Spain Plus More

Taking Your Pet Abroad

If you are going abroad and wish to take your pet cat or dog with you, the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) could allow you to avoid long quarantine periods. Working guide and hearing dogs may also travel on the scheme.

Most European countries are now participating in the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), including Spain, Italy and Portugal for your pet to be eligible your cat or dog must:

• meet the requirements of the scheme
• be fitted with a microchip
• be vaccinated against rabies
• be blood tested
• be issued with an official PETS certificate
• be treated for tapeworm and ticks and have an official certificate to prove it
• travel via certain designated sea, air and rail routes

Owners must also sign a declaration of residency.

Before you go

You must book your trip with one of the recognised carriers. There is only a limited amount of space and it is allocated on a first come first served basis. You must have booked in advance as your pet will not be allowed to travel without a prior booking.

Taking care of your pet when travelling

These tips can help make your pet's journey as comfortable as possible:

• make sure your pet is as fit and healthy as possible to withstand the journey
• give them a light meal before they travel
• give your pet the opportunity to go to the toilet before it is put in its carrying container
• let your pet 'try out' the carrying container before the trip
• the carrying container should be well-ventilated, roomy enough for the animal to move around, safe, and have adequate food and water for the trip, with easily-refillable containers for a long journey
• put a familiar-smelling cushion or rug in the container to help your pet settle

Arriving back in the UK

On arrival in the UK, transport staff will check all your documentation. If there is missing paperwork your pet may be taken into quarantine or returned to the country from which it has just come.

Travelling with registered assistance dogs

The Guide Dogs For The Blind Association, in partnership with other UK assistance dog organisations, DEFRA and a number of UK airlines has produced a set of guidelines for registered assistance dog owners wishing to use the Pet Travel Scheme.

Pets travelling on airlines under the PETS scheme are normally carried in the hold of the aircraft.  However, there is an exemption within the scheme to allow guide dogs or other registered assistance dogs to travel in the cabin with their owner on certain approved routes.