
If you want to take your dog to the beach, find out in advance where you can play without obstacles or hassle with your furry friend. However, many Spanish autonomous communities have designated some sections of beaches as specialist dog beaches where pets are welcome.
On official beaches in Spain, dogs are strictly forbidden during the high season in summer. Some specific dog breeds are required to wear a lead and muzzle at all times, such as Pitbull Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasiliero, Tosa-Inu and Akita-Inu. The possession and importation of so-called “dangerous breeds” in Spain are regulated differently in each municipality and autonomous community. Additionally, entry into Spain must not take place until at least 21 days after completion of the initial vaccination protocol recommended by the manufacturer.The animal must also be clearly identified by a microchip when the initial vaccination is performed. This is also the case for booster vaccinations, which are considered as an initial vaccination if not carried out within the validity period. The vaccine is valid until the end of the vaccination protection period specified by the manufacturer (1-year shelf life).
Your dog has to be at least 12 weeks old when it receives its first rabies vaccination, which must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. Your dog must have a microchip (or have a clearly legible tattoo from before 3rd July 2011). You must carry a valid EU pet passport. Entry requirements for dogs into Spainįor dogs to be allowed to travel across Spanish borders, the general rules of the EU apply: In tourist regions, it’s possible to find vets who speak English. However, it’s useful if you speak a bit of Spanish or if you have a phrasebook handy. In the larger cities, there are modern veterinary clinics and even in smaller places you can normally find a vet without any problem. That said, when it comes to medical care for man’s best friend, you don't have to worry. Nor will you be able to visit the vast majority of monuments and tourist attractions with your pet. Animals are forbidden in many restaurants, just like in hotels, where small dogs are often allowed in the room for an extra fee, but never in the restaurant or pool areas. In general, large dogs are not welcome in tourist resorts. Spain is also not an especially pet-friendly country. Dogs suffer greatly in the heat, can’t usually go to the beach and don’t have a lot of opportunities to exercise. Remember that the Mediterranean coast and central Spain are too hot for most dogs in summer, so winter is a better time to visit. If you’re planning on moving to Spain with your dog, or even if you’re just going to spend your holidays there with your four-legged friend, you should be aware of the entry requirements for dogs to Spain.