Moving to Spain with your pet from Ukraine 2026

Introduction

Spain is one of the most animal-friendly countries in Europe. Dogs are allowed into many bars and restaurants, cities have dedicated dog areas, and the law defines the status of animals: since 2021 the Civil Code recognises them as "living beings endowed with sensitivity" (Ley 17/2021), and since 29 September 2023 Ley 7/2023 on the protection of animal rights and welfare has been in force. 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: the facts in this guide were checked against primary sources in September 2026. The rules can change, so always check the up-to-date information on the websites of MAPA (Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación), the European Commission 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 the standard the EU rules refer to. If the chip does not meet the EU technical requirements, the owner must present their own reader at the check.

• The chip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination — this is critically important. MAPA states it directly: the microchip is checked before the vaccine to guarantee the identity of the animal. 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 booster is given within the validity period of the previous vaccination, there is no need to wait 21 days.
• The vaccine must meet EU requirements (Reglamento Delegado (UE) 2020/688, Anexo VII) — confirm with your vet that the product used complies.
• 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)

Ukraine is in neither Annex I nor Annex II of Reglamento de Ejecución (UE) 2026/636 — the lists of countries whose animals enter without a test (the 2026/1228 amendment added Montenegro and Serbia, but not Ukraine). A serological rabies antibody test is therefore required:

• Blood sampling — no earlier than 30 days after the primary vaccination.
• The result must show an antibody level of ≥ 0.5 IU/ml.
• The analysis is performed by a laboratory on the European Commission's list. For Ukraine it names four laboratories in Kyiv: Central State Laboratory of Veterinary Medicine, State Scientific and Research Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics and Veterinary Sanitary Expertise, NeoVetlab Ukraine and State Scientific Control Institute of Biotechnology and Strains of Microorganisms. Check the current list before the blood draw.
• Waiting period: under the EU certificate model the blood must be sampled at least 90 days before the date of issue of the veterinary certificate. MAPA words the period differently — entry is allowed only 3 months after the blood sample, counted from the day after sampling. Both readings agree if you draw blood roughly 100 days before the trip. This is the longest stage — plan it in advance!
• The test result is valid for the entire life of the animal, provided every booster is given within the validity period of the previous one.

Veterinary certificate (certificado zoosanitario)

Entry from Ukraine requires an EU-model veterinary certificate (Anexo III of Reglamento de Ejecución (UE) 2026/705, in force since 22 April 2026):

• It is issued by an official veterinarian of the country of departure (in Ukraine, the Derzhprodspozhyvsluzhba) or by an authorised veterinarian subsequently endorsed by the competent authority.
• MAPA requires the certificate to be drawn up at least in Spanish; MAPA's website provides a bilingual (Spanish-English) model.
• Attached to the certificate: a certified copy of the identification and vaccination details, a copy of the laboratory's official titration report and a declaration signed by the owner that the movement is non-commercial (model in Anexo V of Reglamento 2026/705).
• The certificate is valid for 10 days from issue until the check at the point of entry, and then for 6 months for onward travel within the EU (or until the rabies vaccination expires, if earlier).
• Old-model certificates (Reglamento 577/2013) are accepted only if issued before 1 October 2026, and no later than 31 March 2027.

TRACES system (Trade Control and Expert System)

TRACES is the European Commission's platform for official certification of animal imports and trade. It is not used for the non-commercial movement of a pet with its owner: your document is the paper EU-model certificate issued by an official veterinarian. TRACES registration is needed only for commercial imports (more than 5 animals, sale or change of ownership).

EU Pet Passport

The EU pet passport is issued by an authorised veterinarian in the EU country where the owner habitually resides. You cannot obtain it in Ukraine. A pet that entered on a veterinary certificate can get a passport once the owner has settled in Spain (evidence such as a residence permit). Until then, the certificate serves as the document for travel within the EU for 6 months. The passport is a document for travel within the EU; it does not replace the certificate for the actual entry from Ukraine. A passport issued in another EU country is kept when moving to the Valencian Community — it cannot be replaced.

