In order to travel to Spain with your dog/cat/ferret, you will need to ensure they are:
Microchipped
Have an up-to-date Rabies vaccination, they will need to have this done at least 21 days before your AHC can be issued (if it's your pet's first Rabies vaccination or they have gone overdue). We would advise booking your Rabies vaccination as soon as you can.
Book an appointment for your Animal Health Certificate (AHC) within 10 days of your departure date.
Once you have done the above, you are able to travel to Spain
There are a number of ways to travel to Spain with your pet. Most people travel by car, either through the Eurotunnel to France and then drive to Spain or by ferry, either directly to Santander/Bilbao in Spain or catch a ferry to France and then drive through France to Spain. If you are travelling with your pet(s), you will need to enter through a designated Travellers Point of Entry (TPE).
You will need to go to Pet Reception, where your pet's microchip will need to be scanned and they will check your AHC to ensure all the information is correct.
Your Animal Health Certificate is valid for travel within the EU (incl. Switzerland and Norway) for 4 months from the date of issue or until your Rabies vaccination expires, whichever is earlier.
Returning to the UK from Spain.
All dogs entering the UK from the EU, need to be treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus) by a vet, no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before the dog's scheduled arrival time in the UK. This treatment must be recorded by the vet at the bottom of page 4 of the AHC. This has been a requirement since the start of the pet travel scheme, so most vets are familiar with this.
Cats and ferrets are not required to have the tapeworm treatment.
When returning to the UK, you will be asked to show your AHC with the tapeworm treatment details at the border. If the treatment has not been given/recorded correctly, you will be refused entry and may have to wait or be treated again, by a vet.
Important information when travelling to Spain.
No meat/dairy-based products are allowed.
Now that the UK has left the EU, you are not allowed to bring meat/dairy products into the EU, including pet food/treats, unless you have a letter from your vet confirming your pet requires a certain food for medical reasons. Even then, you are only allowed to take 2 Kg, so it is worth doing some research to find out where you may be able to purchase some whilst you are in the EU.
Muzzles.
Some ferry companies, ports and public transport require dogs to be muzzled when in public, we would advise checking and purchasing a muzzle and training your dog to use it before travelling so they can get comfortable with it.
Pet Insurance
We advise contacting your insurance company to check if your pet is insured abroad.
Travelling in Cars
Your pet's welfare is paramount, ensure they are comfy and secure in your vehicle. It is compulsory in Spain for dogs to use a dog belt/harness when travelling by car. Ensure they have plenty of water in a non-spill bowl, consider using a calming spray if your pet is anxious and never leave your pet(s) in a hot car.
Diseases To Be Aware Of In Spain.
There are a number of serious and sometimes fatal diseases your dog could pick up in Spain. To try and prevent these, you will need to protect your dog from Mosquitoes, Sandflies and Ticks. Mosquitoes can spread heartworm, Sandflies can spread Leishmaniasis and Ticks can spread Ehrlichiosis and Babesiosis. There are products available to protect your dog, speak to your vet or get in touch with us.
