Emigrating to Spain with your dog

If you’re planning to emigrate to Spain along with your dog and can’t face the long drive, flying with your best friend isn’t the nightmare it used to be.

With increased numbers of Britons deciding to move to Spain rather than face Brexit Britain, pet travel is also on the increase. Dog owners have two options – to use an expensive pet transportation company or do it themselves, taking into account timing, vaccinations, getting a pet passport and ensuring your furry best friend will be comfortable throughout the journey. Most dogs have no problem with the procedure, and airlines are now totally clued up to their needs.

If your dog is a miniature, you could be allowed to keep him or her with you in the cabin, but it’s up to the airline as to whether to allow this, with checking well in advance advised. All other dogs are accepted as luggage, and must be carried in an IATA-approved crate and loaded into an especially fitted-out area in the hold of the aircraft. The area is dimly lit, air conditioned and pressurised correctly, and the majority of dogs simply sleep throughout the flight. You’ll need to check well in advance as to which airline will take your dog and which airport has processing facilities, with Monarch and BA the main carriers at present.

As space in the special hold is limited, booking well in advance is recommended. All required documentation must be attached to the carrier crate, including the pet passport up until the UK leaves the EU, confirmation of vaccinations and a veterinary certificate if required, You’ll also need to have your dog microchipped. Your vet will be familiar with all the requirements, and will ensure all documentation is correct. Disabled passengers are allowed to have their guide dogs travel in the cabin with them, and are not charged for the dog’s transport, whether their dog is with them or in the hold. A collar, lead and muzzle are mandatory, and guide dogs are almost always allowed to stay with their owners. Making sure you’ve ticked all the boxes well in advance of the flight makes sure both you and your expatriate dog will both arrive stress-free and safely at your new destination.