New EU rules from 22 April 2026

From 22 April 2026 the non-commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets is governed by Part VI of Reglamento (UE) 2016/429 (Animal Health Law) and the 2026 acts: Reglamento Delegado (UE) 2026/131 (requirements), Reglamento de Ejecución (UE) 2026/705 (models of the certificate, passport and declarations) and Reglamento de Ejecución (UE) 2026/636 (country lists). The former Reglamento (UE) 576/2013 applied to pets until 21 April 2026. What matters in practice:

• The EU passport is for residents and travel within the EU. Anyone entering from Ukraine needs a veterinary certificate from an official vet: 10 days until the check at the point of entry, then 6 months for travel within the EU.
• The check at the point of entry is mandatory and has not changed: documentary and identity checks (the chip is read) were carried out before 2026 too. The chip and its match with the documents are critical.
• Limit: up to 5 pets per non-commercial movement in a single means of transport (exception: animals over 6 months old travelling to shows or competitions with proof of registration). Above 5, commercial import rules apply.
• The pet travels with the owner or with an authorised person holding the owner's written authorisation; movement separately from the owner is allowed no more than 5 days before or after the owner's trip.

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. By 2026 they no longer apply.

What has changed

• The EU-wide relaxations have been wound down. The European Commission phased out the 2022 measures, and the new Reglamento Delegado (UE) 2026/131 contains no provisions on Ukraine. Temporary protection status by itself does not allow you to bring in an animal without documents.
• Spain ended the exceptions on 15 March 2023. The official Ucrania Urgente portal: from that date "no se aplicarán excepciones a la entrada de animales de compañía procedentes de Ucrania", the 2022 protocol no longer applies, and dogs, cats and ferrets must meet all requirements — identification, rabies vaccination and the serological test. The address importacionanimal@mapa.es remains on the portal only as a contact for questions.
• The only opening is the general exception in art. 29 of Reglamento 2026/131: in exceptional situations an EU country may grant an individual permit on prior application, after a risk assessment and with isolation of the animal for up to 6 months. This is not an automatic procedure for refugees but a decision by the authorities case by case.
• What happens with incomplete documents: according to MAPA the animal may be placed in a quarantine facility, sent back to the country of departure or, as a last resort, euthanised — all costs fall on the owner.

Recommendations for 2026

• Do not count on relaxations. 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 EU-model veterinary certificate.
• When crossing the border, present: the veterinary passport, the certificate with its attachments (copy of the vaccination details, laboratory report, owner's declaration) and the titration test result.
• 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 8–10 kg including the carrier (the threshold depends on the airline) can usually travel in the cabin.
• Heavier animals are transported in the hold in a special container — and only with airlines that carry animals in the hold at all.
• Brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats) — airlines refuse to carry them in the hold 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.

Airline rules

Conditions checked on the airlines' websites in September 2026; carriers change their fees without notice.

Ryanair:

• Ryanair does not transport animals on any flight, except guide/assistance dogs on certain routes. This is the most frequent question — and the answer is no.

Vueling:

• Cabin transport: up to 10 kg (animal + carrier), a soft (non-rigid) carrier no larger than 45×39×21 cm.
• One animal per passenger and no more than 5 animals per flight; the service is not available on flights to/from the United Kingdom and Iceland.
• The fee depends on the route and is shown when booking; you must book in advance.
• Vueling does not transport animals in the hold under any circumstances.

Iberia:

• In the cabin: up to 8 kg including the carrier, carrier no larger than 45×35×25 cm (sum of dimensions not above 105 cm).
• In the hold: up to 45 kg including the container, with prior authorisation through the booking offices; a robust container with a secure lock and a leak-proof base.
• Cabin fee per segment when paid online: 40 € (within Spain), 60 € (Canary Islands, Europe, North Africa, Israel), 180 € (America, Asia, Qatar).
• Hold fee per segment: from 90 € (up to 10 kg, Spain) to 330 € (26–45 kg, America/Asia); payable at the airport only.
• Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and dangerous breeds are not accepted in the hold — only in the cabin, if they fit within its limits.

Wizz Air:

• Does not transport animals, except assistance dogs (no more than one per flight); emotional support animals are not accepted.

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 robust container with a secure lock that will not open in flight.
• A size that lets the animal stand in a natural position, turn around and lie down.
• Ventilation and a leak-proof base.
• Check the exact dimension and labelling requirements with the airline — they differ.

