Importation of Pets

There are specific rules for different kinds of pets. In general, pets may be imported to Spain if they are accompanied by their owners or their representative and a certificate of origin and health (if they are more than three months old). These are valid for ten days only, and must state that the pet has been under the owner's supervision for three months before being imported, and should include a declaration that the pet is not intended for trade. In the case of dogs, the certificate must show that the pet has had valid anti-rabies inoculation in the last twelve months (six in some cases). Certificates should be obtained from the nearest Animal Health Divisional Office in England. A full list of these offices is available by calling 08459 335 577, and at www.defra.gov.uk.

Birds, monkeys and other species will need a certificate stating that there has been no local outbreak of disease that would affect the species for the last 60 days. For more advice please contact the nearest Spanish Consulate.

Owners who intend to take their pets back to England must comply with the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), for their pet to be able to enter the UK without going into quarantine. For information on PETS, see www.defra.gov.uk.