Moving to Marbella with Pets: The Full Guide
Moving your dog, cat, or other pet from the UK or another country to Marbella involves real paperwork and planning. Here is what you actually need to do.
Marbella is a genuinely pet-friendly destination, and the sight of dogs on terraces, walking the promenade, or sitting under restaurant tables is entirely normal and warmly accepted. But getting your pet there from the UK, Ireland, or beyond requires planning, paperwork, and for UK pet owners especially, careful attention to a process that changed significantly after Brexit.
For UK pet owners: post-Brexit pet travel
Before Brexit, UK residents could move pets to Spain with a straightforward EU Pet Passport. That route closed in January 2021. UK pets now require an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) instead of an EU Pet Passport, and the process is more involved.
For each entry into the EU, a UK pet needs: a microchip (implanted before the rabies vaccination), a valid rabies vaccination, a tapeworm treatment for dogs (done by a vet 1-5 days before travel), and an Animal Health Certificate completed by an Official Veterinarian no more than 10 days before travel. The AHC is single-use; if you travel between Spain and the UK multiple times, a new certificate is needed each time. This makes frequent back-and-forth travel with a pet substantially more complicated than it was pre-Brexit.
For permanent moves, this is a one-time process on the way out. Once your pet is in Spain, you register them with a Spanish vet and they effectively become a Spanish-resident animal with an EU Pet Passport for future EU travel.
For EU and Irish owners
The process is considerably simpler. An EU Pet Passport, microchip, and valid rabies vaccination is all that is required for moving a pet to Spain from within the EU or from Ireland. If your pet already has an EU Pet Passport, the process is straightforward.
Vet registration in Marbella
Marbella has numerous well-equipped veterinary practices. Register with a local vet shortly after arrival. This gets your pet into the local system, ensures you have a point of contact for routine care and emergencies, and allows you to obtain an EU Pet Passport if you do not already have one. Vet practices in Marbella regularly see patients from across Europe and most have English-speaking staff.
Pet-friendly accommodation while you search
If you are searching for property over time and need accommodation that accepts pets, this requires advance planning in Marbella. Many hotels and short-term rentals do not accept pets. Dedicated pet-friendly rental platforms, or holiday rental properties managed by people who specifically accommodate pets, are worth searching before you arrive.
Life with pets in Marbella
Marbella is generally very welcoming to dogs. The promenade and beaches have dog-walking sections. Many restaurant terraces accept dogs. Parks are dog-accessible. The climate means outdoor activity with your dog is genuinely pleasant for most of the year, though summer afternoons are very hot for energetic dogs and walks are best done in the early morning and evening.
The main restrictions worth knowing: some beaches specifically prohibit dogs in peak season (June to September) during bathing hours. Some urbanisation community rules restrict dog sizes or breeds, and some prohibit dogs entirely. Check community statutes for any property you are considering buying if pets are part of the picture.
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Check if it's still free - PlanMarbella.comFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new AHC every time I travel with my UK dog to Spain?
Yes. Animal Health Certificates for UK pets entering the EU are single-use and must be issued by an Official Veterinarian no more than 10 days before travel. Each separate entry into the EU requires a new certificate. Once your pet is permanently resident in Spain, they can obtain an EU Pet Passport for future intra-EU travel.
Can I take my dog on flights to Marbella?
Small dogs in approved carriers can usually travel in the cabin with most European airlines. Larger dogs typically travel in the hold. Each airline has specific size and weight limits and their own booking process for pet travel. Book early and confirm the airline's pet policy before purchasing your tickets.
Are there pet-friendly beaches in Marbella?
Yes, though they are restricted in peak season. Some beaches are designated for dogs outside the main bathing season. During summer, dogs are typically only permitted on beaches before 10am and after 7pm, or at designated dog-friendly beaches. Check local signage and the Marbella Ayuntamiento website for current regulations.