Traveling with pets to Spain requires paying attention to specific rules. According to the website, dogs, cats and ferrets can only enter the country if they meet identification, vaccination and documentation criteria, with the entry of very young animals being prohibited.
Any dog, cat or ferret traveling to Spain must have a microchip or legible tattoo made before July 3, 2011. According to the same source, it is mandatory to present a European animal passport, with all sections relating to identification, owner, description of the animal and rabies vaccination duly completed.
Furthermore, says the same source, the passport must indicate that the rabies vaccine is valid at the time of travel. The document guarantees that the animal meets the health requirements required to enter the country without additional restrictions, when traveling from another Member State of the European Union.
Minimum age and vaccination
It is not possible to bring pets under 15 weeks of age. The Spanish Government website explains that vaccination against rabies can only be administered from 12 weeks onwards and you must wait at least 21 days for the immunization to be considered valid. After all, the pet must be at least 15 weeks old to enter Spain.
According to the same source, this rule applies to dogs, cats and ferrets, without exceptions, and ensures that animals do not pose a health risk when entering Spanish territory.
Permitted movements and restrictions
It is considered transport of pet animals when five animals or less are moved, without commercial purposes or transfer of ownership. The animal must be accompanied by the owner or a responsible person during the trip, and transportation may take place in a vehicle other than that of the owner, as long as arrival is made within five days of the owner’s.
Before traveling, it is advisable to confirm that your vaccination is up to date and that your microchip works correctly. According to the same source, animals in competitions, exhibitions or sporting events may have specific rules, as long as they are properly documented and are over six months old.
Border security and control
Animal control at borders aims to prevent the spread of disease. Please also note that dogs, cats and ferrets that do not meet the requirements are refused entry, even if the owner only intends to travel for a short period of time.
The European passport must detail, in addition to the animal’s identification, the date of issue and all mandatory vaccinations. The same source mentions that it is not necessary to complete sections such as serological test for rabies, tick treatment or anti-echinococcus when traveling from another EU Member State.
Traveling with animals requires advance planning. The website explains that failures in documentation or vaccinations can delay or prevent entry into the country, creating stressful situations for the owner and the animal.
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