Spanish Rescue Dogs, adopt a dog from Spain to the UK

We help rescue dogs from Spain find loving homes in the UK.

Adopting a dog from Spain is more straightforward than you might think, we deal with everything for you and with full Rescue Back Up, we are there for you from adoption and every day after that.

Why choose this Spanish dog rescue?

Connect with the shelter

We connect all our adopters to Sonia at the shelter who can answer any questions you have first-hand and provide you with updates on your dog.

We request that the shelter run blood tests, including for Brucella Canis. These blood tests are more accurate than SNAP tests which is why we have made them a requirement for the dogs we support.

Blood tests prior to travel

Transparency

Being open and honest is at the core of who we are, from what we do to why we do it. You find out all about our process here.

Access to our private adopter’s Facebook group, this is a welcoming and supportive space to ask questions and share updates (we love dog spam!). We provide Rescue Backup, which means we are here to support you for the lifetime of your dog and if for any reason you need to rehome your dog, they will come back to us.

Lifetime support

Why Adopt a Dog from Spain?

Spain has a large population of abandoned and stray dogs. These Spanish rescue dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and breeds. From playful Podencos to gentle Galgos, and giant Mastins, a perfect dog awaits someone like you to share their life with.

Choosing to adopt a dog from Spain isn't just about giving a deserving dog a loving home. Here are some additional reasons to consider:

Spain has a rich history with many dog breeds. You might find a loyal Podenco, a majestic Galgo, a loving Mastín Español, or a playful Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz waiting for you. These are just a few examples – Spanish rescue dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so you're sure to find a furry friend that fits your lifestyle.

The bond you'll form with your adopted dog will be incredibly special. Knowing you saved a life by choosing to adopt a dog from Spain makes the connection even stronger. Witnessing their transformation from a scared stray to a happy, confident companion is truly heartwarming.

Spanish rescue dogs are known for their resilience, intelligence, and loving nature. Many Spanish rescue dogs have faced challenging circumstances before ending up in shelters. This can make them adaptable and resourceful. Spain has a long history with working dogs, and many Spanish breeds are known for their quick learning abilities.

When you adopt a dog from Spain it is truly a rewarding experience, you will gain a loyal companion and make a positive impact on that dog’s life.


We have many amazing rescue dogs from Spain looking for homes in the UK. These dogs deserve a loving home like any other dog.

The process is simple for you to adopt a dog from Spain. Once your adoption has been confirmed the next step is for you to get excited about your new arrival, we deal with everything else.

Adopting a rescue dog is an amazing thing to do and we want to thank you for taking the time to look into your options. We hope you find our website informative and useful, should you have any questions please get in touch with us.

Our mission is to connect incredible Spanish rescue dogs with loving homes in the UK

Photo of Spanish rescue dog adopted from Spain to the UK, Spanish rescue dog lying in owner's arms. Adopt a dog from Spain, Spain rescue dogs, Spanish dog rescue UK
Photo of Spanish rescue dog adopted from Spain to the UK, small white dog sitting and looking up towards owner. Adopt a dog from Spain, Spain rescue dogs, Spanish dog rescue UK
Photo of Spanish rescue dog adopted from Spain to the UK, dog lying down on grass and looking into camera. Adopt a dog from Spain, Spain rescue dogs, Spanish dog rescue UK
You can’t change a dog’s past, but you could rewrite his future
— Original origin unknown

Why are there so many rescue dogs in Spain?

Thousands of Spanish stray dogs roam the streets, facing hunger, illness, and danger of being hurt.

Several factors contribute to the high number of stray dogs in Spain. Unlike in the UK, neutering and spaying aren't as widely practised. It is estimated around 300,000 animals in Spain are abandoned each year and a third of them are euthanised.

Some traditional attitudes in Spain view dogs more as working animals than companions, leading to them being cast aside when they're no longer needed for herding or guarding. An example is Galgos, at the end of hunting season thousands of them are abandoned or killed inhumanely.

Spanish stray dogs that are picked up by animal control often end up in overcrowded shelters with limited resources. These shelters, while doing their best, can't offer the individual care and attention these dogs desperately need.

Here's where a Spanish dog rescue like ours steps in, the journey for these rescue dogs from Spain is a chance for a new beginning.

There's a misconception that Spanish rescue dogs are somehow less desirable than their UK counterparts. This simply isn't true. Many Spanish dogs are perfectly healthy, playful, and eager to please. Some may have had a rough start in life, but with love and understanding, they can blossom into wonderful companions.

If you are looking to adopt a dog, please consider adopting a rescue dog from Spain.

Reviews for Spanish Happy Tails Rescue UK

  • "Professional, animal focussed and helpful for the rest of your life. This isn't just a dog adoption this is joining a family network. Cannot recommend enough."

    Paula Davis

  • "Amazing people doing the absolute best for these wee souls."

    Pheobe Redman

  • "They made the process simple for us and kept us up to date on her progress. She is a beautiful dog and we are delighted with her. Also advice and help on hand if needed. If your thinking about homing a dog from Spain I would definitely recommend them."

    Christine Nicolson

Photo of senior Spanish rescue dog being brushed. Adopt a dog from Spain, Spain rescue dogs, Spanish dog rescue UK

Adoption fee

Our adoption fee to adopt a dog from Spain is £145, which includes-

  • Microchip (registered to your details on entry to the UK)

  • Pet passport

  • Neutering (adult dogs)

  • Vaccination

  • Health certificate

  • Blood tests for Brucella canis, Leishmania, Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Anaplasmosis), filaria (heartworm), ehrlichia canis and Borrelia.

  • APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) notified of the dog travelling to the UK

  • Access to our private community group for adopters.

Transport

We use Kaiser Pets Transport and Wawapets to transport adopted rescued dogs by road from Spain to the UK. Both companies are established, reliable and have type 2 licences to transport dogs in the UK. Prices start at £300 for transport to England and start from £380 for Scotland.

Orlando’s Journey

From malnourished on the streets of Spain, to a much-loved family dog in the UK

Buddy’s Journey

Beaten on the streets in Spain to cuddles on the sofa in the UK