Moving To Spain With Pets [A Step-By-Step 2023 Guide
Moving to another country is always quite a challenge. And if you have pets, this can get pretty tricky and complex because of the additional requirements. But as long as you are clear on everything that you will require, the process can be a lot smoother. This guide will be your starting point if you want to bring your pet alongside you to Spain. You just need to fulfill certain documentary requirements and you will be good to go.
Requirements For Bringing A Pet To Spain
Age Of The Pet
You can only bring five pets with you to Spain, which is the legal limit for owning pets in the country. Regardless of the type of pet you own, i.e. a cat, dog or even a ferret etc. they should be at least 12 weeks and 21 days old at the time of arrival in Spain. The rationale behind this is that the minimum age for a rabies vaccine is 12 weeks, and to travel, at least 21 days should have passed since the date of the vaccination. So, in effect, your pet must be older than 15 weeks.
In case you are simply bringing your pet into the country for a competition or a showcase, you will need to have the registration documents for the event, and your pet must be 6 months old.
Microchip
A microchip is a tiny radio frequency identification chip. It is inserted into pets at the vet’s office to make them easier to locate in case they are lost or they run away. Before you enter Spain, your pet must have an internationally recognized microchip with 15 digits implanted the same day or before their rabies vaccination.
The microchip will need to comply with ISO 11784 and 11785 standards. Spain also accepts AVID 9 and AVID 10 in addition to these. If your pet has a different kind of microchip, you might be able to travel with your own chip reader or can call the Border Inspection Post ahead of your travel to check if they have scanners for your pet’s chip. However, this might become complicated both in the short and the long run. Having a different kind of chip means that your pet will not be identified easily if it gets lost after entering Spain. There is also a slight chance that the person at the entry point can refuse entry of your pet into the country.
Getting a microchip can cost you about 20 euros. A tattoo identification might also work, as long as it was issued before 2011 and is clear and legible.
Vaccination
While there are several vaccines that are seen as essential for your pet’s good health, rabies is the only one that is required before entering Spain. Vaccines that are administered before the microchip’s implantation will not be recognized. If it is the first time your pet is getting vaccinated, at least 21 days should have passed since the ‘primary’ vaccination before travelling. For booster shots, you can travel on the same day as well, as long as the shot was given before the previous one expired. If the previous shot has expired, all vaccinations will be treated as primary vaccinations, and you will need to observe the 21 day rule. Vaccination costs can be anywhere from 25 to 100 euros.
If your pet is coming from a high-rabies country, they will also need to take a rabies titer test (FAVN), which can only be done at approved laboratories. As long as the results are within the acceptable limits, your pet can enter Spain no earlier than 3 months after their sample was taken.
Health Certificate And Declaration Form
If you are coming from a country outside the European Union, you will need a health certificate for your pet. This can be obtained from any accredited vet in your country. The costs will vary accordingly and can range from 20 to 100 euros.
You will also be required to submit a completed and officially translated declaration form. Be mindful that this form generally expires within 10 days so you must obtain it right before you plan to travel. There are two situations when a declaration form will be needed: if you are coming from a non-EU country then a declaration to state that you are not going to sell this pet in Spain, and in case you are not accompanying your pet yourself, then a declaration with the name of the person who will be responsible for the pet in your absence, and your intention to join them within five days.
If you attach any supporting documents, they should also be signed and stamped by the vet who issued the certificates. This is so that they may be considered a part of the original documentation.
A European Pet Passport
This is an identification document for your pet that will allow them to travel with you. This can be issued by an authorized vet. Generally, there is no expiration date for a pet passport, but you will be responsible for ensuring their rabies vaccinations are up to date. The pet passport will include the physical characteristics of your pet, the microchip code, your contact information, a record of rabies vaccinations and an authorized vet’s information. The cost of a pet passport can vary a great deal depending on the cost of the documents listed, and can be anywhere from 20 to 500 euros. As long as you have all the required documents with you, you can obtain a pet passport within a few days. If you don’t, the entire process might take a total of up to 3 months.
