Moving to Spain with Your Pet: Complete Guide

Planning is key when moving to Spain with your pet to ensure everything goes smoothly and you comply with all regulations.

It’s important to check out Spain’s pet import requirements, so you don’t have a last minute problem that will prevent your pet from traveling, like vaccinations, health certificates, microchipping standards and also to be aware of airline policies.

INDEX

1. Understanding Spain’s Pet Import Regulations

EU Pet Travel Scheme

The European Union Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) was established to facilitate the movement of pets between EU member states and certain non-EU countries. Also, without the need for quarantine, providing certain health conditions.

This scheme primarily applies to dogs, cats, and ferrets, and aims to ensure that pets are free from rabies and other diseases while travelling.

Requirements for Pets Traveling from within the EU

Firstly, your pet must have a valid EU Pet Passport, which serves as proof of identification. It also indicates that all necessary vaccinations and health checks have been completed. The passport should detail your pet’s microchip number, rabies vaccination record, and any other relevant health information.

Additionally, your pet must be microchipped with an ISO compliant microchip, and the microchip number must be accurately recorded in the EU Pet Passport.

The rabies vaccination is mandatory and must be up-to-date. The vaccination must have been administered after the microchip was inserted and should be recorded in the pet passport.

For some EU countries, there may be additional requirements such as treating your pet for tapeworm before entering the country. It is crucial to check the specific requirements for the country you are travelling to, as they can vary.

Non-EU Requirements

Traveling with pets from non-EU countries involves more stringent regulations to ensure animal health and prevent the spread of diseases. Firstly, pets must have a valid third-country official veterinary certificate, which acts similarly to the EU Pet Passport but is specifically designed for non-EU pet travel.

This certificate must be issued by an authorized veterinarian. Is important that the certificate has information such as the pet’s identification, rabies vaccination, and other health checks.

In terms of identification, pets must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip. The rabies vaccination must be current and administered after the microchip was implanted. In addition, the rabies titer test is often required for pets coming from certain non-EU countries.

This blood test, which measures rabies antibodies, must be conducted by an EU-approved laboratory to confirm that the vaccination was effective.

Necessary Vaccinations and Treatments for Non-EU Countries for Entry into Spain

A current rabies vaccination is mandatory, and it must be administered after the pet has been microchipped. In addition to rabies, Spain also necessitates treatment against certain parasites. For instance, dogs must be treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) no more than 120 hours and no less than 24 hours before arriving in Spain. This treatment must be recorded in the pet’s official veterinary certificate.

It’s recommended to vaccinate pets against other diseases such as distemper, canine hepatitis, and parvovirus in dogs, or feline panleukopenia and calicivirus in cats.

Pet Passports and Microchipping

To obtain a pet passport for Spain, pet owners must visit a licensed veterinarian or an authorized issuing agent. The process begins with ensuring that the pet is correctly microchipped, as this is a pre-requisite for identification and subsequent vaccinations.

As we have said above, the microchip must comply with ISO 11784 and 11785 standards, commonly readable by most European scanners. The microchip serves as a reliable form of identification, ensuring that your pet’s information is readily accessible and traceable.

After microchipping, the veterinarian will administer the required rabies vaccination and document this in the pet passport.

In addition to rabies, the vet may include records of other vaccinations and treatments, such as those for distemper, parvovirus, and tapeworm, as recommended for Spain. The pet passport will also contain essential information about the pet, such as its species, breed, age, and details of its owner.

2. Settling in Spain

Registering Your Pet in Spain

Initial Registration: Upon arrival in Spain, you should register your pet with the local town hall (Ayuntamiento) within three months. This process involves providing identification details for both the pet and the owner.
Microchip and Vaccinations: Ensure your pet is microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip. You’ll also need to present proof of up-to-date rabies vaccinations, which are mandatory in Spain.
Required Documentation: You will need to submit your pet’s passport. Includes their microchip number, vaccination records, and other health certificates. Having these documents in order is crucial for a seamless registration process.
Local Pet Register: Some regions in Spain have additional requirements, such as registering with a local pet registry. In larger cities, this might involve an online system where you can upload necessary documents and pay a registration fee.
Annual Renewals and Updates: It’s essential to keep the registration current by informing local authorities of any changes, like address updates or changes in pet ownership. Annual renewals may also be required depending on the locality.

Other Spanish Requirements

Some breeds of dogs, classified as potentially dangerous in Spain, have further restrictions. Owners must obtain a special permit, with a psychological fitness certificate, clean record, and a minimum liability insurance coverage. It is also mandatory to use a muzzle and leash when in public places for these breeds.

Accessing Veterinary Care in Spain

Understanding pet healthcare and insurance in Spain involves knowing available services and the benefits of coverage. Just like human healthcare, pet healthcare can be quite costly, particularly in cases of emergencies or chronic conditions.

Fortunately, there is a variety of pet insurance plans available in Spain that can help mitigate these expenses. Plans range from basic emergency coverage to comprehensive packages including routine check-ups, vaccinations, and even dental care.

When choosing pet insurance, consider coverage limits, exclusions, reimbursement rates, costs and if it covers vet visits abroad. Some of the pet insurance providers in Spain include Mapfre, Helvetia, and Petplan, offering plans for different needs and budgets.

It is important to compare the different policies and reviews from other pet owners to understand their experiences with claim processes and customer support.

Activities and Places Where Pets are Welcomed in Spain

In cities like Barcelona and Madrid, you’ll find numerous parks where pets can roam freely. These parks often have spots where dogs can play off-leash, offering a safe space for them to socialize and get some exercise.

When it comes to beaches, several coastal areas in Spain are welcoming to pets. These beaches often provide amenities like dog showers and shaded areas to ensure a comfortable experience for both pets and owners.

Many cafes and restaurants throughout Spain welcome pets, especially those with outdoor seating.

When it comes to public transportation, small pets are often allowed on trains and buses, provided they are in a carrier. Larger dogs may enter depending on their weight and how big they are. In hotels and other accommodations, it is essential to confirm in advance whether pets are permitted.

Spanish Pet Laws

In Spain, leash laws usually mean that dogs need to be kept on a leash in cities, like on streets, in parks, and in public gardens, to keep everyone safe. But don’t worry, there are specific areas in parks and open spaces where dogs can run free, often marked with clear signs.

Besides leash laws, pet owners need to follow cleanliness rules too. It’s a must to clean up after your pet in public spaces to keep things hygienic and show respect for the community. Many cities even provide dog waste bins and bags to make it easier to dispose of waste responsibly.

Additionally, some breeds, considered potentially dangerous, have to follow stricter rules. Owners of these breeds need to get a special license and make sure their dogs wear a muzzle in public.