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: under its general conditions of carriage FlixBus does not transport animals on long-distance buses (except assistance dogs). Check the rules of the specific carrier.
• Train: on European trains (SNCF, Deutsche Bahn, Renfe) the rules vary. Renfe (Spanish trains): pets up to 10 kg in a carrier no larger than 60×35×35 cm — free with a Prémium ticket, 10 € with Básico/Elige tickets and on Avlo, 25 % of the fare on Avant/Media Distancia, free and without a ticket on Cercanías. Dogs up to 40 kg without a carrier are allowed on AVE, Avlo, Larga Distancia, Avant and Media Distancia: a 40 € extra, no more than 1 dog per passenger and 2 per train, muzzle and non-extendable leash up to 1.5 m in the station and when boarding; PPP dogs, dogs under 1 year old and females in heat are not allowed.

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

Pets from non-EU countries enter Spain only through designated travellers' points of entry (Puntos de Entrada de Viajeros, PEV):

• Where they check: MAPA publishes the list of PEV (updated 02.06.2026). It includes Valencia airport (Manises) and the port of Valencia; both have an agreement with an authorised isolation centre. Control hours at the airport — on request of the service from 9:00 to 14:30, checks by prior arrangement until 19:00.
• What to do: at the airport find the control point and declare to the Resguardo Fiscal de la Guardia Civil or customs staff that you are travelling with an animal, presenting the documents. The owner must present the pet for the check — at the airport of arrival in the EU, where you leave the customs zone (with a connection inside the EU — where you leave the terminal with the animal).
• What they check: documentary and identity checks — they read the microchip and verify the certificate, the rabies vaccination and the titration test report.
• 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.

Possible problems

• Chip number mismatch: if the number in the documents does not match the chip, the animal is treated as non-compliant.
• Expired vaccination or missing titration test: according to MAPA the possible measures are isolation in a quarantine facility, return to the country of departure or, as a last resort, euthanasia; all costs fall on the owner. The PEV list shows all three options (R, A, E) for Valencia.
• Certificate older than 10 days: it is invalid, and a new one will be required.

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.

The RIVIA registry (Valencian Community)

Each autonomous community in Spain keeps a register of companion animals (Ley 7/2023, art. 51). In the Valencian Community this is the Registro Supramunicipal de Identificación de Animales de Compañía de la Comunitat Valenciana, known as RIVIA (Ley 2/2023 de la Generalitat, arts. 10–14); it is run by the Consell Valencià de Col·legis Veterinaris.

What you need:

1. Go to any veterinarian in Valencia: identification and the RIVIA entry can only be done by a vet who is a member of the professional college, and the same vet files the registration.
2. Dogs, cats and domestic ferrets must be identified; the chip is implanted before any change of owner and before the mandatory vaccinations. A pet with an EU passport is registered as soon as you have it, and the original passport is kept.
3. The vet will check the microchip and vaccinations and, once you have settled in Spain, issue the EU Pet Passport — the European passport that will replace the Ukrainian one for travel within the EU.
4. Leaving the region or the death of the pet must be reported to the registry within 3 working days, loss or theft within 72 hours. The registration cost is part of the vet's bill — ask at the clinic.

Registration with the ayuntamiento (municipality)

In the city of Valencia, besides RIVIA, the municipal dog register (censo canino) is mandatory:

• The application is filed within 15 days of acquiring the dog or when it turns 3 months old — after the RIVIA entry.
• Registration is paid (a municipal tasa for health services); the collar tag is sent by post.
• In other municipalities the rules differ — check with your ayuntamiento whether this is required.

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 RIVIA.

If the chip is missing or does not comply with the ISO standard, the veterinarian will implant a new one; the cost depends on the clinic.

Rabies vaccination in Spain

Whether the rabies vaccine is compulsory is decided by the autonomous communities. In the Valencian Community (Orden 3/2016) it is mandatory for dogs, cats and ferrets: the first dose at 12–16 weeks, a booster within 365 days, then according to the vaccine's instructions (every 1, 2 or 3 years). A valid vaccination is always needed for travel and import.

Sterilisation: what the law requires

Under Ley 7/2023 (art. 26), cats must be microchipped and sterilised before 6 months unless they are registered as breeding animals in the name of a registered breeder. There is no sterilisation duty for dogs: the owner must prevent uncontrolled breeding, and breeding is allowed only for breeders in the Registro de Criadores.

