Moving from the U.S. to Spain with your pet involves a series of steps designed to ensure the health and safety of your animal during and after your transition. Check out our guide for Americans relocating to Spain with their pets.
Verify Eligibility and Meet Entry Requirements
In general, dogs, cats, and ferrets can be relocated to Spain. Owners of birds, reptiles, or other exotic pets should consult the Spanish consulate for specific regulations.
Before any vaccinations, ensure your pet is microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip. This is a mandatory requirement and must precede the rabies vaccination to be valid for travel.
Complete Vaccinations and Obtain Health Certifications
All pets must have an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Importantly, the vaccination should occur after microchipping and must be done at least 21 days before traveling to Spain.
You’ll also need to obtain an International Health Certificate (APHIS Form 7001) from your vet, which must be endorsed by the USDA. This must be done within 10 days of your departure and includes a statement that your pet is free from infectious diseases and fit for travel.
Obtain an EU Pet Passport
While the EU Pet Passport is typically for pets already in the EU, as an arriving resident, you’ll need this once in Spain for any travel within Europe thereafter. Initially, your USDA-endorsed health certificate will serve during your entry into Spain.
Administer Required Treatments
Dogs must be treated for tapeworms (Echinococcus) 24 to 120 hours before entering Spain. This treatment must be officially recorded in the health certificate or pet passport by a licensed vet.
Select a Pet-Friendly Airline and Understand Policies
Contact airlines early as they often have limited space for pets. Each airline has specific pet policies regarding crate requirements, dimensions, and whether pets can travel in the cabin or must go in the cargo hold.
Try to opt for a direct flight to reduce stress on your pet and decrease the chances of delays or mishandling.
Prepare Your Pet for the Journey
Acclimate your pet to their travel crate well in advance. This involves training them to spend gradually increasing amounts of time in the crate. Visit your vet to ensure your pet is healthy enough for travel. Discuss sedation options if your pet is particularly anxious about travel. You can also equip the crate with absorbent bedding, water bottles, and familiar toys to help soothe your pet.
Post-Arrival Procedures in Spain
Be prepared for a possible veterinary check upon arrival. You should have all your documents readily available, and your pet may be inspected to ensure it matches the documentation. While not typical for pets arriving from the U.S., be aware of the signs of distress or illness as quarantine might be required if a pet appears sick at the time of inspection.
Adjusting to New Surroundings
Establish a relationship with a local veterinarian soon after arrival for ongoing care and to validate your pet’s health status within the new environment. Help your pet adjust by maintaining a routine similar to the one you had in the U.S., and gradually introduce them to the sights, sounds, and smells of their new Spanish home.
By thoroughly preparing and understanding the requirements, the process of relocating your pet to Spain can be smooth and stress-free, ensuring your pet’s well-being and safety throughout the move.
