Moving to Spain with your pet from Ukraine: the complete 2026 guide

Introduction

Spain is one of the most animal-friendly countries in Europe. Here dogs are allowed into most bars and restaurants, cities have dedicated areas for walking them, and in 2023 an animal rights protection law was passed (Ley de Bienestar Animal) that established the status of pets as "sentient beings". For Ukrainians moving to Spain with their four-legged friends, this is excellent news.

However, the transport process itself requires careful preparation. An error in the documents or a missed vaccination can mean your pet is not allowed on board the plane or is held at the border. This guide will walk you through every stage — from preparing documents in Ukraine to registering your pet in Valencia and everyday life with it in Spain.

Important: this guide is current as of 2026. The rules can change, so always check the up-to-date information on the websites of MAPA (Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación) and the Derzhprodspozhyvsluzhba of Ukraine.

Document requirements

To bring a dog or cat into Spain (as an EU country) you must meet a series of veterinary requirements. Here is the full list of what you will need.

Microchip (mandatory)

The microchip must comply with the ISO 11784/11785 standard (a 15-digit code). This is a mandatory EU requirement — without a chip no document will be valid.

• The chip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination — this is critically important. If you vaccinate first and then implant the chip, the vaccination will have to be repeated.
• Most Ukrainian veterinary clinics implant ISO-standard chips, but be sure to confirm this with the veterinarian.
• Write down the chip number and keep it separately — you will need it for all the documents.

Rabies vaccination

The rabies vaccine is the key requirement for entering the EU.

• Minimum age: the pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.
• Validity: the vaccination is considered valid 21 days after the primary shot. This means you cannot fly out earlier than 3 weeks after the vaccination.
• Revaccination: if the pet has a vaccination history and the booster was given on time (before the previous one expired), there is no need to wait 21 days.
• Use a vaccine approved in the EU (Nobivac Rabies, Rabisin and others).
• The vaccination must be recorded in the veterinary passport, stating the date, the name of the vaccine, the batch number and the microchip number.

Rabies antibody titration (mandatory for Ukraine)

Since Ukraine is not on the list of countries with favourable rabies status (Annex II of Regulation (EU) No 577/2013), a serological rabies antibody test is required:

• The test is carried out no earlier than 30 days after the vaccination.
• The result must show an antibody level of ≥ 0.5 IU/ml.
• The analysis must be performed in an EU-approved laboratory. The closest ones to Ukraine: BIOR (Latvia), the State Scientific Research Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics and Veterinary-Sanitary Expertise (Ukraine, if accredited at the time of travel).
• Waiting period: after a successful test you must wait 3 months before entering the EU. This is the longest stage — plan it in advance!
• The test result is valid for the entire life of the animal, provided the booster is given on time.

Veterinary certificate

10 days before departure you must obtain a veterinary certificate confirming that the animal is healthy and meets the EU requirements:

• In Ukraine it is issued by the state veterinary service (Derzhprodspozhyvsluzhba).
• The certificate must contain: the owner's details, the description of the animal, the microchip number, the vaccination data and the antibody test results.
• Format: it is preferable to use a form close to Annex IV of Regulation (EU) No 577/2013.

TRACES system (Trade Control and Expert System)

TRACES is the EU's electronic system for tracking the movement of animals:

• For commercial imports (more than 5 animals or for the purpose of sale), registration in TRACES is mandatory.
• For personal imports (1-5 pets, not for sale) TRACES is formally not required, but your veterinary certificate can be entered into the system to simplify passing the control.
• We recommend checking with the veterinary service whether they can issue an electronic certificate through TRACES — this will speed up passing the control in Spain.

EU Pet Passport

The EU Pet Passport is issued only to EU residents. You cannot obtain it in Ukraine. However, after arriving in Spain and registering (residence + a local veterinarian), you can obtain a European passport for your pet — it will replace the Ukrainian one for further travel within the EU. A passport issued to an EU resident is valid for life (as long as vaccination stays current), but it's a document for travel within the EU; it does not replace the AHC for the actual entry from Ukraine.

