PET owners heading to or from Spain this summer should be aware of a raft of new EU rules and strict airline policies for travelling with animals.
Changes introduced under the Delegated Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/131 have been established to crack down on illegal pet trade.
The rules may make it increasingly difficult to bring your four-legged family members along for holiday.
Checks will be tightened on dogs, cats and ferrets travelling through European borders.
Under the new regulations, pets must travel with their owner or an authorised person carrying a signed declaration confirming the animal is not being sold or transferred to a new owner.
In most cases, travellers will be limited to transporting a maximum of five pets unless they prove they are attending a competition, exhibition or sporting event with animals aged over six months old.
Anyone travelling within the EU – including Spain – must ensure their pet is microchipped, up to date on rabies vaccines and have a valid pet passport.
Certain countries like Ireland and Malta require dogs to obtain preventative tapeworm treatment before travelling there.
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Anyone coming to Spain with pets from outside the EU will face additional requirements.
Non-EU travellers must show an EU animal health certificate issued by an official veterinarian.
Depending on the exact origin country, proof of a successful rabies antibodies test may also be required.
Typically, pets must enter the EU through an authorised border control point, where officials can scan the animal’s microchip and verify all paperwork.
The rule changes come as several airlines continue to tighten restrictions on pets riding in the cabin.
Maximum weight allowances and stricter carrier size limits have made it more difficult for pet owning travellers with certain airlines.
One UK national explained the stressful situation she faced after she was told she could only return home from Spain with her pet if she obtained a pet health certificate from either Barcelona or Madrid.
Despite owning property in Andalucia, she was told she could only obtain the correct paperwork from cities across the nation.
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“Can you image? I have my property in Estepona but am told I need to pay for 10 days of accommodation in Madrid or Barcelona, plus the daunting prospect of travelling by bus and train on my own with a dog, crate and suitcase,” the UK national told the Olive Press in an interview.
After expressing the difficult situation to the police and a specialised vet, they managed to figure out a solution.
However, the story on top of the EU’s new pet travel rules is just one of example of why it’s important to check all policies before flying.
“The situation was ridiculous,” the pet owner said. “Spain lets people in but doesn’t offer an explanation when they refuse to let you leave on your return ticket.”
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