What Happens If You Don’t Follow The Requirements?
If you come to Spain without completing your pet’s necessary vaccinations, medical checks and obtaining their health certificate, the authorities might quarantine your pet and even return it to the departure port. In extreme circumstances they may even euthanize the pet!
Before making any travel plans, be sure to check with the relevant authorities well in advance about the requirements, otherwise you just risk a lot of unnecessary hassle and even harm to your pet. Moreover, being in quarantine implies not only a mental burden for both of you but also financial costs. Shelters charge high rates for animals that stay with them due to non-fulfillment of custom requirements.
It is also illegal to introduce any invasive species into the country. You may be fined somewhere between 3000 and 2 million euros depending on the type of animal and the severity of damage they cause to the local ecosystem. In addition, you might be made to serve two years in prison. The exact punishments will be different in each autonomous region.
Which Dog Breeds Are Banned In Spain?
Generally, all dog breeds are allowed to be kept as pets in Spain. However, the country has a list of potentially dangerous dogs known as the perros potencialmente peligrosas (PPP). If you own a dog on this list, you will need to get a license and also register your dog with the local municipality within one month of your arrival in Spain. Your license will have a validity of 5 years whereas your dog’s registration will need to be renewed annually. To obtain a license, you will need to do the following:
- Fill out form 790 and pay your application fees
- Get a health check done for yourself to test your eyes, coordination, hearing and strength
- Show proof that you have attended training school with your dog
- Get your dog microchipped and get their vaccinations up to date
- Register your dog at the municipality using their vet certificate and microchip number
- Get PPP liability insurance
- Get a criminal background check for yourself from the local police
Potentially dangerous dogs include breeds such as the Doberman, Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Akita Inu etc. The exact breeds might also sometimes differ according to the Autonomous region you will be moving to. Usually, such dogs will be muscular, have a strong body with short hair, a large head and wide jaw, and a weight exceeding 20 kgs.
Such dogs will need to wear their muzzle and a leash whenever you walk them, and the leash cannot be any longer than 2 meters. You can only walk a PPP dog if you have a license, and even then only one dog at a time. In some regions, PPPs are also banned from entering public playgrounds and parks because of the risk associated with them. In any case, be sure to always carry your license and a copy of your insurance with you to avoid any sudden inconvenience.
7 Tips For Flying With Your Pet To Spain
Check For Approved Airports And Ports
Pets accompanied by their owners or otherwise will need to come into Spain through certain Border Inspection Posts only. For air travel, this includes international airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Valencia or Tenerife Sur. Approved ports include those at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Almeria and Algeciras.
Opt For A Suitable Airline
Not all airline companies will allow you to bring your pet with you. Some might ask for them to travel in the cargo department whereas others also allow pets in the cabin. If you own a small dog or cat, you are in luck since these are usually allowed in the cabin. Low-cost airlines might refuse to transport some pets. Most airlines will check them in as special baggage to be transported in a separate heated and ventilated hold. This might be better for them since the environment can be quieter and darker, for them to rest comfortably.
But in all cases, be sure to check with your airline about the guidelines for travelling with pets.
Let Your Airline Know About Your Plans To Travel With A Pet Beforehand
In any one flight, only a limited number of pets will be allowed to travel. This number is usually restricted to 2 or 3 pets in the cabin. Therefore, as soon as you have finalized your plans, call your airline to let them know that you will be boarding with a pet. This will help prevent your plans from being disrupted if too many people will be travelling with their pets on the same flight.
Check The Airline’s Requirements For Kennels
Each airline will have slightly different requirements for the kennels in which your pets can travel. For the most part, all airlines will require that the kennel have a lock, a waterproof bottom, adequate ventilation and for it to be able to fit under the seat.
Get Your Pet Used To Being In A kennel
If your pet has never travelled with you before, they are probably not used to being in a small enclosed space like a kennel. To make the journey easy for both of you, get your pet familiarized with their kennel. You can take them out on a stroll, bring them with you to the park, or go on long drives with them in a kennel before travelling. The kennel should ideally also have space if your pet wants to move around freely. Since flying can be a stressful experience for pets, you can add a blanket and some toys and treats for your pet inside their kennel.
