Moving to Spain with your dog: Pet-friendly tips for the Costa del Sol

Bringing your furry friend to the sunny coast of Marbella or Estepona is an exciting venture, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition. Whether you’re strolling the charming streets, heading to the beach, or settling in for the long haul, it’s important to be prepared.

Attention: Owners of potentially dangerous dog breeds, including Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, and Japanese Tosas, are advised to refrain from reading this guide, as these breeds face strict regulations and potential prohibitions in Spain.

Entering Spain with your dog

From the EU

If you’re bringing your dog from within the European Union, the process is generally simpler. Your dog must:

Be identified with a microchip or a tattoo (if done before 03/07/2011), provided it remains legible.

Have a valid rabies vaccination. The vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before travel, and dogs under 15 weeks of age cannot enter Spain unless vaccinated.

Possess an EU Pet Passport, which serves as proof of your pet’s vaccinations and health status. This document must include sections for “Owner,” “Animal Description,” “Identification,” “Passport Issuance,” and “Rabies Vaccination.” The pet passport is issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, and is valid for travel within the EU. It can be obtained from any licensed veterinarian and remains valid as long as your pet’s rabies vaccinations are up to date.

Additionally, dogs, cats, and ferrets under 15 weeks of age are not permitted entry if they are unvaccinated against rabies. The minimum age for vaccination is 12 weeks.

If travelling with more than five pets within the EU or from a third country, commercial regulations apply. Pets must generally travel with their owner, although exceptions can be made if properly justified and documented, allowing animals to travel separately within five days of their owner’s travel.

From Non-EU Countries

For dogs coming from outside the EU, the regulations are stricter. In addition to the requirements mentioned above, you may need to provide:

Health Certificate: A veterinary health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin, certifying that your dog is healthy and free from contagious diseases.

Rabies Vaccination Certificate: Proof of rabies vaccination that meets the requirements of the EU, including details of the vaccine and the date it was administered.

Serological Test: Depending on the country of origin, a rabies serological test may be required, confirming that the vaccination is effective. This test should be conducted at an authorised laboratory and must be done at least 30 days after vaccination.

Getting around: Car and public transport

Travelling by car? Ensure your dog is safely secured in a carrier or with an appropriate harness in the backseat. Fines can be hefty if they’re not properly restrained. For public transport, most buses and trains allow small pets in carriers, while larger dogs may face restrictions.

Dog etiquette in public spaces

In some public spaces, such as elevators, dogs can ride as long as no other people object, in which case you may need to wait. Regarding public establishments like hotels or restaurants, most reserve the right to restrict dog access unless they are guide dogs. Always check individual policies before bringing your dog inside.Before wrapping up, we’d like to share some useful resources for pet owners. Taskia and Rover are excellent platforms to find pet sitters if you need to travel without your furry friend. Additionally, srperro.com provides valuable information about pet-friendly restaurants and locations throughout Spain, helping you enjoy your time with your pet while exploring the region.

Play and exercise

While Marbella and Estepona are dog-friendly areas, dogs must always be on a leash in public spaces unless in designated off-leash areas. Several parks and green spaces cater to pets, giving your dog plenty of room to roam and play. And if your dog loves the water, the pet-friendly beaches are the perfect spot to cool off.

Dog-friendly beaches on the Costa del Sol

Starting from the westernmost part of Málaga, Punta Paloma Dog Beach in Casares has been open since 2016. Conveniently located near the border with Estepona, it’s easily accessible from the main road.

Moving further along the coast, Marbella offers two designated dog beaches. Ventura del Mar Dog Beach in Nueva Andalucía, near the Gran Hotel Guadalpín Banús, is widely praised by users for its facilities. Along with El Pinillo Dog Beach, located just outside Marbella, these are the only two canine-friendly beaches in the area, both equipped with dog showers and water fountains.

Fuengirola’s Castillo Sohail Dog Beach is just 10 minutes from the city centre and also stands out for its amenities, though it prohibits entry to breeds classified as potentially dangerous.

Finally, Benalcan Dog Beach in Benalmádena offers year-round access, complete with dog showers, bins, and water stations, as well as nearby parking and restaurants.