The post-Brexit reality
Since 1 January 2021 the UK is a "Part 2 listed" third country for EU pet travel. UK pet passports are no longer valid for entry to the EU — you need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every trip, or a one-off EU Pet Passport issued by a vet inside the EU once you've made the move.
The mandatory checklist
- Microchip — ISO-standard 15-digit chip, fitted before any vaccination
- Rabies vaccination — administered after the chip, valid for at least 21 days before travel
- AHC (Animal Health Certificate) — issued by an Official Veterinarian no more than 10 days before travel; valid for 4 months of EU travel
- Tapeworm treatment (dogs only, if travelling via certain routes) — 24–120 hours before entry
The airline reality
Most major carriers (BA, Iberia, Vueling) carry small pets in-cabin up to 8 kg including carrier, and larger pets in temperature-controlled hold. Booking is per-flight, capacity-limited, and must be done by phone — not online. Book pet space the same day you book your seat.
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Start matchingThe Eurotunnel / drive option
Eurotunnel takes pets for £30 each way and is by far the least stressful option. Drive London → Marbella is roughly 30 hours total — most people split it into three days with overnight stops in Bordeaux and Madrid.
Once you arrive
Within 30 days of moving, register with a local vet and have them issue an EU Pet Passport. This replaces the AHC system entirely for future travel within the EU and back to the UK. Microchip registration must be updated with your new Spanish address.
Spanish breed restrictions
Eight breeds are classified as "potentially dangerous" (PPP) in Spain and require a special licence: Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu and Akita Inu. Licence requires a clean criminal record, third-party insurance and a psychological certificate. Plan ahead if your dog is on the list.
The settling-in test
Marbella is genuinely dog-friendly: every café has a water bowl, most beaches are dog-friendly out of season, and the climate suits most northern European breeds (avoid black coats in July–August). Cats settle within a week. Older dogs take a month. Plan for it.
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