When you are considering buying a property in Spain, it’s a good idea to take your pet on a visit whilst you are viewing properties but the process of transporting your pets to and from Spain, either for short holiday or permanently can be a long and complex process, there are many things to consider and plan well in advance of your travel date.

Pets Travel Scheme (P.E.T.S)

The P.E.T.S scheme, which was set up on the 28th February 2000, allows travel for dogs, cats and ferrets into and out of E.U. countries without having to go into quarantine when entering the U.K. The Pet Travel Scheme applies to travel be air, sea and rail under routes agreed by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (D.E.F.R.A).

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Identification.
• Electronic microchip fitted or
• Cleary tattooed with the registry number. Note: either of these may be done when your pet receives his first vaccinations, also make sure that the registry database is up to date if you have any changes in circumstances.
2. European Passport obtained from your vet.
3. Rabies vaccination. This must be done after you pet has been microchipped. If done before, then your pet will need to be vaccinated again.
4. Up to date vaccination cards showing all annual vaccinations. This should show the following information:
• date of birth
• microchip number, date of insertion and location
• date of vaccination
• vaccination manufacturer, product name and batch number
• valid until date
• Completion of the ‘Fitness to Fly’ section of the passport within 7 days of travel if going by air.

Note: Your pet will not be allowed to travel unless all information is present.

If you are intending to return with your pet to the U.K then the following must be done.

1. A blood test is required 30 days after the rabies vaccination is administered to ensure the correct levels are present.
2. months after the rabies blood titre test has been administered and successful levels of antibodies are present, your pet can travel freely to the U.K. If there are insufficient antibodies the rabies vaccine will be repeated. Rabies booster injections must be obtained in line with the instructions in the Pet Passport. If boosters are missed the full vaccine must be repeated followed by a blood test 6 months later. Your pet will not be permitted to return to the UK until after the blood test has proved successful.
3. Anti-parasitical treatments are required 24-48 hours before departure and arrival back into the U.K. therefore you will require a vet both in Spain and at home. You should easily be able to find a local vet in Spain. If you have any problems, the local tourist information service can assist you. If your journey to the ferry port will take longer than 48 hours it is advisable to seek a vet closer to the port as the treatments have to be carried out within the 24-48 hours period.

Tips For Travel By Car.

1. Arrive at the ferry port as early as possible to ensure the best position in the hold.
2. Travel overnight as your pet is used to sleeping then.
3. Feed your pet early in the day instead of just before travelling.
4. Make sure you stop frequently for fresh air and exercise. It can get very hot, very quickly in a car.
5. Ensure your pet has access to plenty of water. There are many different travel bowls on the market now.

Travelling by Air.

Pets travelling by air are normally carried in the hold of the aircraft in special crates, although guide dogs for the blind are exempt from this. It is advisable to train your pet so that it is used to going in a crate well in advance of your travel date. This will be less stressful for your pet as well as yourself if he is already comfortable with his surroundings.

DEFRA approved routes are available into Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester airports from Alicante, Barcelona and Madrid.

For further information go to www.defra.gov.uk or contact your local vet.