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 market indications reported by clinics, not official tariffs; they 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): Ley 7/2023 (art. 30.3) obliges the owner of any dog to hold third-party liability insurance for the whole life of the animal, but the minimum amount must be set by a government regulation — as of September 2026 none has been published in the BOE. For PPP dogs, cover of at least 120,000 € is already mandatory under Real Decreto 287/2002.
• Dog-owner training course: the same art. 30 requires a free course with indefinite validity; its content also awaits a regulation, so no official course exists yet.
• Medical insurance: covers operations, hospitalisation, sometimes routine procedures; the price depends on the coverage, breed and age. Compare the conditions of several insurers.

Everyday life with your pet in Valencia

Dog-walking rules

• Dogs must be on a leash shorter than 2 m on the streets and in public places (Ley 2/2023 de la Generalitat).
• 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. Under the municipal Ordenanza de Limpieza Urbana of the city of Valencia (2026 version), not picking up faeces is a serious offence with a fine of up to 1,500 €.
• Urine must be rinsed with water — the owner must carry a bottle; the fine for not doing so is up to 750 €.

Muzzles

• Mandatory for breeds classified as potentially dangerous (PPP): Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu (Real Decreto 287/2002, Anexo I).
• Owners of PPP need a municipal licence valid for 5 years: adult age, no criminal record, a certificate of physical and psychological aptitude, liability insurance of at least 120,000 €. In public places — a muzzle and a non-extendable leash shorter than 2 m, no more than one such dog per person. In the city of Valencia the licence is requested before the dog is 3 months old or within 1 month of acquisition.
• For other breeds a muzzle is not mandatory, but is recommended on public transport.

Public transport

• Valencia Metro (Metrovalencia): only assistance dogs, security-force dogs and small animals in fully closed carriers are allowed — free of charge. Dogs outside a carrier are not allowed at any hour.
• Buses (EMT Valencia): you need the EMT Mascota card (5 €, valid 2 years): animal up to 15 kg, microchipped, in a carrier no larger than 45×35×25 cm; no more than 3 animals per bus, boarding through the front door; PPP and exotic animals are not allowed.
• 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-Can de Pinedo: the official dog beach of the city of Valencia. Open from 15 June to 30 September, from 9:30 to 19:30; the dog on a leash, with passport and identification, PPP dogs muzzled.
• Alboraia: the municipality allows dogs only on one specially designated beach (bando 2026); check the location with the ayuntamiento.
• Other coastal municipalities have their own zones — check the website of the specific ayuntamiento.

Rules: on the ordinary beaches of the city of Valencia animals are prohibited all year round (Ordenanza de playas, art. 35), not only during the bathing season. In other municipalities the rules differ.

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, then 30 days until the blood draw and 90 days after it.

2. Not observing the waiting period after the blood draw

Between the blood sample for the titration test and the issue of the veterinary certificate, at least 90 days must pass (MAPA counts 3 months to the date of entry). Many try to enter earlier — and receive a refusal, isolation of the animal or return.

3. Expired veterinary certificate

The certificate is valid for 10 days from the moment of issue until the check at the EU point of entry. 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 RIVIA and in the municipal censo. 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. Under Ley 50/1999 the fines run from 150.25 to 15,025.30 €; keeping a PPP dog without a licence is among the most serious offences (from 2,404.06 €).

7. Travelling through a country with different rules

When transiting through Poland, Romania, Hungary or other countries, check their national requirements. For example, dogs entering Ireland, Malta, Finland, Norway and the United Kingdom need tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before arrival.

Useful links

• MAPA (Ministerio de Agricultura) — official requirements for bringing in dogs, cats and ferrets: mapa.gob.es
• Derzhprodspozhyvsluzhba of Ukraine — veterinary certificates: dpss.gov.ua
• European Commission — rules for bringing pets into the EU from non-EU countries: food.ec.europa.eu
• Ucrania Urgente — pets from Ukraine (exceptions ended on 15.03.2023): inclusion.gob.es
• RIVIA (Valencia) — animal register of the Valencian Community: rivia.org
• Ley 7/2023 — law on the protection of animal rights and welfare: 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. Facts checked against primary sources: September 2026.