Tourist Information

When relocating or travelling to Spain, there is no need for your pet to stand in your way here are a few points to help you and Buster on your way.

Can I take my pets to Spain?

Yes. As a resident of an EU country you are entitled to take your dog or cat to Spain, under certain conditions as part of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). The scheme allows these animals to move freely between the countries covered by the scheme without having to undergo 6 months quarantine as long as they meet the required rules. Animals that come from any non-qualifying country will always be required to spend 6 months in quarantine.

What is the Procedure?

To be able to get your pet involved in the PETS scheme there are a number of procedures that you need to go through in the following order.

• Visit your local vet and get your dog or cat micro-chipped so that it can be properly identified. This is a painless procedure whereby a small microchip with a unique ID number, the size of a grain of rice is inserted in the back of the animal's neck.
  
  
• You then need to have your animal vaccinated against rabies this can be done in the same visit. Pets must be at least 3 months old.
  
  
• If you are planning a return trip to the UK your animal will require a blood test to determine that the vaccine has achieved a satisfactory level of protection against rabies. You must leave at least six months before the blood test and the return trip to the UK.
  
  
• You will then be able to get a PETS certificate from a government authorised vet.

What conditions must I meet to return my pet to the UK?

For animals to return, they must enter the UK by an authorised route with an approved transport company, and meet certain conditions;

• They require a PETS re-entry certificate issued by a vet in the UK, certifying that the above conditions have been met before you travel.
  
  
• Your pet must be treated against ticks and a tapeworm between 24 - 48 hours before it is checked in for the journey to the UK. You must be issued with an official certificate of treatment to show that this treatment has been carried out.
  
  
• You will have to sign a declaration stating that your pet has not been outside of the PETS qualifying countries in the 6 months prior to you returning to the UK. This is available from the transport company or the MAFF.

What will all of this cost?

Vets prices in the UK vary but you would generally expect to pay in the region of 150 - 200 pounds sterling.

Which Travel companies participate in the scheme?

If you would like to travel by air, check with your airline to determine if they participate in the scheme. Many do, including British Airways, Monarch Scheduled, BMI, Britannia, GB airways, Excel airways. By Sea, Brittany Ferries (direct) or P&O Ferries, Hover speed and Norfolk line shipping. By Rail, Eurostar. You will have to notify your intention to travel with your animal upon booking your ticket as places may be limited.

What are the charges?

Pets can be either be treated as excess baggage around 8 pounds per kilo including cage or as cargo, in this case the charge is more in the region of 200 pounds sterling. The cheapest way to travel is by car and various companies charge an extra flat fee for animals in the region of 20 pounds.

What do I carry my Pets in?

For ferries and trains your animal will have to be kept in your vehicle, unless a guide dog. Pets being carried by air have to travel in an IATC approved travel box.

How do I prepare my pet for Travel?

Prior to your journey you should give your pet only a light meal and the opportunity to urinate and defecate before it is placed in its container.

Should I sedate my animal?

Tranquillisers are not suitable for animals travelling by air. Pressurised conditions on the aeroplane may result in adverse affects and the airline staff should be able see that the animals are fit and healthy. Only in extreme cases should you sedate your pet prior to travel. If you do sedate, only do so on veterinary advice.

Helpful information

British Airways
http://www.britishairways.com/travel/pets2/public/en_gb

Defra, Department for Environment food and Rural
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/PETS/index.htm

Monarch scheduled
http://www.fly-crown.com/cnt/news/index.asp?headlineID=203

BMI
http://www.flybmi.com/bmi/en-gb/travelinformation/preparingfortravel/travellingwithpets.aspx

Dogs Away Website
www.dogsaway.co.uk

Brittany Ferries
http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/index.cfm?articleid=499

On 3 July 2004 European Union Regulations on the non-commercial movement of pet animals, were introduced. These regulations are intended to harmonise arrangements across the European Union. There are few major changes to the existing scheme but there are some significant issues which can be summarised as follows:

• The UK Government will continue to call the Scheme the Pets Travel Scheme;
  
  
• Between 3 July 2004 and 30 September 2004 the new regulations will run in parallel;
  
  
• Pets Certificates will be replaced by passports but:
  
  
  • Pets Certificates can continue to be issued until 30 September 2004;
    
    
  • Pets Certificates will remain valid until their expiry date;
    
    
• In future countries will be divided into three categories:
  
  
  • European Union Listed countries - to which the scheme applies;
    
    
  • Non-EU listed countries - to which the scheme applies with some limitations;
    
    
  • Non listed countries which are excluded from the scheme.
    
    
• The scheme has been extended to the 8 European Union Countries not previously part of the PETS scheme;
  
  
• An additional 9 countries have been included in the Non-EU listed countries;
  
  
• There continues to be free movement of cats and dogs between the UK and the Republic of Ireland
  
  
• From 1 October 2004 animals from Northern (Turkish) Cyprus will be required to be licensed into quarantine for 6 months when travelling to the UK.

Please visit Department for Environment food and rural http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/PETS/index.htm