Taking Pets to Spain

Transporting pets over a long distance can be as traumatic for the owners as it is for the pets but things have become easier over the past few years in terms of documentation and administration.

This page deals solely with the logistics of taking a pet dog or cat with you from the UK – so if you're from California and can't bear to part with your pet python you'll need to seek specialist advice from your vet and the relevant authorities.

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)

The first thing to do is to make an appointment with your vet and take your pet along to get a general health check and use the opportunity to ask about your move. If your vet doesn't seem to know much about the Pet Travel scheme don't write them off completely it maybe that they have just never encountered an emigrating moggy before. What's more important is that they advise you on what you can do to make the journey for your pet and therefore you, more tolerable, check out the animals health and are make sure it conforms to the regulations when they have found out more about them.

The pet passport was introduced on July 3rd 2004 to enable the smooth transportation of pets throughout the EU and their return, if applicable, to their country of origin. All the relevant information is available on the DEFRA website but we summarize the procedures below.

Your pet must:

◊ Be micro chipped

◊ Vaccinated against rabies a minimum of 21 days before travelling

◊ Issued with a pet passport

◊ If you're planning to return to the UK your pet must have a blood test to confirm a satisfactory test result for the rabies vaccination from an approved laboratory to establish rabies isn't present and at least six months must elapse between this time and your return. Your pet must also be treated for ticks and tapeworms 24 to 48 hours before your trip and you must have the documentation to prove this.

Tips & advice

◊ Plan the journey

◊ Arrive at the ferry port, tunnel terminal or airport early

◊ Consider travelling overnight as it may be cooler and your pet may be inclined to sleep more

◊ Discuss the journey with your vet. Sedatives aren't recommended but there are various options that may calm your pet such as pheromone sprays.

◊ Don't feed them too much before the journey

◊ Make water available at all times

◊ If using a container make sure it's big enough and has suitable ventilation

◊ Provide absorbent bedding

◊ Get your pet familiar with the container well in advance

Travelling by car

◊ Cats or small dogs should be confined in a suitable container for the duration of the journey

◊ Don't park in the shade when you stop as animals can overheat very quickly especially when distressed

◊ If a dog is carried loose make sure they are confined to a certain area eg with a dog guard in an estate car

Travelling by ferry

◊ Arrive early for the best possible position on board

◊ Call the ferry company well in advance to confirm they have all the details they need, to check their policy on travelling with pets and for any additional advice they may have

◊ Leave the vehicle windows partly open

The channel tunnel

◊ Arrive early, especially at busy times

◊ Keep windows open

by air

◊ Check all details, advice and regulations well in advance with both the airline and transportation company you are using

◊ Check the procedures for collection at the other end. For example pets are normally collected from the cargo terminal at Barcelona airport so make sure you know where that is and what documentation you need to pick up your pet

◊ You can get additional information on taking your pet by air on the IATA website.