Taking your Pet to Spain

So you are going to Spain. Relocating to a new country involves quite a lot of stress and anxiety. This is increased further if you plan to take your pets along with you and pet travel is hard to arrange. A few points that will make you more aware about the issues involved in relocating with your pet to Spain and will hopefully ease the transfer related transition are as follows:

Check for the latest rules and regulations regarding the import of animals into Spain. These rules keep changing almost every couple of years, and your pet might not be allowed entry into the country in case you miss out on a document or two that you never knew was required.

If you plan to spend a considerable time in Spain, it is best that you get your dog vaccinated for rabies either before arrival or almost as soon as you land. Getting it done back home is better. Your dogs should also be vaccinated against parvovirus, hepatitis, leptospirosis, distemper and kennel cough and your cats immunised against typhus and feline gastro-enteritis.

Some other threats that your pets might be exposed to in Spain are leishmaniasis, processionary caterpillars, leeches, heartworm, ticks, feline leukemia virus and feline enteritis. Try to consult your vet in about these as soon as you can. Poisoned bait is another pet hazard in countries like Spain and Italy, and your pet will require extra attention when outdoors.

Spain has a good number of trained vets and many clinics also offer emergency veterinary care. Apart from this, many insurance companies also provide health insurance for pets at a rate of approximately EUR 75 for a dog and EUR 40 for a cat per year. This insurance covers veterinary fees, complementary medicine, third party liability, travel abroad, accidental death and theft.

A number of kennels and catteries can be found throughout Spain. They charge approximately EUR 4 for a cat and EUR 6 for a dog. The rates depend on the size of the animal and discounts are possible when you put in more than one animal. These establishments accept only animals that have been fully vaccinated. It is advised that you book well in advance, especially if you plan to leave your pet at a kennel or cattery during school holiday periods.

Spain is not as pet friendly as Italy or Germany. So while a number of hotels will allow pets, restaurants and shops do not. You might also have trouble renting accommodation because a number of housing communities ban pets. Getting furnished accommodation will be much tougher with a pet.

Dogs are prohibited from entering places where food is manufactured, stored or sold. They are also not allowed on beaches and sports and cultural events.

Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in pet travel help or pet airlines recommendations to Spain.