TAKING A DOG OR CAT BETWEEN SPAIN AND UK: TRANSPORT WITH PET PASSPORT

Pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for travel to Spain, and owners need an EU pet passport.

Travelling between the UK and Spain with pets today may be harder than it was before Brexit. The British Embassy in Madrid has issued a new reminder about pet passports and animal travel documents for anyone hoping to transport their dog or cat between Spain and Great Britain.

Specifically, they have highlighted the fact that the rules have changed this year and now “a GB-issued EU pet passport is not valid for travel to the EU or Northern Ireland”. The embassy has also advised people travelling with animals to “speak to your vet before you travel to get the necessary pet travel documents and ensure you’re compliant with the EU Pet Travel Regulations.”

Going from Great Britain to Spain with pets

Pet passports issued in England, Wales and Scotland are no longer valid for travel to Spain and other EU countries. Travellers should use a pet passport from an EU country or Northern Ireland.

These restrictions also apply to guide dogs for the visually impaired.

All dogs, cats and ferrets being brought into Spain must have:

• a microchip
• a valid rabies vaccination
• an animal health certificate (unless you have a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland)

Your pet will need a new animal health certificate for each trip to Spain. The rabies vaccination doesn’t have to be repeated, as it’s up to date.

Travel restrictions on the number of pets you’re allowed to take to Spain mean you cannot take more than 5 animals unless you’re attending or training for a competition, show or sporting event. In this case, you’ll need to show written proof of registration for the event. All the animals you travel with must be attending the event and be over 6 months old.

Going from Spain to Great Britain with pets

Spain and other EU countries are known as ‘Part 1 listed countries’, which means that the UK accepts pet passports or a Great Britain pet health certificate when taking pets across borders.

You can enter Great Britain with your pet cat, dog or ferret if it:

• has been microchipped
• has a pet passport or health certificate
• has been vaccinated against rabies

In addition, dogs must also have tapeworm treatment.

The animal must arrive in Great Britain no more than 5 days before or after you. If you do not follow these rules, your pet may be put into quarantine for up to 4 months, or if you’re travelling by sea it can be refused entry. The owner will be responsible for any fees or charges incurred.