Andorra – Veterinary Care

What is the standard of veterinary care in Andorra?

The quality of veterinary care available in Andorra is widely regarded as high. Across the country’s veterinary clinics and hospitals, pet owners can access a comprehensive range of services, from routine wellness consultations and vaccination programmes to surgical procedures and urgent emergency treatment. Given the principality’s modest size and population of approximately 77,000, the level of provision is notably good.

The majority of veterinary practices are located in the main urban areas of Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany, though practices also exist in smaller towns elsewhere in the country. That said, pet owners living in more rural parishes or at higher altitudes will find their choice of local practice more restricted and may need to travel to the capital for specialist consultations or procedures.

Several clinics offer trauma care for orthopaedic injuries and fractures, dental health assessments, and in-house laboratory facilities equipped with haematology and biochemical analysis technology capable of delivering same-day results. This diagnostic capability is broadly equivalent to that found in well-equipped general practices across France and Spain.

At least one practice — Vets Fontblanca in La Massana — provides a 24-hour emergency service operating every day of the year, alongside home visit options. In contrast to many rural parts of southern Europe where out-of-hours emergency veterinary access is scarce, Andorra’s compact geography means that even clinics situated outside the capital are reasonably accessible in an urgent situation. Newly arrived pet owners are encouraged to confirm their chosen clinic’s out-of-hours arrangements before they are ever required.

Cardiology services are available at certain practices, with referral pathways to external specialist facilities for complex cases where required. Some clinics also offer rehabilitation and physiotherapy services to support recovery following both surgical and non-surgical conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

Is there a national veterinary association in Andorra?

Andorra’s national veterinary body is the Col·legi de Veterinaris d’Andorra, commonly known as COVAND. Founded in 1999, COVAND is the organisation responsible for overseeing and regulating the veterinary profession throughout the principality. All veterinarians who practise in Andorra are expected to hold registration with COVAND.

The association carries out regulatory functions, and provides educational and professional development opportunities for veterinary practitioners. Its role is analogous to that of veterinary regulatory bodies in other European countries — such as the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in the United Kingdom or the Ordre National des Vétérinaires in France — in the sense that it establishes and maintains professional standards among those practising in the field.

Pet owners who wish to verify a veterinarian’s qualifications or locate a registered clinic are advised to contact COVAND directly. At the time of writing, it had not been confirmed that a publicly accessible online register of practitioners was available; readers should consult the official COVAND website and reach out to the association for the most up-to-date details on accreditation and procedures for raising concerns. The Andorran Government’s Department of Agriculture (www.govern.ad) is another important point of contact for matters concerning animal health and welfare regulation.

How do I find a vet in Andorra, and are multilingual vets available?

Given the principality’s small scale, a basic internet search using terms such as “veterinari Andorra” or “clínica veterinària Andorra” will readily return most of the active practices. As Andorra does not maintain a single centralised government directory of private veterinary practices, expats generally rely on a combination of online searches, expat community forums, and personal recommendations to identify a suitable clinic.

Locating a vet who consults in a language other than Catalan, Spanish, or French may call for a little additional research, though options do exist. Catalan is Andorra’s official language, but Spanish and French are both widely spoken and understood. Many practising vets completed their training at Spanish or French universities and are equally comfortable consulting in either language. Certain practices, particularly those in areas with significant tourist or expat populations, may also be able to accommodate consultations in other languages — it is always worth telephoning ahead to enquire.

One well-known clinic with an English-language online presence is Vets Fontblanca in La Massana, which publishes service information in English and Spanish alongside Catalan. Among the larger practices in the capital, Clínica Veterinària AndVet in Andorra la Vella is a notable option. Expat forums and Facebook groups focused on life in Andorra can also prove useful for sourcing first-hand recommendations from fellow residents.

Those arriving from countries accustomed to centralised vet-finder tools — such as the Australian Veterinary Association’s practice locator or the RCVS’s Find a Vet service — should bear in mind that Andorra’s veterinary landscape is small enough that direct contact with individual clinics tends to be the most practical and efficient approach.

