU.

The animal must be from a country where there have not been any rabies reports in the last 30 days. A primary rabies vaccine must have been given at least 21 day before departure unless it has been properly revaccinated.

Protecting your pet birds from avian flu

Pet birds from outside the EU are subject to stricter restrictions. The number of birds that can be transported by non-commercial means is limited to five per trip. Above this threshold, the movement will be treated as an imported captive bird, triggering border checks and significantly more stringent requirements.

Birds should be uniquely identified by a system that uses a permanent alphanumeric code. In order to reduce the risks of avian flu, the regulation allows a combination measures depending on the origin of the bird and veterinary authority guidelines. This includes pre-travel isolation and laboratory testing for highly susceptible birds. pathogenic H5 and H7 subtypes, After arrival at the premises of the owner, quarantine can be for 30 days either in isolation or an approved facility.

Question of Advance Digital Registration

Several media reports suggested that pre-registration would be required for all pet travels. The legal position is nuanced. The Delegated Regulation does not require a digital preregistration to be made for each journey.

The separate political agreement between the Council and European Parliament regarding a regulation on the welfare and traceability for dogs and cats envisages the creation a system at EU level to record noncommercial movements. This draft text mentions the registration of movements up to five days in advance. However, it hasn’t been adopted formally and its technical operation is still to be defined.

Shortly, digital advance registration is a part of EU policy, but is not yet required for routine travel in the EU.

What does this mean for the Spanish people?

The practical guide for residents of Spain Traveling with pets: What you need to know remain familiar. To travel to and from Spain, cats and dogs must be microchipped. Rabies vaccines are required, as well as the necessary documentation.

Pet owners entering or leaving Spain from an EU member state might face extra administrative steps once the new regulations take effect. This is if EU-level systems come into operation. The Spanish authorities are responsible for integrating updated rules into the national procedures and issuing guidelines.

The changes will be especially relevant to expats who frequently travel across borders, whether it is back to their home country or travel within the EU. Visitors to Spain who bring pets with them will still be subject to the existing entry requirements. Any future registration requirements will apply equally to both visitors and residents.

Why rules are changing

The European Commission has expressed persistent concerns over illegal breeding and trade, which are often made possible by gaps in national systems. The aim of a stronger traceability is to assist authorities in detecting suspicious movements, while improving animal welfare. “One Health” A new approach to reducing the zoonotic threat in an era with increased travel.

The Delegated Regulation regarding animal health requirements in non-commercial movement of companion animals was published by the Council of the European Union as an official document. Further guidance is expected from Spanish authorities closer to the date of its implementation.