When moving to Spain, the one thing that most people will agree on is that their pets are part of the family. There is never a second thought that your new life in Spain doesn´t include the family pets.
To be able to bring your pets over to spain without any major hassle or traumas, there are certains things you must do. One of the main things is to arrange for a Passport for your Pet. Read below to discover some of the things you will need to do when you decide to move to Spain and bring your pets with you.
The following items are needed to obtain a Passport for your Pet.
Microchip
Vaccinated against rabies
Blood tests for rabies
Inserted under the skin by a Vet using a special machine, usually around the scruff of the neck, is a microchip. this micro chip is programmed with a unique number. Once the microchip is inserted into your pet, the microchip number and yours and your pets details are entered into a database. With a special scanning device, your pet can be quickly identified. This has to be carried out BEFORE the rabies vaccine.
If your pet was vaccinated before the microchip was fitted, then a subsequent vaccination will be needed to ensure correct identification of your pet on vaccination.
Because an animal already infected with rabies before vaccination would not be protected by the vaccine, a period of 6 calendar months from the date of a satisfactory rabies blood test must pass, before your pet is allowed to enter or re-enter the UK
This is because it can take up to 6 months for an infected animal to show clinical signs of the disease.
* Providing all subsequent rabies vaccinations are given by the required date, your pet requires only one blood test and one 6 calendar month wait.
TREAT YOUR PETS AGAINST WORMS AND TICKS
You will need to take your pet to a Vet to be treated for ticks and worms, between 24 and 48 hours before your pet travels, if you are returning back to the United Kingdom.
SPEAK TO DEFRA
It is always best to speak to DEFRA if you are unsure about any of the procedures you need to carry out to enable you to bring your pet, or visit their web site, (click here). We found them extremely helpful when we moved to Spain.
ARRANGING TRANSPORT OVER TO SPAIN
If y our pets when being transported over, will need a suitable size container relating to the size of the animal. Detailed below is a guide to the size of container it will require, however, the animal will need to be able to stand up, sit down, and turn around, without touching the side of the container.
The Width of the container
It should be twice the shoulder width of the animal.
e.g. If the width of your pets shoulder is 20cm, the container needs to be 40cm wide.
The Necessary Length Of The Container
Measure the length of the animal (from its bum to it's nose!) then measure the length of the front leg (from the ground to its shoulder) add half of the length of the front leg to the length of the animal to obtain the correct length of the container.
e.g. If your pet is 71cm long, and its front leg is 36cm long, the container will need to be 71+18 (36 divided by 2 is 18) = 89cm
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The Correct Height Of The Container
Measure the height of the animal (from the floor to the top of its head) Plus a little extra so its head or ears (whichever is higher) do not touch the top of the container.
i.e. If the height of the dog is 47cm, the height of the container 52cm
SEDATING YOUR PET FOR THE JOURNEY
Check with your vet and also the shipping company that will be responsible for taking you pet to Spain.
Some vets will recommend that your animal is sedating for the journey, but some shipping companies will insist that the animal is fully awake.
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We were advised by our shipping company that our animals be fully alert and not sedated, as the sedation can lower the breathing capacity, as does the altitude in flight. The combination of the two could have had unwanted effects our pets.
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Although a little nervous, both our cat and dog traveled well and arrived in Spain safely. They were extremely happy to see us when we collected them from the cargo bay at Barcelona Airport!!
*These details are given as a guideline. Please confirm with your transportation company of their regulations when transporting animals.
Disclaimer. We do not hold any responsibility or liability to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information appearing on this page. Always check with the relevant authorities to confirm the most up to date policies and regulations.
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