New EU rules from 22 April 2026

From 22 April 2026 the non-commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets is governed by a new framework — Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (Animal Health Law) plus 2026 acts — instead of the old Reg. 576/2013. What matters in practice:

• The EU passport is for residents and travel within the EU. Anyone entering from Ukraine (non-EU) needs an EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC) — issued by an official vet: valid 10 days from issue until the entry border checks, then 6 months for onward travel within the EU (from the date of the checks, or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever is earlier).
• The microchip is now scanned mandatorily at the border and matched against the documents (previously spot-checks).
• Limit: up to 5 pets per non-commercial movement (unchanged), not "5 per person": you cannot split 6+ animals across several people in one car to stay non-commercial — above 5, commercial import rules apply.

Specifics for Ukraine: the war and simplified procedures

Since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, many EU countries, including Spain, introduced simplified procedures for Ukrainians moving with pets.

What has changed

• Temporary protection: Ukrainians who have obtained temporary protection status can bring in pets under a simplified scheme.
• Document relaxations: in a number of cases animals were admitted without the full set of documents (without an antibody test, with an expired vaccination). The EU-wide emergency derogation expired (EU-level, by mid-2023), and with the switch to the new 2026 framework it can no longer be relied on.
• Spain's national protocol for refugees was historically more lenient (contact importacionanimal@mapa.es or the regional Servicio de Sanidad Animal; a home "quarantine" with the owner may be possible by arrangement). ⚠️ Check the current status after 22.04.2026 directly with MAPA before travelling — we were unable to confirm the protocol has not been withdrawn.
• Quarantine measures: if the documents are incomplete, the animal may be placed in quarantine for up to 3 months at the owner's expense. This is expensive and stressful for the pet.

Recommendations for 2026

• Do not count on relaxations. It is better to prepare the full set of documents.
• If you are leaving an active combat zone and cannot obtain all the documents, contact volunteer organisations: UAnimals, IFAW, Four Paws — they help with the evacuation of animals.
• Keep all documents (even expired ones) — they may be useful at border control as proof of the vaccination history.
• If leaving via Poland, Romania or Moldova, check the transit requirements of these countries — they may differ.

Leaving Ukraine

• Contact the territorial office of the Derzhprodspozhyvsluzhba to obtain the veterinary certificate.
• When crossing the border, present: the veterinary passport, the certificate, the vaccination document and the antibody test result (if you have one).
• There may be a veterinary inspector at the checkpoint — they will check the documents and the presence of the microchip.

Transport

Air transport

Transporting a pet by plane is the fastest method, but also the most demanding in terms of rules.

General rules

• Animals up to 8 kg (with the carrier) can usually travel in the cabin.
• Animals over 8 kg are transported in the hold in a special container.
• Brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats) — many airlines refuse to transport them because of the risk to their health.
• Book the place for your pet at the same time as the ticket — the number of places is limited (usually 1-2 per flight).

Airline rules

Ryanair:

• Unfortunately, Ryanair does not transport animals (except guide dogs). This is the most frequent question — and the answer is no.

Vueling:

• Cabin transport: up to 8 kg (animal + carrier), maximum carrier size 45×39×21 cm.
• Cost: from 40 to 60 € depending on the route.
• You must book in advance through customer service or when buying the ticket.
• Vueling does not transport animals in the hold.

Iberia:

• In the cabin: up to 8 kg, carrier no larger than 45×35×25 cm.
• In the hold: animals over 8 kg, in a rigid IATA-standard container.
• Cabin cost: from 50 € (domestic flights) to 150 € (international).
• Hold cost: from 120 to 300 € depending on the container size and the route.
• Iberia accepts most breeds, but there are restrictions for brachycephalic ones.

Wizz Air:

• Does not transport animals (except assistance dogs).

MAU / SkyUp (if flights are available):

• Check the current rules on the website, as the conditions may change.

Carrier requirements (cabin)

• A soft or semi-rigid carrier with ventilation.
• A waterproof bottom.
• The animal must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down.
• The carrier must fit under the seat in front.
• It closes with a zip or lock — the animal must not be able to get out.

Container requirements (hold)

• A rigid plastic container that complies with the IATA standard.
• Ventilation on at least three sides.
• The inscription "LIVE ANIMAL" and "THIS WAY UP" arrows.
• A water bowl fixed to the door.
• Absorbent material on the bottom.

Ground transport

If you are travelling by car or bus across Europe:

• Car: the most convenient option. Make stops every 2-3 hours, ensure water and the chance to walk. Use a seat belt for dogs or a carrier.
• Bus: most international bus companies (FlixBus, Eurolines) do not transport animals (except guide dogs). Check the rules of the specific carrier.
• Train: on European trains (SNCF, Deutsche Bahn, Renfe) the rules vary. Renfe (Spanish trains) allows transporting animals up to 10 kg in a carrier free of charge; large dogs, with a muzzle and leash and by buying a separate ticket.