What vaccinations and preventive treatments does my pet need in Andorra?

Once you are settled in Andorra, your vet will be able to recommend an appropriate ongoing vaccination and preventive healthcare schedule suited to your individual pet. The requirements and standard recommendations in Andorra may differ from those you were familiar with in your previous country of residence, so it is worth discussing your animal’s full health history with a local vet promptly after you arrive.

For dogs, vaccinations against conditions such as distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus are considered important components of a sound preventive health regimen. For cats, protection against feline viral rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, and feline leukaemia is similarly recommended. Proof of these vaccinations is not, however, required at the Andorran border. Most veterinary practices in Andorra follow vaccination protocols that align with those used in Spain and France, which are themselves broadly consistent with wider European guidance.

Andorra’s Pyrenean setting introduces certain health hazards that may be unfamiliar to pet owners moving from other regions. Tick-borne illnesses — including Lyme disease and babesiosis — represent a genuine concern in the mountain environment. Leishmaniasis, a parasitic illness transmitted by sandflies that is endemic throughout much of the Iberian Peninsula, is also a significant risk for dogs in Andorra, especially during the warmer months of the year. Year-round parasite prevention — encompassing tick and flea treatments and, where seasonally relevant, heartworm protection — is strongly recommended and should be a priority topic when you first register with a local vet.

Animals relocating to Andorra from cooler northern European climates may never have needed certain preventive treatments before and should be assessed accordingly. Local disease patterns and recommended treatment protocols do evolve, so always seek up-to-date advice directly from your Andorran veterinarian.

What does veterinary care cost in Andorra?

All veterinary care in Andorra operates on a fully private basis — there is no publicly funded or state-subsidised veterinary system of any kind. Every cost falls directly to the pet owner, which makes budgeting carefully and considering insurance coverage particularly important.

Fee schedules in Andorra are not standardised or centrally published, and charges vary from one practice to another. As a broad reference point, routine consultation fees in Andorra are generally comparable to those charged in Spain and France — both countries where veterinary costs occupy a mid-range position within Europe. As of 2024, a standard consultation at an urban Spanish clinic typically falls in the region of €30–€60, and Andorran practices are understood to charge at broadly similar levels, though the principality’s low-tax status can influence pricing in either direction depending on the individual clinic. Fees change over time, so it is advisable to confirm current charges directly with your practice ahead of any appointment.

More advanced procedures — including orthopaedic surgery, specialist imaging, or oncology treatment — will command considerably higher fees than a routine general practice visit, and may necessitate referral to specialist centres across the border in Spain or France if the required expertise or equipment cannot be sourced within Andorra. Emergency and out-of-hours consultations typically attract an additional surcharge; it is worth establishing in advance how your chosen practice structures its emergency fees.

Is pet insurance available in Andorra, and is it worth it?

Pet insurance is obtainable for residents of Andorra, though the domestic market is considerably smaller and less mature than the insurance markets found in countries such as Sweden, the Netherlands, or the United Kingdom, where pet cover is widely available, actively marketed, and deeply ingrained in pet owner culture. Some Andorran-based insurers and certain international providers do offer policies, but the breadth of available products is more limited than in larger European markets.

In practice, many expat pet owners in Andorra opt for policies with international pet insurance providers or with Spanish or French insurers that extend coverage to the principality. Given how close Andorra is to specialist veterinary facilities across the border, some policies that include treatment in Spain or France can represent a practical and worthwhile arrangement. It is essential to verify explicitly that cross-border treatment is covered under any policy before committing to it.

When reviewing and comparing policies, particular attention should be given to exclusions relating to pre-existing conditions — a standard feature of virtually all pet insurance products — along with annual or per-condition benefit limits, waiting periods before cover becomes active, and whether the policy includes or excludes routine and preventive care such as vaccinations and parasite treatments. Since veterinary fees in Andorra are broadly aligned with those in Spain and France, standard European pet insurance benefit levels serve as a reasonable benchmark. The market and the products available within it do change, however, so readers are encouraged to compare offerings directly with providers on a current basis.

