Traveling to Spain with Your Furry Friend: A Stress-Free Guide

Traveling with your beloved dog to Spain can be a wonderful experience, full of adventures and cherished memories. However, post-Brexit, the rules have evolved, making it essential to be well-prepared to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. Having to do this on numerous occasions with my own pooch we want to be able to help  takeaway the headache that we ourselves had to encounter.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the crucial steps involved in taking your dog from the UK to Spain and back. Please note that this guide pertains specifically to pet dogs traveling to Spain from the UK; different rules may apply for other countries or commercial purposes.

Step 1: Vaccination is Key

The first and foremost step is to book your dog in for a rabies vaccination at your local vet. All dogs traveling from the UK to the EU are required to have a valid rabies vaccination and a microchip. Please remember that your dog must be at least 12 weeks old before they can receive a rabies vaccination. The cost can vary depending on your vet but typically ranges between £50-90.

Keep in mind that there is a 21-day waiting period post-vaccination before you can obtain an Animal Health Certificate, which is a vital travel document. This certificate should include your pet’s details, microchip number, vaccination date, batch number, and your vet’s stamp and signature. While it’s not mandatory to have your dog’s annual vaccinations up-to-date, it’s still a good practice.

Step 2: Planning Your Journey

Traveling with your dog to Spain involves careful planning. Unlike some destinations, flying with your dog to Spain can be tricky and costly, as very few airlines allow pets on board. Moreover, returning to the UK with your dog by air is even more challenging, as they can only travel as cargo. Most people opt to drive, taking various routes to reach their destination.

The most common travel routes to Spain with your dog include:

• Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais, followed by a drive down to Spain.
• Ferry options from UK ports like Portsmouth to French ports such as Le Havre, Caen, Cherbourg, or St. Malo, then driving to Spain.
• Direct ferries from the UK to Spanish ports in Santander or Bilbao. If this is there option you prefer to take then planning well ahead is needed as pet friendly cabins get booked out quickly as soon as they become released, which is normally around July each  year it is advised to book.
• Alternatively, there’s a ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe, or Plymouth to Roscoff and Santander. You can also opt for the shorter ferry routes from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk in France.

Each route has its own pet accommodation policies and requirements, so be sure to research and choose the one that suits you and your dog best. Keep in mind that the 21-day rabies vaccination period and the issuance of the Animal Health Certificate should be considered when booking your travel.

If you require help in booking this then we are ore than happy to help.

Step 3: Securing Your Animal Health Certificate

The Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is a crucial document introduced in January 2021, replacing the previous GB-issued pet passports. It’s a multi-page document that needs to be issued within 10 days of your departure and at least 21 days after your dog’s rabies vaccination. The AHC can include up to five pets and is valid for four months from the date of issue, but remember, it’s a single-use document, so you’ll need a new one for each trip.

The AHC should be in both English and the language of your entry into the EU. If your journey involves traveling through France, for instance, it should be in English and French, or English and Spanish if you’re heading directly to Spain.

Getting the AHC right is essential to avoid issues at the terminal. Vet practices have different processes and prices for issuing AHCs, so thorough research is essential. Furthermore, the Official Veterinarian issuing the AHC must physically scan your dog’s microchip; it cannot be issued remotely.

Typically, the cost of an Animal Health Certificate varies between £100-£300 per pet. Our services can assist you in finding the right vet and ensure your AHC is correctly completed, making your journey smooth and hassle-free.

If you find yourself jetting off to Spain frequently with your furry companion, it might be wise to consider obtaining a European passport for your four-legged friend while you’re there. This recommendation particularly holds true if your dog accompanies you across the channel more than once a year. The reason being, the rabies vaccination, which is a vital part of this passport, must be administered in Europe when it expires and cannot be provided in the UK. In Spain, these rabies vaccines are typically given annually to ensure your pet’s continued health and safety.

In summary, traveling with your dog from the UK to Spain is an exciting prospect, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. We are here to help you navigate this journey, from booking your transport to securing the Animal Health Certificate. Let us take care of the logistics and paperwork, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time in beautiful Spain with your furry companion. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to start planning your trip. We’re here to make your journey as stress-free as possible.

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