Travelling with Pets to and from Gran Canaria: What You Need to Know
If you’re planning to move to or travel within Gran Canaria with your furry friends—whether it’s a dog, cat, or ferret—it’s essential to understand the regulations involved. These rules vary depending on whether you’re travelling from an EU country, a non-EU country, or returning from abroad. Here’s everything you need to know:
1. Travelling to Spain from an EU Country
When travelling to Spain from another EU country, you must ensure your pet meets the following requirements:
- Identification: Your pet must be identified with a microchip or, if it was done before July 3, 2011, a tattoo that is still legible.
- Rabies Vaccination: The pet must be vaccinated against rabies with a valid vaccine at the time of travel. This must be recorded in the European Pet Passport.
- European Pet Passport: The passport must be filled out with details such as the pet’s identification, vaccination records, and owner information. It’s important to note that pets under 15 weeks of age cannot enter Spain unless they have received a rabies vaccination and met the minimum vaccination age of 12 weeks.
2. Travelling from Spain to an EU Country
If you’re heading to another EU country from Spain, your pet must meet the following criteria:
- Identification: A microchip or tattoo (if pre-2011) is required.
- Rabies Vaccination: The pet must have a valid rabies vaccination.
- European Pet Passport: You’ll need to carry this document.
Special considerations are in place for certain EU countries. For example, if you’re travelling to Ireland, Malta, or Finland, you’ll need to treat your dog against Echinococcus multilocularis between 24 and 120 hours before arrival.
3. Travel to a Non-EU Country
When travelling to a non-EU country, the rules for your pet will depend on the country you’re visiting:
- Research the Requirements: Always check with the embassy or consulate of the destination country, and consult the official website of the country’s Ministry of Agriculture.
- Equivalent Countries: Countries like Andorra, Switzerland, and Norway are considered equivalent to the EU regarding health standards, but some specific rules may still apply.
- Additional Considerations for Norway or Northern Ireland: If you’re travelling with a dog to these destinations, you’ll need to treat the animal for Echinococcus multilocularis within the required timeframe.
4. Returning to Spain After Visiting a Non-EU Country
If you’re returning to Spain from a non-EU country, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Points of Entry: Your pet must enter Spain through a designated Traveler’s Point of Entry and you’ll need to declare it to the Guardia Civil’s Tax Department.
- Rabies Test: If returning from a rabies risk country, your pet will need to have a rabies serological test done in an approved lab. The test must show a minimum level of 0.5 IU/ml of rabies antibodies, and the results must be recorded in your pet’s passport.
The minimum age for entry from these countries is 7 months, considering the timing of vaccinations and testing.
5. Introducing a Pet from a Non-EU Country
If you’re introducing a pet into Spain from a non-EU country, the following requirements apply:
- Identification: Your pet must be identified with a microchip or tattoo.
- Vaccination: A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory.
- Pet Passport or Health Certificate: If a European pet passport isn’t available, you’ll need an animal health certificate signed by an official veterinarian from the third country, as well as a declaration in Spanish or English.
- Serological Test: For pets coming from rabies-risk countries, a rabies serological test is required, and the results must be recorded in the passport.
Non-Commercial vs. Commercial Movements
It’s important to distinguish between non-commercial and commercial movements of pets:
- Non-commercial Movement: This applies when you’re travelling with no intention of transferring ownership, and the number of pets doesn’t exceed five (unless it’s for competitions or exhibitions). The pet(s) must travel with you or a responsible person.
- Commercial Movement: If your pet(s) are part of a commercial shipment or transfer of ownership, different regulations will apply. These are generally stricter and involve more documentation.
Additional Considerations
- More Than 5 Pets: If you’re travelling with more than five pets, it will be considered a commercial movement and additional requirements will apply.
- Travelling Separately from Your Pet: If you’re not travelling with your pet, it can still travel separately, but within five days of your own journey.
- Special Cases: If you plan to transit through a country or need more information, check out the FAQs for additional guidance.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth journey for both you and your pet when travelling to and from Gran Canaria. Safe travels!
Source and more information: https://www.mapa.gob.es/en/ganaderia/temas/comercio-exterior-ganadero/desplazamiento-animales-compania/dogs-cats-ferrets.aspx
