You can transport your pets in a variety of ways and which you choose will be dependent on your budget and your pet's temperament:
- By car – If you are travelling within Europe, you can transport your pets by car and, if you are coming from the UK, you can use the tunnel or there are various ferries which will allow pets. Some ferries have kennels and exercise yards for dogs.
- By air – Some airlines will transport pets. You will need to check which airlines do this and which airports they use. You will need to provide the correct sized pet carrier, which is IATA approved, and is fully labelled with your contact details.
- Specialist companies – There are companies who will transport your pets by car for you. One such company, EasyPet, makes regular journeys from and to the UK. They travel through France, stay at pet friendly hotels and give the pets regular stops for water and toileting.
Before booking any type of transport for your pet, you will need to check regulations regarding importing animals into Spain. UK citizens can check the Defra website for regulations :- http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalH/quarantine/pets/index.htm).
If you are transporting a cat, dog or ferret within the EU, you will just need a European Passport to cross country borders (excluding entry to the UK, Ireland, Malta and Sweden). The European Pet Passport is issued by a vet and includes specific information on your pet – its breed and colour, its ID number and proof that it has been vaccinated against Rabies. Your pet will also need to be microchipped for identification purposes.
To be able to enter back into the UK or Ireland (also Malta and Sweden) from Spain, your pet will be required to meet the requirements of PETS, the Pets Travel Scheme.
Your cat dog or ferret will need to:
- Have been microchipped with a chip that meets ISO specifications.
- Have been vaccinated against Rabies and have regular booster vaccinations. A blood test should be taken a few weeks after the Rabies vaccination to check immunity.
- Have a pet passport which has been signed and stamped by a vet.
- Have been treated for tapeworm and ticks between 24 and 48 hours before travelling. A certificate from a vet is required to prove this.
If you are moving pets to Spain from Canda or the USA, there are different requirements. Your pet will need:
- A tattoo or an ISO approved microchip.
- To have been vaccinated against Rabies and to have had regular booster vaccinations.
- A certificate from your vet, signed within the last 4 months, confirming details such as animal details and ID number, vaccination history and owner details.
When you and your pet have arrived in Spain, you will then need to take your pet to a Spanish vet to get a European Union pet passport. Further information on moving pets to Spain from the USA can be found at www.mapausa.org/Viaje/Animal/Nocomercial/dcf.htm
Canadians can get further information on transporting pets at www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/export/petcom/ec_ce_esp_infoe.shtml
There are some diseases and conditions which are prevalent in Spain which your pet may need to be protected against. These include Leishmaniasis, Babesiosis and Heartworm. See your vet for details of preventative measures which can be taken.
