29 Aug Travel with dog and cat to Spain
I love animals and especially dogs. About 14 years ago I bought two labrador puppies and took them to Spain. It went smoothly and I now want to tell other dog owners what is required and which rules apply.
Quite a long time ago, importing dogs and cats to Spain was a rather complicated process, which caused many to refrain and leave the four-legged family member at the home of friends or family. Nowadays, the rules are simple and anyone who wants to bring their pet can easily do so without any problems, both to and from Spain. All dogs and cats traveling between European countries must be identified with a microchip. Please note that the ISO chip must be used so that you do not have to bring your own scanner.
Valid vaccination against rabies
Dogs in Spain must be vaccinated against rabies, but it is not mandatory for cats. The vaccination must be renewed every year. A good and judicious dog owner also makes sure to vaccinate their puppy as soon as it is eight weeks old. After twelve weeks, the dog receives the second vaccination. It is an important basic vaccine against all the most common diseases. Your veterinarian knows what applies. Another good reason to always have the dog vaccinated is that one day you may have to leave Spain in a hurry to travel home. Then it may be a requirement that these vaccinations are done in order to bring the dog into your home country.
Basic vaccination
The first vaccination, which builds up protection, is called basic vaccination and consists of one or two shots. The animal must be ID marked and at least twelve weeks old to receive this vaccination, which must be done with an approved vaccine. After the basic vaccination, you must wait 21 days before traveling with the animal.
EU passport for pets
Animals traveling between EU countries must have a passport, which you obtain from your veterinarian. If you are going to buy an animal abroad, ask the seller to arrange a passport with their veterinarian. The passport is a document of value, if it is lost or destroyed you must get a new one. You may not enter information about the animal in the passport yourself, but you can change your address or add a new owner. In the passport, the veterinarian must note the treatments carried out. Before new information about treatment is entered into the passport, the veterinarian must check that the animal’s identity tag matches the number found in the passport. At the same time, you get a check that the animal’s markings are still legible.
Special requirements for animals traveling without their owner
The animal may travel the same route as the owner within five days. If you and your pet are traveling to the same location but cannot travel at the same time, you should book the pet’s travel within five days before or after your own travel. The animal must then have three documents with it:
- EU passport showing ID marking and rabies vaccination.
- A power of attorney stating that your pet (name and ID number) may be transported by the agent or company you employ and that it is not to be sold. Don't forget signature.
- Copies of your own ticket or booking, so you can see when and where you are going.
