Spain has always been a famous tourist destination for its relaxing environment, breathtaking beaches, and living standards. The trip to Spain exacerbates even more when you have your pet dog by your side. However, travelling with your furry friend is not that easy and consists of a series of important steps you need to take.

Whether you are travelling with your dog for the first time or have been doing it frequently, this blog is a must-read. It breaks down all the required steps, safety protocols, and documentation, especially after Brexit.

Step 1: Book a microchip check

The initial step in preparing your dog for travel to Spain is microchipping. This procedure must be performed either before or simultaneously with the rabies vaccination. Your dog can be microchipped by:

  1. A licenced veterinarian.
  2. A veterinary nurse, student nurse, or veterinarian under the direction of a licensed vet.
  3. A trained professional in microchipping (if certified before 29 December 2014) with substantial experience.

The microchip number is a mandatory requirement for the Animal Health Certificate (AHC). The microchipping must be done prior to the rabies vaccination.

Reading the Microchip:

Microchips are encoded according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, specifically ISO 11784 and ISO 11785. These chips are readable by airlines, train, and ferry companies in the EU. If your pet’s microchip does not conform to these ISO standards, you will need to carry your own microchip reader. It is crucial to consult with your travel company before departure.

What If the Microchip Cannot Be Read?

If the microchip is unreadable at the airport or railway station, you will need to restart the entire process, which includes re-microchipping, re-vaccinating your pet, and obtaining a new AHC. The new AHC must include:

  • The numbers of both the old and new microchips.
  • The dates the chips were read.
  • The date the new chip was inserted.
  • The veterinarian's signature and stamp.

Exceptions to Microchipping:

You can forgo microchipping if you meet the following criteria:

  • Your pet has an identification tattoo applied on or before 3 July 2011.
  • You are travelling to Spain, other EU countries, or Northern Ireland.
  • The tattoo is clearly legible.
  • Your pet was vaccinated against rabies after the tattoo was applied.

In such cases, the date of tattooing, the tattoo number, and the date of the rabies vaccination must be included in the Animal Health Certificate.

Step 2: Book a Rabies Vaccination

Ensuring your dog is vaccinated against rabies is a crucial step for a smooth journey to Spain. Most rabies vaccines administered in the UK are valid for three years, so it is advisable to have this done well in advance of your travel date to avoid any potential delays. To book a rabies vaccination, your dog must be at least 12 weeks old, and you must provide documentation proving its age. The cost of rabies vaccinations varies by veterinary practice, typically ranges between £50 and £90.

Key Considerations for Rabies Vaccination:

  • The vaccine must be either inactivated or recombinant.
  • Microchipping must be done before or simultaneously with the vaccination.
  • You must wait 21 days post-vaccination before you can travel.
  • No waiting period is required after a booster vaccination if there has been no lapse in vaccine coverage.

If you are travelling with your pet, regular rabies booster vaccinations are essential. Check your animal health certificate or pet passport to determine when the booster vaccination is due.

Note: Repeated vaccinations are not required for subsequent trips to the EU or Northern Ireland if your pet’s rabies vaccination is up to date. While it is not mandatory for your dog's annual vaccinations to be up-to-date for travel to the EU, it is recommended to keep them updated.

Get a Vaccination Record:

During the vaccination process, your veterinarian will provide a vaccination card or certificate containing the rabies vaccination details. Your pet’s vaccination record must include:

  • Validity of the vaccination card
  • The 15-digit microchip number, the date it was inserted or read, and its location on your pet's body
  • The vaccination date
  • The vaccine batch number
  • The vaccine manufacturer and product name
  • Your pet’s date of birth
  • The veterinarian’s signature and contact details

Step 3: Plan the Itinerary

It is essential to carefully plan your travel itinerary to Spain, considering there are multiple routes available. The first option is to fly directly from the UK to Spain. However, this can be an expensive and challenging choice, as not all airlines offer pet-friendly flights. Additionally, upon returning to the UK, you will face similar challenges since dogs are only allowed to travel in the cargo hold.

Therefore, the second option is often preferred: travelling by car through the Eurotunnel or via ferry to France and then driving to Spain, or taking a direct ferry to Spain.

Popular Travel Options:

Here are some well-known travel routes you can consider:

  • Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais, followed by driving to Spain.
  • Ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre in France, then driving to Spain.
  • Ferry from Portsmouth to Caen in France, then driving to Spain.
  • Ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg in France, then driving to Spain.
  • Ferry from Portsmouth to St. Malo in France, then driving to Spain.
  • Ferry from Portsmouth to Santander in Spain.
  • Ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao in Spain.
  • Ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe in France, then driving to Spain.
  • Ferry from Poole to Cherbourg in France, then driving to Spain.
  • Ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff in France, then driving to Spain.
  • Ferry from Plymouth to Santander in Spain.
  • Ferry from Dover to Calais in France, then driving to Spain.
  • Ferry from Dover to Dunkirk in France, then driving to Spain.

