Whether on a brief vacation or coordinating a full-fledged international move, bringing your pets to Spain can often provide a number of challenges. Considerations such as import requirements, airline restrictions, and cultural views all play an important part in the often baffling puzzle we call Pet Relocation.
The key to any successful Pet Relocation is preparation – start early to avoid any headaches later on. If you know you will be moving next year, start finding out as much information as possible now – you can never be too prepared, especially when dealing with exotic pets such as birds and reptiles, which can often take over 6 months of active preparation. Embassies, government agricultural authorities, and Pet Relocation agencies are all great sources of information when the time comes to begin your research.
Here are some helpful tips that will help to make your pet’s trip to Spain as safe and comfortable as possible:
1) Microchip
Each Pet shall be identified by means of a microchip. No other form of identification is acceptable. The microchip used should comply with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785- otherwise the pet will need to be sent with it’s own scanner attached to the top of the crate.
2) All animals need to have Full Vaccinations
Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Leptospirosis, (DHLPP) and Rabies within the last 12 months or a minimum of 4 weeks before arrival.
Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP), and Rabies within the last 12 months or a minimum of 4 weeks before arrival.
3) EU Vet Health Certificate (Form EC#: 998)
This is the standard Health Certificate to be filled out by your accredited Veterinarian. Although this certificate is technically valid for 4 months, it is recommended to be completed and endorsed by the USDA within 10 days of travel to avoid any customs issues upon arrival.
4) USDA Endorsement
The below referenced forms:
Microchip Implantation Record
Rabies Certificate
EU Vet Health Certificate
must be sent to your local USDA for their stamp of approval. Please contact your PetRelocation.com representative on the best way of handling this.
5) International Health Certificate
Your vet should have these in stock. It’s a good idea to call ahead and ask. This is an international health certificate that needs to be completed by your vet within 10 days of departure. Depending on the logistics of your particular pet relocation and the specific health certificate being used (APHIS Form 7001) an additional USDA Endorsement maybe required on this health certificate.
Acclimate your pet to its travel kennel well ahead of the travel date! This allows your pet to feel comfortable in its soon-to-be travel environment. Not only do travel kennels serve as a means to protect your pet physically, but emotionally as well. The more familiar your pet is with its travel kennel at home, the more it will be used as a “safe zone” during travel.
Some great “pet-safe” airlines that provide regular service to and from Spain include Continental, KLM, and Lufthansa. Remember that what may often appear to be the best route of travel for you is not always the best route for your pets. Very few airlines implement complete “pet-safe” programs, so it is very important to do your research and ask which airlines are most pet friendly. “Pet-safe” policies include, but are not limited to, making sure your pets are always climate controlled, never leaving them out on the tarmac, and making sure they are the last ones on the plane and the first ones off. In addition, a majority of airlines only accept live animals within certain outside temperature constraints, so seasonal traveling can often prove difficult. By using a “pet-safe” carrier, these climate restrictions can be easily avoided. Some great “pet-safe” airlines that provide regular service to and from Spain include Continental, KLM, and Lufthansa.
There are also many full service Pet Relocation agencies available worldwide which are more than able to facilitate all of your pet’s travel arrangements. Services can include residential pickups and deliveries, flight bookings, airport check-in, customs clearance and import handling, assistance with health documentation, and anything else you or your pet might need. These services make life much easier, but with the service come added costs.
Remember, knowledge and preparation are tantamount to any successful Pet Relocation. Plan early and utilize your resources effectively, and you and your pet will be on the way to the safest adventure of a lifetime!
This article has been published by: Mathews Johnson
URL: http://www.PetRelocation.com
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