If you are travelling within the EU, your pet will need to have an EU Pet Passport. If you are travelling from Great Britain, you will need to get acquainted with the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). If you are coming from outside the EU, click here from more rules and regulations.

Entering Spain with a pet
In order to bring your pet to Spain, you need to have a valid EU Pet Passport for each of your pets. If your pet is a rodent, it might not need a passport but should be declared at the border. Your pet should be at least three months old to be eligible for crossing the Spain border. You are not allowed to import more than five pets to Spain.

Several official certificates are also required: one signed and stamped by a vet declaring that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies; another one reporting on your pet's general health; and lastly a signed declaration by the owner stating that the animal has been under his supervision for three months previous to import into Spain.

If you're transporting a pet to Spain by ship or ferry, you should notify the ferry company. A pet can also be shipped to Spain by air. Note that animals are permitted to travel to most airports in Spain.

Vaccinations
If you intend to live permanently in Spain, most vets recommend that you have your dog vaccinated against rabies before arrival, which saves you having to get your dog vaccinated on arrival. It is best to contact your own vet for further information on the necessary vaccinations.

Vets and health insurance
Veterinary surgeons are well trained in Spain, where it's a popular profession. Emergency veterinary care is also available at animal clinics (clínica veterinaria), many of which provide a 24-hour emergency service.

Health insurance for pets is available from a number of insurance companies. Coverage usually includes some veterinary fees, travel abroad, complementary medicine, third party liability, accidental death and theft. Click here for more information.

Kennels and catteries
There are kennels and catteries (residencias para animales de compañía) throughout Spain, many of which advertise in English-language publications in resort areas (make sure they're registered and bona fide establishments). Book well in advance if you plan to leave your pet at a kennel or cattery, particularly for school holiday periods.

Numerous websites including www.onlydog.com and www.perros.com also provide information.

Registering pets
All dog owners are required to register their dogs and have them either tattooed with their registration number in an ear or have a microchip inserted in their neck. Regardless of whether your dog is microchipped, it's advisable to have it fitted with a collar and tag with your name and telephone number on it -- and the magic word ‘reward' (recompensa).

All municipalities have rules (ordenanzas) regarding the keeping of dogs, which require a health card if they're older than three months. In public areas, a dog must be kept on a lead (and muzzled if dangerous) and wear a health disc on its collar. Dogs are prohibited from entering places where food is manufactured, stored or sold; from sports and cultural events, and are banned from beaches.

One of the most unpleasant consequences of dog ownership in Spain is the vast amount of excrement deposited on Spanish streets, which is an increasing health hazard, particularly for young children. You must always watch where you walk in Spain and keep an eye on children. It's illegal not to clean up after your dog in a public area, although few people do so.

Further information can be found on the website for the Office of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs.

Veneta Krumova / Expatica

Sources:

http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/nocomm_third_en.htm
http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/index_en.htm 
http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/ 
http://www.thesaraservice.com/rentals/guide/bringing-your-pet-to-spain.html 
http://www.travelthruspain.com/spain-info/taking-your-pet-to-spain 
http://www.idealspain.com/Pages/pets_abroad.htm 
http://seriouslyspain.com/how-to-take-a-pet-to-spain-%E2%80%93-importing-your-dog-or-cat-can-be-easy http://www.travelthruspain.com/spain-info/taking-your-pet-to-spain 
http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/index_en.htm 
http://www.insurance-spain.com/pet-insurance/pet-insurance-in-spain/