The non-negotiable timeline
Day 0: ISO microchip. Day 1+: rabies vaccination (must be after microchip). Day 22: vaccine effective. Day 22+: book vet appointment for travel certificate. Day 80–90: final Animal Health Certificate (issued within 10 days of travel).
UK pets post-Brexit
EU Pet Passport no longer issued in UK. UK pets travel on Great Britain Animal Health Certificate (AHC) — single-use, €120–€280 from a UK Official Veterinarian. Once resident in Spain, issue a new EU Pet Passport at any Spanish vet.
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In-cabin (under 8kg incl. carrier): Iberia, Vueling, KLM, Air France, Lufthansa. Hold transport: BA, Iberia, Lufthansa. Snub-nosed breeds (bulldog, pug) banned by most airlines May–October.
Best routes
UK: BA London–Málaga direct (hold). USA: KLM via Amsterdam (in-cabin if small). Pet relocation agents charge €1,200–€3,500 end-to-end and are worth it for first-timers.
See our moving pets to Spain post.
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- Málaga guide3,200 €/sqm · +12.4% YoY
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