What are the rules for bringing a pet into Andorra?

Although Andorra sits outside the European Union, it has adopted a framework largely aligned with EU regulations for the importation of pets. Those who have previously moved animals between EU member states will find many aspects of the process familiar, though there are details specific to Andorra that must be followed precisely.

The core steps for bringing a dog, cat, or ferret into Andorra are as follows:

1. Microchip your pet. Your animal must be fitted with a 15-digit microchip that complies with ISO standard 11784 or Annex A of ISO standard 11785. All accompanying documentation must reference the microchip number. It is critical that the microchip is implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered — if the vaccination precedes the chip, the vaccination record will be considered invalid.
2. Vaccinate against rabies. A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory for entry. Where it is your pet’s first rabies vaccination, this must be given no fewer than 21 days before travel. The vaccine used must be an inactivated or recombinant rabies vaccine approved for use in the country of origin.
3. Obtain the correct travel documentation. If you are travelling from an EU member state, an EU pet passport is required. For travel from non-EU countries, an official animal health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian will be accepted.
4. Determine whether a rabies titre test is required. A rabies titre test — which measures the level of rabies antibodies in the blood — is required for pets entering Andorra from countries considered to carry a high risk of rabies. For pets arriving from low-risk countries, this test is not compulsory, but you should confirm the specific requirements for your country of origin with the Andorran authorities before travel.
5. Be aware of minimum age requirements. The minimum age at which a puppy or kitten may enter Andorra from a rabies-controlled country is 12 weeks and 22 days. Where the animal is entering from a high-rabies-risk country, the minimum permitted age rises to seven months.
6. Check breed restrictions and transit country rules. Andorra does not maintain its own list of prohibited breeds; however, as all pets entering Andorra must pass through either Spain or France, the breed restrictions enforced by those countries apply. Thoroughly check the regulations of your transit country before making travel arrangements.

No import permit is required when entering Andorra with a personal pet. Provided all import requirements are satisfied, no quarantine period will be imposed. However, if a pet arrives without the correct documentation or fails to meet the stated requirements, it may be quarantined, returned to the country of origin, or — in the most serious cases — euthanised. Pet owners are strongly urged to verify current requirements directly with the Andorran Government’s Department of Agriculture at www.govern.ad before travelling, as regulations can change and the consequences of non-compliance can be severe.

Birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to the rabies vaccination requirements but may need to fulfil other conditions and will require a health certificate for entry into Andorra. Pet owners should also confirm that their animal is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) — this is especially relevant for turtles and parrots, which may require supplementary permits.

Are there any animal welfare laws or pet ownership regulations I should know about in Andorra?

On 28 January 2022, Andorra became a signatory to the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals (ETS No. 125), joining 23 other member states. The Convention is designed to safeguard the welfare of animals — particularly those kept as pets for companionship and private enjoyment — by establishing a common minimum standard of care and responsible ownership across signatory states.

Andorran law prohibits the mistreatment or abuse of animals in any form, including neglect through failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary attention. The abandonment of animals is similarly unlawful and can attract penalties including fines and custodial sentences.

All dogs in Andorra must be registered with the relevant authorities in accordance with Andorran legislation. Animals must be identified either by microchip or by a clearly legible tattoo applied before 3 July 2011. There is no requirement to obtain a national-level pet licence; however, individual municipalities may operate their own regulations in relation to pet ownership — for example, leash requirements or limits on the number of animals permitted per household. Pet owners are advised to check with their local parish council (comú) for any parish-specific rules that may apply to them.

Andorra has specific regulations governing breeds that are classified as dangerous or potentially dangerous, which include the American Akita, Bullmastiff, Doberman, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Brazilian Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, American Pit Bull Terrier, Canary Dogo, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Akita Inu, and Tosa Inu. Owners of these breeds must be adults with full legal capacity, hold no sanctions related to dog ownership, carry civil liability insurance, and be able to demonstrate completion of mandatory owner training. In public spaces, these dogs must be kept on a non-extendable leash of no more than 1.5 metres and must wear a muzzle at all times.

