Travelling with a dog adds a layer of planning to any trip, but some destinations reward the effort more than others. Gibraltar is one of them. At just 6.7 square kilometres, this British Overseas Territory on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula is small enough to explore entirely on foot, warm enough for year round outdoor living, and welcoming enough that dogs are a common sight on its streets, seafront paths, and green spaces. This guide covers everything a dog owner needs to know before visiting Gibraltar: the legal requirements for bringing your pet into the territory, how to cross the border from Spain, which beaches and parks allow dogs, where to find a vet in an emergency, what walking routes work best with a dog, and how to make the most of your stay at a pet friendly base like Victory Suites. Whether you are flying in from the UK, driving down the Costa del Sol from [Malaga](/blog/how-to-get-to-gibraltar-flights-driving-border), or combining Gibraltar with a [wider trip through southern Spain](/blog/one-week-gibraltar-southern-spain-itinerary), this guide has you covered. Gibraltar's size is its biggest advantage for pet travel. Nothing in the territory is more than a twenty minute walk away. There are no long taxi rides, no complicated public transport networks, and no need to leave your dog alone for extended periods while you travel between attractions. You can walk from the seafront to the [Upper Rock](/blog/rock-of-gibraltar-guide) in under half an hour, stopping at parks, cafes, and viewpoints along the way. The climate is another plus. Gibraltar enjoys a Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year. Winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10 degrees Celsius, and summers are warm and dry. That means outdoor walks, al fresco dining, and beach time are possible in virtually every month. For a full breakdown of weather by season, see our [month by month guide to the best time to visit](/blog/best-time-to-visit-gibraltar-month-by-month). English is the official language, the currency is the Gibraltar pound (pegged to sterling), and the territory uses UK style infrastructure. For British dog owners in particular, Gibraltar feels familiar while offering Mediterranean sunshine and a genuinely different travel experience. Our guide to [everything you need to know about Gibraltar](/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-gibraltar) covers the essentials. The [Environmental Agency Gibraltar](https://www.environmental-agency.gi/importation-of-pets/) is responsible for all pet import regulations. The rules are clear and, provided you prepare in advance, straightforward to meet. **Microchip.** Your dog must be fitted with a microchip that complies with ISO 11784 or Annex A of ISO 11785. The chip must be a 15 digit, non encrypted transponder. Microchipping must be done before the rabies vaccination, even if your dog already has a valid vaccine. If your dog was microchipped and vaccinated in the correct order and the vaccination is current, no repeat vaccination is needed. **Rabies vaccination.** Your dog must have a valid rabies vaccination administered after the microchip was implanted. The vaccine must use an inactivated virus of at least one antigenic unit per dose, in line with the [WHO standard](https://www.who.int/). A minimum of 21 days must pass between the date of vaccination (or the date recorded on the vaccination certificate for a primary vaccination) and the date of entry into Gibraltar. **Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate.** If you are travelling from an EU member state, your dog must be accompanied by a valid [EU Pet Passport](https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/pets-and-other-animals/index_en.htm) issued by an authorised veterinarian, certifying the microchip number and current rabies vaccination. If you are travelling from the UK, the EU Pet Passport is no longer valid post Brexit. Instead, you need a UK [Animal Health Certificate (AHC)](https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/getting-an-animal-health-certificate) issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) within 10 days of your travel date. The AHC is valid for a single trip and covers onward travel within the EU and Gibraltar for up to four months from the date of issue. **Tapeworm treatment.** Gibraltar does not currently require tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) treatment for dogs entering the territory. However, if you plan to return to the UK with your dog, the UK does require a tapeworm treatment administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before your scheduled arrival back in Great Britain. Plan this step carefully: you can have the treatment done by a vet in Gibraltar before your return journey. **Blood titre test.** If you are travelling from a country that is not on the EU's list of approved third countries, your dog will need a rabies antibody titre test carried out at an EU approved laboratory at least 30 days after vaccination and at least three months befor