Advice on preparing for the flight

• A few weeks before the trip, start getting your pet used to the carrier — leave it open at home with treats inside.
• Do not feed the animal 4-6 hours before the flight.
• Avoid sedatives without the veterinarian's recommendation — they can be dangerous with pressure changes.
• Take in your hand luggage: copies of all documents, your pet's favourite toy or blanket, absorbent pads and clean-up bags.

Arrival in Spain

Customs and veterinary control

On your arrival in Spain an inspection may await you:

• What they check: the presence of the microchip (they scan it), the veterinary certificate, the rabies vaccination, the antibody test result.
• Where they check: veterinary control is carried out at airports and border checkpoints. At Valencia airport (VLC) the inspection usually takes place in the arrivals area.
• Animal limit: you can bring in up to 5 pets for personal purposes (not for sale). If there are more than 5 animals, commercial rules apply.
• If the documents are in order, the procedure takes 10-20 minutes. If there are questions, an additional inspection may be required.

Possible problems

• Chip number mismatch: if the number in the documents does not match the chip, the animal may be held.
• Expired vaccination: they may require revaccination and quarantine.
• Missing antibody test: quarantine of up to 3 months.

Registration on arrival

After arriving in Spain you need to register your pet. This is not just a formality — without registration you risk a fine.

Censo de animales (animal census)

Each autonomous community in Spain keeps a register of domestic animals. In the Valencian Community this is the Registro de Identificación de Animales de Compañía (RIAC).

What you need:

1. Go to any veterinarian in Valencia and ask them to register your pet.
2. The veterinarian will check the microchip and vaccinations and enter the data into the RIAC.
3. You may be issued an EU Pet Passport — a European passport that will replace the Ukrainian one for travel within the EU.
4. Registration cost: usually included in the cost of the first consultation (40-60 €).

Registration with the ayuntamiento (municipality)

In some municipalities of Valencia additional registration is required:

• Go to the ayuntamiento of your district with your pet's documents.
• Registration is usually free or costs a nominal amount.
• You will be given a registration number linked to your address.
• Check with your ayuntamiento whether this is required — the rules differ by municipality.

Microchipping in Spain

If your pet already has an ISO-standard chip, re-microchipping is not required. The Spanish veterinarian will simply read the existing chip and enter it into the RIAC.

If the chip is missing or does not comply with the ISO standard, the veterinarian will implant a new one. Cost: 30-50 €.

Mandatory sterilisation

Under the new law (Ley de Bienestar Animal, 2023), dogs must be sterilised if they are not registered as breeding animals. For cats, sterilisation is also strongly recommended. Check the current requirements with the veterinarian.

Veterinary services in Valencia

How to find a veterinary clinic

• Google Maps: search for "clínica veterinaria" or "veterinario" near your home. Pay attention to the rating and reviews.
• Recommendations: ask in the Ukrainian and Russian-speaking chats of Valencia — they often recommend trusted specialists there.
• Emergencies: search for "urgencias veterinarias Valencia" — there are permanently-open clinics in every major district.

Indicative prices (Valencia, 2026)

| Service | Cost | | -------------------------- | --------- | | First consultation | 40-60 € | | Vaccination (complete) | 40-70 € | | Rabies vaccination | 25-40 € | | Sterilisation (female cat) | 120-200 € | | Sterilisation (female dog) | 200-350 € | | Castration (male cat) | 80-120 € | | Castration (male dog) | 120-200 € | | Dental cleaning | 150-250 € | | Blood test | 50-100 € | | Ultrasound | 50-80 € | | X-ray | 40-70 € | | EU Pet Passport | 20-30 € |

Prices are indicative and may vary depending on the clinic and the specific situation.

Pet insurance

In Spain, civil liability insurance and medical insurance for animals are available:

• Liability (Responsabilidad civil): mandatory for potentially dangerous breeds (PPP — Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos). Cost: from 40 €/year.
• Medical insurance: covers operations, hospitalisation, sometimes routine procedures. Cost: from 15 to 50 €/month depending on the coverage, breed and age.
• Popular insurers: Barkibu, Santévet, Mapfre (animal section).

