In Spain, as in the other EU member states, the legislation that applies to the movement of pets since 2003 is contained in Regulation EC/998/2003 which sets animal health rules for the movement of pets for non-commercial purposes.

Non-vaccinated dogs, cats and ferrets aged under 3 months are allowed to travel, subject to prior authorisation, provided that they are accompanied by a passport. In order to request this authorisation, you should contact the Spanish authorities and provide them with the following information:

• Name and date of birth of the animal
• Microchip number
• Passport number
• Fax number for purposes of sending authorisation
  

Potentially dangerous animals

In Spain, the following breeds are classified as potentially dangerous under national legislation:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire Terrier
• Amercian Staffordshire Terrier
• Rottweiler
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Tosa Inu
• AkitaInu
  

The owners of such animals should contact the Town Halls and Regional Governments where they intend to take up residence in order to register them and meet legal requirements.

For any enquiries or additional information relating to the requirements that must be fulfilled by pets travelling from the United Kingdom to Spain, please contact the Spanish authorities:

Spain

Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación
Subdirección General de Sanidad Animal
C/ Alfonso XII nº 62 - 1ª pl
28071 Madrid

Tel: (+34) 91 347 8295/ 91 347 5866
Fax: (+34) 91 347 8299/ 91 347 8327
Email: sganimal@mapya.es

UK

Spanish Embassy

Consejería de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación
Spanish Embassy
39 Chesham Place
London SW1X 8SB

Tel: +44 (0) 207 235 5005
Fax: +44 (0) 207 259 6897
email: consmapa@btconnect.com

The UK is continuing to use the name "Pet Travel Scheme" (PETS).This is the system that allows pet dogs, cats and ferrets from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet the rules. It also means that people in the UK can take their dogs, cats and ferrets to other EU countries, and return with them to the UK.

PETS Contact details

You can get more information about the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) and quarantine by contacting the UK authorities: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

PETS helpline

Tel: +44 (0) 870 241 1710 (Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 5pm UK time)
Fax: +44 (0) 1245 458749
Email: pets.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk (please enclose your postal address and a day time telephone number)

Quarantine Section

State Veterinary Service
Government Offices
Beeches Road
Chelmsford
Essex CM1 2RU
Tel: +44 (0) 1245 358383
Fax: +44 (0) 1245 458749