It is becoming more and more common and every time more Dutchmen and Belgians want to take their beloved pet with them on holiday to Spain. Nowadays all this is possible but one has to take into account certain laws and regulations which, despite travelling within the EU, can be different in Spain. We limit ourselves below to dogs (perros) and cats (gatos) but a ferret (huron) could also travel to Spain.
According to many, Spain is a moderately dog friendly country, something that is apparent from the more than 130,000 abandoned dogs and cats annually, but also the Spaniard is increasingly crazier about their pet who is lovingly (sometimes too much) cared for. This is also shown by the enormous number of pet shops and veterinary practices that can be found in Spain.
ATTENTION: Concerning the corona measures that have been taken in post-corona time in Spain, nowhere is there any mention of pets. The rules and laws regarding pets described in this article are unchanged.
Accommodations and restaurants
There are more and more holiday homes, guesthouses, campsites (if on a leash) and hotels where you can stay with a pet. In most accommodations one has to pay a little extra for a stay with a pet and sometimes there are restrictions such as the size of a dog and the pounds.
In general one can say that eating with a dog in a restaurant is forbidden, but there are restaurant owners who do not have a problem with that. Sitting on a terrace with a dog is usually no problem but there are exceptions where a dog is not welcome.
Beach and nature
Dogs are not welcome on the beaches in Spain unless it is a special dog beach where more and more of them can be found in Spain. If you are found on the beach with a dog by the police the fines can be quite high.
In the mountains and numerous natural parks in Spain your dog is allowed to run around to his heart’s content unless there are explicit prohibition signs that it is not allowed.
Transport
Travelling with the dog on public transport is almost impossible in Spain but it is getting better and better. In some cities it is allowed to travel in public transport such as city buses and the metro but also there are rules attached to it.
This is only allowed at certain (off-peak) times of the day and only in the back of the bus or metro wagon. Dogs must be on a leash, have a chip and wear a muzzle if necessary. In addition, only one dog may travel in the bus or metro per passenger.
The transport of pets on the train is also limited. Transport in AVE, long distance, Avant, conventional medium distance, CercanÃas and Feve trains is limited to small pets such as dogs, cats, ferrets and non-poultry. The pet must comply with the hygienic conditions and have the documentation in accordance with the legislation in force. Only one pet is allowed to travel and they must sit/ lie discreetly with the passenger on the train and not “bother” other passengers.
When travelling in the car, the dog must wear a special dog seat belt in the back seat or sit behind a rack in the luggage compartment, whether or not in a transport box or carrier bag. Dogs must not be left in the hot sun for too long. The police have the right to act so as not to endanger the health of the dog.
Spanish taxi drivers can refuse dogs in their taxi. Of course, this does not apply to guide dogs.
When travelling by plane, a dog must be reported 24 hours in advance. Not all airlines allow travel with pets in the cabin or cargo hold. See the websites of the airlines for more information.
Identification
A dog or cat needs an EU pet passport, available from the vet. This passport contains a description of the animal, the name and address of the owner, the registration number of the chip (the ISO microchip 11784/11785 is inserted as standard) and proof of vaccination against rabies. There is also space in the passport for a health certificate and other treatments or vaccinations.
Health
Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies (rabies vaccination) at least 21 days prior to travel. The period of validity depends on the guidelines of the vaccine manufacturer (1-3 years). Please note that the chip must have been inserted before the anti-rabies vaccination (the same day is allowed).
No additional treatments are required in Spain. Dogs and cats do not have to be quarantined in Spain.
Spain is a high-risk area, a dog or cat may become ill during the holidays due to tick or insect bites. There are sufficient preventive measures in place. Please contact the veterinarian at least 4 weeks before departure.
The temperature in Spain can rise considerably in the summer. This can cause a dog to overheat quickly. Always make sure there is enough water and cooling.
Forbidden dogs
The HR-dogs or High Risk Dogs in Spain have been given the name “potencialmente peligrosas” (PPP) and are subject to different rules.
For Spain PPP dogs are those of the breeds: Pitbull, Dogo Argentino, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire terrier, Fila Brasiliero, Tosa Inu and Akita Inu.
Where in the Netherlands people talk about exempting dogs with a pedigree, this is not the case in Spain. The Spanish law states that “animals that do not belong to one of the mentioned breeds but that meet all or most of the following characteristics” are also covered by this law. These characteristics are:
– All dogs with a strong, robust appearance and highly developed muscles, an athletic build and strength and stamina.
– Characteristic temperament and high market value
– Shorthaired
– Chest size between 60 and 80 cm, height at withers between 50 and 70 cm and weight over 20 kg
– Large, rectangular head with broad skull and strongly developed cheek and jaw muscles, large and strong jaws and large and powerful mouth.
– Wide, muscular and short neck
– Broad and muscular chest, with well-developed ribs and a muscular body
– Parallel, powerful and muscular front legs and very muscular hind legs.
It is recommended to contact the embassy if you want to take one of these dogs with you.
Young animals
From the 29th of December 2014 all puppies and kittens brought to Spain must be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccination is only possible from 12 weeks. The legal waiting period after vaccination is 21 days, which means that animals younger than 15 weeks can no longer be imported. 🙂
Source: SpanjeVandaag
Bron: SpanjeVandaag