Considerations for Different Routes

Each route has specific rules and implications. Some routes offer pet-friendly cabins, while others require your dog to stay in the car during the crossing. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and choose the most convenient option.

Important Notes:

  • While planning your itinerary, ensure there is a 21-day gap between your pet's rabies vaccination and your departure, and allow enough time to obtain the Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
  • If your pet is travelling separately, either with a friend, family, or a travel company like Super Pet Travel, you (the owner) must travel within 5 days of your dog's departure date. If it takes more than 5 days for you to reach your destination, you will require an Export Health Certificate.

Step 4: Secure an Animal Health Certificate

What is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)?

When travelling from the UK to Spain or any other EU country with your dog, you are required to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). This requirement, introduced post-Brexit in January, replaces the previously issued GB pet passports. The AHC is a comprehensive document, typically spanning over nine pages, and must be issued by an official veterinarian recognised by the government for issuing pet travel documents.

Process:

The process and costs associated with obtaining an AHC can vary between veterinarians. Therefore, it is advisable to conduct thorough research or consider enlisting the services of experts such as Super Pet Travel to simplify the procedure. The common steps involved are as follows:

  1. Visit an official veterinarian.
  2. Confirm the vaccination history of your pet.
  3. Provide the date your pet was microchipped.
  4. Obtain the signed AHC from the official veterinarian.

The average cost for an Animal Health Certificate ranges from £100 to £300 for each pet. The AHC is bilingual, with one version in English and the other in the language of the destination country. For instance, if you are travelling to Spain through France, the AHC will be provided in both French and English.

When to get AHC?

You must obtain the AHC within 10 days prior to your departure, and at least 21 days after your pet has received its rabies vaccination. If your dog has not been vaccinated, you must first ensure the vaccination is administered and then wait for 21 days before obtaining the AHC. It is also beneficial to inform your veterinarian in advance so they can prepare the necessary documents and complete all formalities.

AHC Validity:

An AHC can include up to five pets and is valid for up to four months from the date of issue for travel within the EU and re-entry to the UK. However, it is valid for a single trip only; a new certificate is required for each subsequent trip. The AHC is necessary for both entering and returning to the UK.

Pro tip: Obtain your Animal Health Certificate (AHC) as close to your departure date as possible. This precaution ensures that in the event of unexpected flight changes or potential delays, the AHC remains valid, preventing the need to restart the certification process.

Travel To Spain with Your Dog

Once you have completed all the necessary steps, you are fully prepared for your journey to Spain. Now it’s time to clear the check-in points. Different routes have varying check-in procedures. For instance, the Eurotunnel has a pet reception where they scan your dog's microchip and check the Animal Health Certificate. Meanwhile, at the Portsmouth ferry terminal, your car’s paperwork is checked as you pass through the barriers. After clearing the check-in formalities you are set to enjoy your time in Spain!

Local Rules in Spain:

Upon arrival in Spain, it is important to adhere to local regulations regarding dogs to avoid fines. These rules include:

  • Dogs are not allowed on beaches.
  • Always carry a bag to pick up your dog's excrement.
  • Secure your dog with a seatbelt or harness when driving.
  • Dogs are not permitted on most buses in Spain unless they are guide or assistance dogs.
  • You can bring dogs in a carrier onto public transport, such as trains, trams, and metros, though exceptions apply.

Common Pet Diseases in Spain

When travelling to Spain, be aware of the following common pet diseases:

  • Leishmaniasis (transmitted by sandflies)
  • Ehrlichiosis (transmitted by ticks)
  • Babesiosis (transmitted by ticks)
  • Heartworm (transmitted by mosquitoes)

To ensure your pet's safety and stress-free journey, consult with specialists or vets and take the necessary precautionary measures.

Returning to the UK

After your trip, there are specific formalities to complete to ensure a smooth return to the UK:

Book a Tapeworm Treatment:

The tapeworm treatment must be administered in either Spain or France at least one day before departure and no more than five days before departure to ensure its validity. The treatment must:

  • Be approved by Spain
  • Contain praziquantel or an equivalent proven to be effective against the Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm

In the Animal Health Certificate's ‘Echinococcus treatment’ section, include the following details:

  • The name and manufacturer of the product
  • The date and time the treatment was administered
  • The veterinarian's stamp and signature

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