SPAIN
Expert Cats and Dogs Relocation Services to Spain
Emigrating to Spain is a dream come true for most people. It gives you a chance to relax and soak in the sun. However, it just wouldn’t be the same without your faithful furry friend. So, let’s take a look at the important things you need to know to plan for taking them with you.
How to Travel to Spain with My Pet
There are lots of things to consider when you’re planning to move abroad with your pet. You should start planning their departure at least 60 days prior to your flight over. We recommend for assistance in gathering their paperwork and understanding the flight process, then it’s recommended to use us as your pet relocation company. We have decades of experience and are skilled at filling in the forms, gathering the documents and making sure that your pet is happy and healthy throughout their flight.
Microchips
Your pet needs to be microchipped and this chip needs to be assigned to you as the owner. Your pet will not be able to travel in the EU without a chip. You should also ensure that the chip is fitted prior to them having all of their travel vaccinations, as the information regarding their medical records will then reflect back on them if there’s a health emergency.
The microchip must be ISO 11784 standard or meet with the AVID 9 or AVID 10 which are also accepted in Spain.
Vaccinations
Your dog should be up to date with their vaccinations. They are required to have the primary Rabies vaccine and any boosters to bring them up to date (usually required every 3 years). They should also have their vaccinations for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus.
Cats also need their Rabies vaccine and require their vaccination for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia.
If your pet wasn’t up to date with their vaccines already, you should plan to have them vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to their departure. This is how long they take to have their full affect. If you’re late with the vaccine date, then their departure will be delayed.
Documentation
Once your pet has had all of their vaccines, they will be recorded on the EU Health Certificate by your vet.
This form will also be required by your vet when you return for their final health check prior to your flight. Ferndale will arrange their health check within 10 days of their flight. This shows that your pet was completely healthy before they travelled and assures the customs officers in Spain that your pet isn’t bringing anything over that could be contagious.
What You Need to Know About Pet Relocation
There are also a couple of additional things to consider before you move.
The 5-day Rule
In Europe, you must plan to travel within 5 days of your pet, either way. This is to avoid any quarantine restrictions and having your pet quarantined, but also to prove that your pet is a non-commercial shipment i.e. your baby is really a family pet, and not brought into the country for the pet trade
Banned Breeds
There are a few dogs that are classified as dangerous in Spain and won’t be able to travel with you at all. These are:
- Rottweilers
- Pit Bull Terriers
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers
- English Bull Terriers
- Brasileiro
- Akita Inu
Is Spain Pet Friendly?
Yes and no. The first thing you need to consider is the heat. While your pet’s coat might be helpful in a colder climate, their long shaggy fur will only be a hinderance here. If you have a fluffy cat or a really hairy dog, you may need to consider a new haircut.
While lots of people do have dogs and cats in Spain, the social aspect of having a pet – especially with dogs – is not as popular as it is in the UK or US. There are dog friendly cafes and other establishments, but it’s not as much of a trend over there. The good news is, it’s usually warm enough to sit outside.
If you’re going to Spain to enjoy the beach life, then it’s likely that your pet won’t be able to join you. Most beaches in Spain restrict dog access to non-peak days, if they allow them on at all.
Dogs are also pretty much banned from entering any tourist attraction unless they happen to be an assistance dog. There are plenty of parks around to provide a much-needed water fountain, but your dog’s days out may be restricted to these.
Pet Relocation Services Hong Kong/Singapore To and From Spain
Ferndale, with offices in Hong Kong (China) and Singapore, provides expert services for relocating pets between these locations and Spain. Our team is dedicated to ensuring a seamless relocation process, whether you’re moving your pet from Hong Kong or Singapore to Spain or from Spain to Hong Kong or Singapore. For any questions or support regarding pet relocation services to and from Spain, please contact us.
