pet
transortation
MOVING TO SPAIN WITH PETS
Moving your beloved four-legged family members to a new country is often the most stressful part of any relocation. When your destination is the lush, rugged, and welcoming North of Spain—stretching from the surf-beaten coasts to the emerald hills of Asturias and Galicia—you need a logistical plan that prioritizes their safety and your peace of mind.
Essential Requirements for Entry
The North of Spain offers a distinct lifestyle compared to the southern “Costas.” It is a paradise for active pets, featuring cooler climates, expansive natural parks, and dog-friendly hiking trails.
However, navigating the bureaucratic requirements for importing pets from the USA, Canada, or the UK requires precision. Spain adheres strictly to EU pet travel regulations, and non-compliance can result in stressful delays or quarantine.
For pet owners moving from “third countries” like the US, Canada, or the post-Brexit UK, the primary hurdle is the International Health Certificate. Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant chip and vaccinated against rabies.
Crucially, the rabies vaccination must occur after the microchip is implanted. For those arriving from the US or Canada, the certificate must be endorsed by the USDA or CFIA, respectively, within a specific window before travel.
Navigating the Journey
Whether you are flying into Madrid, Santander or Santiago de Compostela, choosing the right airline and route is vital.
Most transatlantic arrivals from North America will transit through Madrid or Barcelona.
Our relocation services ensure that the final leg of the journey—whether by specialized ground transport or a connecting flight—is handled with climate-controlled care.
For UK clients, the ferry services to Santander and Bilbao offer excellent pet-friendly cabin options, allowing your dog or cat to stay with you during the crossing
Settling Into Northern Spain
Once you arrive, the “Green Spain” lifestyle begins. Northern Spanish cities are increasingly pet-friendly, but local laws vary by autonomous community.
We help you navigate the “Ley de Bienestar Animal” (Animal Welfare Law), assisting with mandatory pet registration in local municipal censuses and identifying the best English-speaking veterinary clinics in your new neighborhood.
From the Picos de Europa to the beaches of Gijion, the North of Spain is a magnificent place for pets to thrive.
Our expert relocation team handles the paperwork, the transport logistics, and the local registrations, leaving you to focus on exploring your new home with your best friend by your side.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are you a real estate agent?
No. We are not real estate agents and we don’t represent sellers or landlords.
We work exclusively for you, the client, as an independent relocation consultant and buyer’s agent. This means our advice is unbiased and focused entirely on your relocation and long-term needs.
What exactly does a relocation and buyer’s agent do?
We act as your local advocate and guide throughout your move to Northern Spain. Support can include:
- Area and lifestyle guidance
- Property searches (rental or purchase)
- Viewing coordination and negotiation
- Legal and administrative guidance
- Introductions to trusted professionals such as lawyers and tax advisors
- On-the-ground support during arrival and settling in
You choose the level of support from strategic guidance to full end-to-end
Are you compensated by the selling agent?
NO. We work exclusively for you
How do your fees work?
All services are offered on a transparent, client-paid fee basis.
Depending on the service, this may be a fixed fee, project-based fee. All fees are agreed in advance, with no hidden commissions.
Legal & Administrative
What is a NIE and when do I need it?
A NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your foreigner identification number in Spain.
You will need it for most administrative and financial matters, including renting or buying property, opening a bank account, setting up utilities, and paying taxes.
What’s the difference between a T.I.E and EU residency?
EU citizens register as residents and receive a green EU residency certificate.
Non-EU citizens receive a TIE card, which is a physical residency card linked to their visa or residence permit.
Both confirm legal residency but follow different application processes.
Do I need to register as a resident (empadronamiento)?
Yes. Empadronamiento is registration with your local town hall.
It is required for healthcare access, school enrolment, residency applications, and many administrative procedures even if you are not yet a tax resident.
What are my tax obligations in Spain?
Tax obligations depend on factors such as how long you spend in Spain and where your main economic interests are based.
Many people become tax residents without realising it, so early advice from a qualified tax professional is strongly recommended.
Finding Accommodation
Pet-friendly rentals – what should I know?
Pet-friendly rentals do exist, but availability can be limited. Flexibility, clear communication, and realistic expectations are essential.
What documents do landlords typically require?
This varies, but commonly includes:
Passport or ID
NIE (sometimes)
Proof of income or savings
Employment contract or pension details
Spanish bank account (often required)
How does the rental process work in Spain?
The process is less standardised than in some countries but generally follows these steps:
Property viewing
Offer and negotiation
Contract review
Payment of deposit (usually 1–2 months) and first month’s rent
Inventory check and key handover
xx
Tax
Health & Insurance
What are my health insurance options in Spain?
Options may include public healthcare, private health insurance, or a combination of both. Many newcomers use private insurance initially, especially during the residency process.
Is private health insurance required for residency?
In many cases, yes particularly for non-EU residents and for some EU residency applications.
How does the public healthcare system work?
Spain’s public healthcare system is excellent once you are registered. Access is usually based on residency, employment, or social security contributions and is provided through your local health centre.
Tax
Practical Moving Logistics
What should I pack versus buy in Spain?
Spain is well-supplied, and many people overestimate what they need to ship. Furniture, appliances, and household items are often easier and more cost-effective to buy locally. Sentimental or specialist items are usually what’s worth bringing.
Can I ship belongings to Spain?
Yes, but costs, paperwork, and customs requirements vary depending on your country of origin, residency status, and shipment value.
Professional advice is recommended to avoid delays or unexpected charges.
How do I transport my pet to Spain?
Pet travel requires a microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and an approved carrier.
There is no quarantine for compliant pets entering from most countries, but airline rules and routes must be carefully checked.
Tax
Staying Connected
How do I get internet service, especially for remote work?
High-speed fibre internet is widely available in cities and towns and increasingly in rural areas. Availability and speeds should always be checked by exact address, not just by area.
Should I get a Spanish phone number?
Yes. A Spanish phone number is strongly recommended and is often required to open a Spanish bank account, set up utilities, sign contracts, and receive verification codes. Many clients use a dual SIM or eSIM to keep their existing number alongside a Spanish one.
How do I maintain access to my US or home-country bank accounts?
Most people keep their existing accounts and open a Spanish account for local expenses. Some banks also offer multi-currency accounts, allowing you to hold balances in both euros and US dollars. Whether this is useful depends on your personal circumstances and banking fees.
Tax
Financial Matters
Can I open a Spanish bank account before arriving?
Sometimes, but requirements vary by bank and nationality. In many cases, it is simpler to open an account once you are physically in Spain.
How do currency transfers work?
Specialist currency transfer services often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional banks, particularly for larger or regular transfers.
Where can I find English-speaking tax advisors?
We can introduce you to English-speaking tax advisors experienced in working with international clients, so you can get clear and reliable guidance from the outset.
What are the Spanish Tax year dates?
The Spanish tax year for individuals and corporations is the calendar year, running from 1 January to 31 December. Income tax returns (Declaración de la Renta) for the preceding year are typically filed between early April and 30 June