More broadly, dogs should be kept on a leash in public areas throughout Andorra unless in a designated off-leash zone. Owners bear responsibility for cleaning up after their animals, and certain public spaces — including some parks and nature reserves — may impose restrictions on pet access.

The Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Sustainability of Andorra has introduced regulations governing the technical welfare and safety standards required at animal refuges, reinforcing requirements to ensure that animals are treated with respect and in accordance with established welfare principles. Compliance is monitored by a dedicated full-time inspector.

One active welfare organisation operating in the country is the Andorran Association for the Protection of Animals (AAPA), established in 1989, which rescues and cares for abandoned animals, provides shelter and veterinary attention, and works to raise public awareness of responsible pet ownership.

Frequently asked questions: veterinary care and pet ownership in Andorra

Is there a quarantine requirement when bringing my pet to Andorra?

No quarantine will be imposed on a pet entering Andorra provided that all import requirements have been fully met. If documentation is found to be incomplete or incorrect at the border, however, the animal could be subject to delays, quarantine, or refused entry — making thorough preparation before travel absolutely essential.

Does Andorra have its own pet passport, or do I use an EU pet passport?

If you plan to travel with your pet from Andorra to an EU member state, your animal can enter the EU using a pet passport issued in Andorra. In the Andorran context, “pet passport” refers to the collection of documents that together satisfy Andorra’s entry requirements — which is distinct from the official EU Pet Passport issued to pets resident within the EU. You should confirm the current required documentation format with both your vet and the Andorran authorities ahead of any travel.

Can I bring birds, reptiles, or rabbits to Andorra?

Birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to rabies vaccination requirements, but may need to satisfy other conditions and will require a health certificate in order to enter Andorra. The requirements for these species are more complicated and may change — consult the Andorran Department of Agriculture and the relevant authority in your home country well in advance of travel.

Are there English-consulting vets in Andorra?

Some practices — particularly those used to serving tourist and expat clientele — are able to offer consultations in languages other than Catalan and Spanish. Vets Fontblanca in La Massana, for example, maintains a website with information available in English. Finding a vet who consults in English or another non-local language may take a little additional effort, but it is possible. Calling clinics directly before registering is always the most reliable way to establish what languages a practice can accommodate.

Do I need to register my dog with local authorities in Andorra?

Yes — all dogs must be registered with the appropriate authorities as required under Andorran law, and must be identified by means of either a microchip or a clearly legible tattoo applied before 3 July 2011. No national-level pet licence is required. You should, however, check with your local comú (parish council) for any additional local registration or licensing obligations that may apply in your area.

What should I do in a veterinary emergency in Andorra?

The best approach is to identify a clinic that provides 24-hour emergency cover as soon as you settle in — do not leave this until an emergency arises. At least one clinic in Andorra, Vets Fontblanca in La Massana, operates a round-the-clock emergency service. Store your chosen clinic’s emergency contact number in your phone. Should your pet require specialist emergency treatment that is unavailable within the principality, the nearest major veterinary hospitals are located in Lleida in Spain and in the Toulouse area of France.

Is Leishmaniasis a risk for my dog in Andorra?

Yes — Leishmaniasis is endemic throughout much of the Iberian Peninsula and presents a genuine health risk to dogs in Andorra, particularly in the warmer months when sandfly activity is at its highest. Your Andorran vet will be able to advise on suitable preventive measures, which may include the use of repellent products and vaccination where available and clinically appropriate. This is an especially important consideration for dogs relocating from countries where the disease is not present and no preventive treatment has previously been necessary.

What animal welfare organisations operate in Andorra?

The Andorran Association for the Protection of Animals (AAPA), which was founded in 1989, rescues and cares for abandoned animals, provides shelter, food, and medical treatment, and works actively to rehome them. The Andorran Society for the Protection of Animals and Plants (SAPA) focuses on protecting the natural environment and the wildlife within it, and promotes public education on matters of wildlife conservation and environmental responsibility.