Spain Travel Tips: travelling with pets
Travelling with your pet to Spain? Yes? Then you need to read this tips:
Pets do not need to be held in quarantine prior to entering Spain. A certificate stating that an animal is in good health and has been inoculated against rabies (for dogs and cats) is required. The document must be issued by a veterinarian and certified at the nearest Consulate of Spain.
You should bear in mind current regulations, similar to those in other European countries. All pets should be in possession of the correct veterinary certificate or passport, according to the species of animal. Owners should certify, in writing (must include version in Spanish), that they have been in possession of the animal(s) for a minimum of 3 months, or since the first days after their birth if they are less than 3 months old. They must also state that they will not sell the animal(s) and that they accept any checks that Spanish health services may deem appropriate, in accordance with current sanitary regulations.
If your pet is a dog, a cat or a ferret: Before coming into Spain, your pet should meet a series of sanitary and identification requirements, which may vary according to the country of origin. In most cases, the pet should be vaccinated against rabies, as well as having identification using a microchip or tattoo. You should also be aware that if the animal is less than three months old, then there may be restrictions for entry to Spain. If the animal does not have a rabies vaccination certificate or sanitary card showing said vaccination, then entry to Spain will be refused.
Due to avian flu, the import of birds and their derivatives into Spain from affected countries is now prohibited, regardless of whether these countries are EU member states or not. To this end, controls have been increased on birds coming from southeast Asia and there are reinforced controls by sanitary authorities in place at Frontier Inspection Points. Bringing any type of ornamental bird into the EU is also prohibited.
If your pet is an endangered species you will not be able to travel with your pet – Spain has international agreements regarding protection of endangered species.
Apart from meeting requirements for entry, bear in mind that:
- Muzzles are obligatory in some Spanish Regions.
- The animal must be identified by microchip or tattoo.
- The animal should travel with you in a suitable container.
- Not all accommodation admits animals.
- The majority of restaurants do not admit pets.
- The maximum number of animals that can be transported without being considered a commercial consignment varies according to species.
Before you start your trip, I recommend you check with accommodation and transport companies, as well as conditions for travelling with pets.
