Moving your pet to another country brings both excitement and difficulties. The process of moving your cat or dog to Spain requires thorough knowledge of the costs and requirements for both permanent relocation and extended vacations. The Brexit changes have introduced new complexities for UK pet owners who need to follow specific documentation requirements, vaccination protocols, and travel arrangements to achieve a smooth relocation.
This article provides information about send your cat to Spain prices while discussing essential pet relocation factors to assist you in planning a stress-free move for your pet.
How Much Does It Cost to Send Your Cat to Spain?
UK pet owners find Spain attractive because of its sunny weather, combined with its welcoming pet culture and active way of life. The Spanish population includes 2.3 million cats and 5.2 million dogs, which allows pets to enter various public areas, dining establishments and lodging facilities. However, send your cat to Spain prices involves more than booking a flight. The costs for sending pets to Spain differ based on transportation choices, documentation needs, and specific requirements for dog or cat transport, so budgeting becomes crucial.
The prices for sending your cat to Spain depend on multiple elements which determine the total cost. The expenses for pet relocation to Spain span between £300 and £1,500 based on airline choices, pet relocation services, and transport methods. Here’s a send your cat to spain prices:
Air Travel Cost
Small cats weighing under 8-10 kg, including their carrier, can travel in the cabin for £100-£200 during one-way flights. The option to transport pets in the cabin is unavailable at budget airlines, so you must book with British Airways and other major carriers.
The cost of transporting pets in cargo holds reaches between £200 and £500 based on airline regulations and crate specifications.
Pet Relocation Services Prices
Professional pet travel services can handle everything, with prices starting at £500 and going up to £1,500 for door-to-door transport, including documentation.
Documentation Fee
The cat passport UK cost no longer applies for UK-issued passports after Brexit, but you can use an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) instead. An official veterinarian issues the AHC at a cost between £100 and £200 for each journey.
The total cost increases because of Microchipping (£10-£30), rabies vaccination (£30-£60) and health checks (£50-£100).
The costs for taking my dog to Spain remain comparable, but bigger breeds need larger crates and PPP regulations, which demand liability insurance (£50-£100 annually) and licensing fees (£20-£50).
Documentation Needed to Send Your Cat to Spain
To send your cat to Spain, prices aren’t the only consideration—paperwork is critical. Post-Brexit, UK pet owners must meet EU regulations, entering Spain via designated Travellers’ Points of Entry (TPE) like Madrid or Barcelona airports.
The following are the required documents:
- Your pet needs an ISO-compliant microchip, which costs between £10-£30.
- The rabies vaccination needs to be administered at least 21 days before travel and will cost between £30-£60.
- The Animal Health Certificate (AHC) requires issuance within 10 days before travel and remains valid for four months at a cost of £100-£200.
- The Non-Commercial Declaration serves as a statement that proves the pet is not for sale and typically comes with the AHC costs.
For taking a dog to Spain, additional requirements may apply to PPP-bred dogs, including pit bulls and rottweilers.
Transport Options for Your Pet
The selection of transportation affects both the expense of cat relocation to Spain and the comfort level of your pet. Here are some options to consider
Air Travel
The fastest option to transport your cat to Spain is by flying, but this method creates high-stress levels. Cats under 8-10 kg can travel with airlines inside their IATA-approved carrier in the cabin area. Large cats and dogs need to travel in a heated cargo hold that requires a solid crate, with prices ranging between £50-£150. Before flying, check airline rules because they have specific rules about brachycephalic breeds and flight pet restrictions (2-3 pets in the cabin and 2 pets in the hold).
Ferry Travel
Ferry transportation presents a slower yet less demanding alternative for transporting dogs to Spain. The pet-friendly cabins, along with exercise areas, are available on Brittany Ferries that operate between Portsmouth and Bilbao, starting at £22-£54 each way. Your pet can remain inside your vehicle or choose to stay in a designated cabin, which creates a perfect environment for pets who feel anxious.
Road Travel
A Eurotunnel (£19 per pet each way) journey and pet transport service like this provides alternative options for travel. Travelling by road lets you accompany your pet, which minimises their stress levels, although the journey takes 20-30 hours to reach Spain from the UK. Professional road transport costs between £500 and £1500 based on distance and service quality.
Pet Relocation Services
Hire a pet relocation service to take care of paperwork, transport, and customs procedures for a stress-free experience. These services cost more money but follow EU rules while providing maximum pet comfort, which makes them suitable for Spanish dog or cat moves.
Additional Considerations for Pet Relocation
The well-being of your pet should be your main concern after deciding to relocate your cat to Spain. The combination of travel stress and a new environment creates an extremely stressful situation for cats. Your veterinarian should provide guidance on preventive treatments for Spanish diseases such as heartworm and tick-borne infections, which occur more frequently in Spain than in the UK. You need to check pet insurance requirements for Madrid because this Spanish city, along with others in Spain, requires dog insurance regardless of breed.
The process of acclimating your pet to a pet carrier or crate during the weeks before travel will reduce their travel-related stress. The presence of familiar items such as toys or blankets helps your pet during relocation. Moving permanently to Spain requires understanding the local pet culture because outdoor cats face processionary caterpillar threats and elderly pets struggle with heat conditions.
Choose the Best Company for Your Pet Relocation
Are you planning to take your pet with you on a journey? Consult Pet Taxi Express UK. We provide a smooth and stress-free solution for relocating your pet. Our team of experts takes care of every aspect from AHC procurement to comfortable transportation by road or air. Our experience with pet relocation allows us to fulfil EU requirements and prioritise pet safety for dogs and cats.
Visit Pet Taxi Express UK to get a quote and let our professional service make your pet’s journey worry-free.
FAQs
What is the cat passport UK cost for travel to Spain?
The cat passport UK cost is no longer applicable post-Brexit, as UK-issued pet passports are invalid. Instead, you’ll need an Animal Health Certificate, costing £100-£200 per trip.
How can I prepare for taking my dog to Spain?
Ensure your dog is microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and has an AHC. For PPP (Potentially Dangerous Dogs) breeds, obtain a licence and liability insurance.
Are there restrictions on taking a dog to Spain?
Yes, the “Potentially Dangerous Dogs” breed requires a muzzle, a licence, and insurance. All pets must enter via designated TPEs, and no more than five pets can travel non-commercially.
