Taking my pet to live in Spain

Hi Angela,

Assuming that your woof doesn't have an EU pet passport, you can find the required documentation and vaccinations for entry to Spain here:

https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad

Once in Spain, register with a vet (ask for recommendations in your area on this forum) and ask the vet to obtain a EU pet passport, especially if you envisage making trips back to the UK, as this simplifies the requirements for your pet's re-entry.

Vets are generally much cheaper in Spain than the UK.  You should also be alert to Leishmaniasis, which is endemic in the Mediterranean basin, and the preventative measures you can take to protect your woof.  This is especially important as you have a small dog - those that weigh less than 5kg cannot have the vaccine, but there are collars, such as Seresto, that offer protection:

https://m.murciatoday.com/get-your-dog-vaccinated-against-leishmaniasis-if-you-live-in-spain_1320872-a.html

and processional caterpillars:

https://blog.abacoadvisers.com/processionary-caterpillar-in-spain/

Health and Safety regulations in Spain mean that, generally, only assistance dogs can be taken into shops and whilst dogs are not allowed into bars and restaurants that serve food, it is acceptable for them to accompany you on the premise's outside terraces.  I've also seen dogs inside bars that don't serve food, although that may be more to do with the tolerance of the bar owner and his other patrons.  With the much more favourable climate in Spain, we find we can take our woof with us much more often than we would have been able to do in the UK.

It's also worth noting that, if you want to take your dog to the beach, you'll need to check which beaches in your area allow this and when.  On the upside, this region is very good at providing dedicated dog parks, where you can let your woof off the lead in a safe, enclosed space; many have agility equipment too and are a great way to socialise your animal while you meet other dog owners.

Kind regards, 

Kim

Thank you for sending the links and your very helpful advice. That sounds good. 

Best wishes
Angela