Are you planning to move to Spain with pets, such as dogs and cats? Well, you need to make a lot of arrangements from choosing the right airline, and making official health certificates, to understanding the Spanish rules and regulations regarding pets, especially dogs.

Not have any ideas? Need guidance?

You have landed in the right place. This article will guide you on how to move to Spain with pets, and it definitely applies to dogs as well. We are mainly focusing on dogs as they are the most common pets that are taken along. Let’s dive deep!

How To Move To Spain With Dogs

Here are a few tips that you should consider if you intend to move to Spain with your dog.

1. Prepare for travelling with a pet
   If you are about to travel abroad with your pet, remember it should have:
   • up-to-date vaccination records against rabies (you must wait 21 days from the date of the rabies vaccination before travelling),
   • up-to-date veterinary health certificates, (clinical examination, deworming, deticking) taking into account the regulations of the country of departure, the country of destination and any transit airports,
   • special passport (issued by a vet) with a description of the colour, race and sex of the animal together with a microchip number or tattoo,
   • microchip implant,
   • suitable container

   When travelling with your pet dog, cat or ferret, the rules you must follow depend on the country you are going to or coming from. Relatedly, understanding international, as well as Spanish transportation rules and regulations, is a crucial step. The next step includes visiting the accredited veterinarian where you can obtain a pet passport (the passport stays valid as long as you continue to meet the entry requirements) and other certificates necessary for exporting your furry friend. Moreover, your transport company may need a statement from your vet confirming that your pet is fit to travel. Please bear in mind that any carelessness in this step can result in the cancellation of your air ticket.

2. Taking the pet on board
   Air travelling to Spain with your dog does not have to be an expensive option, but it requires some arrangements. Do your research and find out which airlines accept pets in the cabin or in the cargo hold.
   For your and other passengers’ comfort, the airlines can only take a limited number of pets in the cabin, so making a phone reservation for your pet is necessary. The airlines usually advise you to do so at the latest within 24 hours after you have booked your ticket, but at least 24 hours before departure.
   Usually, there are three travel options for animals:
   • • in the cabin,
     • in the baggage hold,
     • in the baggage hold as cargo.

   Please remember that the travel option depends on the weight and size of your pet as well as the regulations of the country of destination. It is also worth mentioning, that the airlines may reserve the right to refuse carriage of the pet in case of reaching the limit of the number of pets carried on a given flight – both in the cabin and as cargo.
   Here it is worth mentioning that American Airlines allows you to bring two dogs to Spain with only $200 more as an additional cost. So it is good to check the special dog relocation offers associated with particular airlines.

3. Choose Kennels but Crates Are Also Perfectly OK!
   Once you have selected the right airline, the next step is to create an inviting space for your dog. You should go through the requirements of the airline for the kennel size, but it is also important to spend considerable time in making the temporary home of your pet as comfortable as possible.
   The Spanish Security system also demands the wearing of a muzzle for certain breeds, such as American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers, Dogo Argentinos, etc.
4. Check Whether Your Pet Is Carry-on or Cargo Baggage?
   Of course, your pet cannot tell how you should take it to Spain. It is up to you to decide whether to carry it as Carry-on, or Cargo Baggage. Here you should keep in mind that if you want to take your dog as checked Baggage, it will be on a first-come and first-serve basis. It obviously works for only one or two pets.
   So, if you have a family of three to five or even more pets, you should book all your pets in Cargo.
5. Moving To Spain By Sea
   If you are moving to Spain by sea with your dog, you will need to approve your pet at different points by showing the documents and paperwork

Wrapping Up
You may face some challenges while moving your pet from the UK, or any other country to Spain, so bring a dose of patience with you.
Never mind if things don’t go as planned. However, by focusing on the above-mentioned tips you can ensure a safe and relaxing journey.
Happy Hunting!