If you are travelling with more than one pet, be sure not to place them in the same kennel. This is because animals that have to remain in the same enclosed space for a long period of time, might become aggressive toward each other during air travel.
Check With Your Vet For Anxiety Medications
If your pet is not used to travelling frequently, the experience might get overwhelming for them. In such cases, they are likely to act out. If you fear that this might be the case with your furry friend, talk to their vet beforehand to see which medication might be suitable for use in such circumstances and that can be used safely.
Use A Pet Transportation Company
If you find yourself unable to bring your pet with you, or you cannot handle the hassle of documentation, you can choose to use a pet travel company instead. These companies will handle administrative issues like passports, vaccination records and health certificates. They will take care of the entire process and you can meet your pet within 5 days of your travel! The cheaper services start from 300 euros but more expensive ones can even go upwards of 3000 euros depending on your travel plans and the type of pet you have.
FAQs For Moving To Spain With Pets
Will My Pet Need To Quarantine Once They Arrive In Spain?
A lot of countries will require that you quarantine your pet for some time once you arrive. However, Spain does not have any such requirements. You will not need to quarantine your pet on arrival.
Are Any Type Of Pets Illegal To Own In Spain?
There are certain kinds of exotic pets that you cannot legally own in Spain. These include some types of porcupines, turtles and even frogs which might seem harmless. On the other hand, you can own certain species of snakes, monkeys, birds and lizards as pets as long as their legal origin has been verified. Therefore, if you are unsure about the category that your pet falls into, you can check the Agriculture Ministry’s website for details.
What Should I Do If I Lose My Pet In Spain?
If you lose your pet in the country, you can first try contacting rescue shelters and vets to see if any animal matching your pet’s description has been turned in. You should also contact Spain’s national lost pet service such as PetAlert or Huellotas Perdidas. In addition to these, you should reach out to the local police to check if someone has handed in the pet, and also inform your neighborhood and expat social media forums. And as a final step, put up posters of your missing pet with your contact information in case anyone finds them. Having your pet microchipped and placing a tag on them with your details can also help locate them if they ever get lost.
How Much Can It Cost To Own A Pet In Spain?
Spain has a lower cost of living compared to countries in Western Europe and the United States of America. Although, metropolitan cities can get a great deal more expensive. Generally, equipment (like cages, toys etc.), food, insurance, vet healthcare bills and supplementary costs can all add towards the total cost. There are also one time charges for import, transportation, registration and obtaining a passport. Usually, for dogs you can expect to pay an average of 800 to 1200 euros, while cats and other pets are slightly cheaper to own at 300 to 700 euros.
Can I Sell My Pet In Spain?
If you are unable to look after your pet, one option is to take them to a rescue center or shelter. Alternatively, you can sell them. Shops in Spain are banned from selling most animals under recent legislation, so your best bet is to go private. You can post advertisements on social media, publications, the local newspaper or specialist websites. To make sure you are protected from any fraud and to keep a complete record, make sure you draw up a purchase contract that contains all the key information and the responsibilities of the buyer and seller. Moreover, you should provide all the necessary information like registration details and medical status of your pet. You should also meet all potential buyers to make sure they can provide a healthy living environment for your pet.
Life With Your Pet In Spain
Once you have successfully travelled to Spain with your pet, make sure you find a suitable living space that allows pets. After all, you wouldn’t want all your effort to be for nothing. Make sure your landlord gives you permission to keep pets in your apartment.
You will also find that certain restaurants and public places allow you to bring your pet with you. This can be a great way to destress and relax, while also making sure your pet gets some time out.
Conclusion
Bringing your pets with you to Spain is not a necessarily complicated procedure. As long as you fulfill the requirements and your pet is in a healthy condition, having been vaccinated against major diseases, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be able to join you in Spain. So go ahead and plan your move without having to worry about leaving your furry friend behind!