There are certain rules that you have to abide by when relocating pets to Spain, in particular you have to prove that they are healthy and transported appropriately.
Pets are welcome in Spain but there are strict Spanish regulations relating to bringing pets into the country. If you plan to take a pet to Spain, it’s important to check the latest regulations. When transporting them, you will need to ensure that you have the correct papers, not just for Spain but for other countries that you may pass through to reach your destination. Regulations will differ depending on your origin country, please find some general information below:
Pet immigration rules for Spain
With the new rules that have just officially been introduced into the UK, your pet will be micro chipped and vaccinated already, however there are set types they will need to be able to enter Spain. Your pet much have an ISO microchip and be vaccinated against rabies etc at least 21 days prior to travel and should not be over a year. If your animal was vaccinated before it was fitted with a microchip, it will have to be vaccinated again after the microchip is inserted. If your pet’s microchip is not ISO 11784/11785 compliant, you will have to bring your own microchip scanner.
A USDA (or CFIA) accredited veterinarian must then complete the bi-lingual Annex II for Spain for endorsement by the USDA or CFIA if traveling from the United States or Canada. If travelling from another country, the Governing Authority should endorse the form.
Pets entering Spain from a country with a high incidence of rabies, must have a Blood Titer Test one month after vaccination and three months prior to departure.
Restrictions
Only dogs and cat who are less than three months old may enter an EU country without their vaccinations but then other additional regulations come into force. Certain aggressive breeds of dogs are prohibited from entry all together.
Other pets such as: birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not obliged to have the anti-rabies vaccination but need to meet other regulations because of numbers and a certificate in respect to other diseases. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the destination country.
Airline pet container requirements
The correct container for transporting your pet has to be well ventilated, with plenty of room for the animal to move and lie down. Label our pet’s kennel carefully and prominently so they do not get lost in transit and ensure they animal has enough nourishment to last the period of the intended journey.
The rules regarding approved types of containers for cats, dogs, ferrets and birds flying in the cabin and as cargo were created by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and for the most part have been accepted by the world’s airlines. You should read the IATA requirements before you travel with your pet abroad.
Pets in the cabin
On flights lasting less than ten hours, most airlines will allow small cats and dogs to accompany the owner into the passenger cabin – the UK and Hong Kong are the only exception. The airline will only allow one pet per passenger and a maximum of two pets per cabin. The container for the pet must fit under the seat in front of you and must have a waterproof bottom and adequate ventilation.
Here is a list of the minimum requirements that will be accepted by an airline for your pet:
• The container must be large enough for the animal to stand, move and lie down in.
• Must be made of sturdy plastic.
• The container must have a secure, spring loaded, all around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door.
• Steel crate hardware instead of plastic fasteners.
• Food and water bowls must be attached to the inside of the front door and be refillable from the outside, without having to open the cage door.
• Plentiful ventilation on all sides (three sides for domestic flights).
• Live Animal stickers must be displayed on the top and sides in letter one inch tall.
• No wheels.
• Identification must be on the container (pet’s name and owner’s contact information).
• Attach an extra copy of the health certificate on the container.
EU pet passports
Recently it has been mandatory that all EU pet owners much have a pet passport when travelling with their animals. The passport much include the pet’s microchip number for identification and all vaccination and clinical examination records.
As well as the vaccination against rabies the passport must also set out details of the pet’s tick and tapeworm treatment, additional information should include:
• Name and address of animal owner
• Description of the animal (breed, sex, age, colour)
• Number of microchip
• Date of the rabies vaccination, period of validity of the vaccination, type of vaccine, name of manufacturer and production number
• Address and signature of the veterinarian
Pet insurance
Pet insurance is also mandatory. Pet insurance can cover much of the expense of unexpected vet bills in case of an injury or illness, so the things you need to consider when choosing pet insurance are of a major importance:
• Does the policy cover all chronic, congenital and hereditary conditions?
• Is there a time limit on treatment per condition?
• Is there a dollar limit on treatment per condition?
• Are there flexible coverage options to fit your budget and needs exactly?
• How well established is the company? How is it rated?