Everyday life with your pet in Valencia

Dog-walking rules

• Dogs must be on a leash on the streets and in public places.
• In parks and green areas there are off-leash zones (áreas caninas / pipicans) — fenced areas where dogs can run without a leash.
• You are required to clean up after your dog. Fine for not cleaning up excrement: from 75 to 750 €.
• It is recommended to rinse urine with water (many owners carry a bottle with them).

Muzzles

• Mandatory for breeds classified as potentially dangerous (PPP): Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasilero, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu.
• Owners of PPP require a special licence, insurance and passing a psychological test.
• For other breeds a muzzle is not mandatory, but is recommended on public transport.

Public transport

• Valencia Metro (Metrovalencia): dogs are allowed with a muzzle and leash, but not during rush hours (7:00-9:30 and 17:00-19:30 on weekdays). Small pets — in a carrier without restrictions.
• Buses (EMT Valencia): small animals in a carrier are allowed. Large dogs — at the driver's discretion.
• Taxi: by agreement with the driver. Use the apps (Uber, Cabify, Free Now) — when ordering, indicate that you have a pet.

Dog beaches

Valencia and its surroundings offer several special dog beaches (playas caninas):

• Playa de Pinedo: one of the best-known dog-friendly beaches near Valencia. It operates in a certain season — check on the Ayuntamiento de Valencia website.
• Playa de Alboraya (Patacona): a separate area for dogs.
• The beaches of Gandía and Sagunto also have zones for dogs.

Rules: on ordinary beaches dogs are prohibited during the bathing season (usually from 1 June to 15 September). Out of season the rules are more lenient, but they differ by municipality.

Pet-friendly restaurants and hotels

• Spanish culture is in general tolerant of dogs in establishments. Many bars and restaurants with open terraces (terraza) allow dogs.
• Before entering an establishment, ask: "¿Se puede entrar con perro?" (Can I come in with a dog?).
• To find pet-friendly places, use the apps: BringFido, Dog Vivant, Google Maps ("dog-friendly" filter).
• Hotels: many hotels accept pets for a surcharge of 10-30 €/night. Airbnb — filter by "pets allowed".

Pet shops and food

• Major chains: Kiwoko, TiendAnimal, Zooplus (online).
• Pet food in Spain is cheaper than in many European countries. Popular brands (Royal Canin, Hill's, Acana) are available everywhere.
• Supermarkets (Mercadona, Carrefour) have basic food and accessories.

Typical mistakes

1. Chip after the vaccine, not before

The most common mistake. Under EU rules, the microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. If the order is broken, the vaccination will have to be done again, which means waiting another 21 days (and 3 months after the antibody test).

2. Not observing the waiting period after the antibody test

Between a successful rabies antibody test and entry into the EU, 3 months must pass. Many try to enter earlier — and receive a refusal or quarantine for the animal.

3. Expired veterinary certificate

The certificate is valid for 10 days from the moment of issue until crossing the EU border. If you obtained it too early, it will become invalid.

4. Wrong carrier size for the plane

Each airline has its own size restrictions. Check the requirements before buying the carrier. If the carrier is not suitable, you may not be allowed on board.

5. Forgetting to register your pet in Spain

Many forget or postpone registration in the RIAC and the ayuntamiento. Without registration you risk a fine, and if your pet is lost it will be harder to find it.

6. Not taking breed restrictions into account

If your dog belongs to the potentially dangerous breeds (PPP), you will need a licence, insurance and a muzzle. Without this — a fine from 300 to 15,000 €.

7. Travelling through a country with different rules

When transiting through Poland, Romania, Hungary or other countries, check their national requirements. For example, some countries may require deworming (treatment for worms) before entry.

Useful links

• MAPA (Ministerio de Agricultura) — official requirements for bringing in animals: mapa.gob.es
• Derzhprodspozhyvsluzhba of Ukraine — veterinary certificates: dpss.gov.ua
• EU Pet Travel Rules — EU rules for transporting pets: ec.europa.eu/food/animals/movement-pets
• TRACES — tracking system: webgate.ec.europa.eu/tracesnt
• RIAC (Valencia) — animal register of the Valencian Community: gva.es
• Ley de Bienestar Animal — animal protection law: boe.es
• UAnimals — help with the evacuation of animals from Ukraine: uanimals.org
• IFAW — International Fund for Animal Welfare: ifaw.org

This guide was prepared by the Expato team and is updated regularly. If you have questions or have noticed any inaccuracies, write to us. Last updated: June 2026.