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✎ EN Moving with PETS to Spain?
    

Discussion in 'Departure' started by composerK, Aug 2, 2004.

  1. composerK

    composerK Active Member

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    City:
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    American (US)
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    English
    Is this a good idea?
    I'm in California and will be moving to the Costa del Sol of Spain to rejoin my UK husband via the Schengen Visa. I have two cats. I read that I need a health certificate, but will they be quarantined in Spain and for how long and are there costs?

    Also I understand that many airlines do not allow pets anymore as they don't want to meet the new FAA standards. Does anyone know which airline still does and do they handle pets well?

    I'm concerned with the long flight, I don't think it's possible to drug the cats for a 14-hour flight and would hate to have them freak out in the air or in baggage claim.

    Does anybody have any advice for this cat lover? One is 14 and the other is 3 years old. :confused:??:

    Or maybe I should look into taking a freighter with them, anyone have experience with that? But I still have to get them to the east coast...Ahhhh, my breaking heart...
     
    #1 composerK, Aug 2, 2004
  2. trina

    trina Member

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    I brought my 2 dogs from LA. You need a current vet record including rabies shots and flight certificate. Then you need to contact the USDA 1-800-545-USDA and they will tell you from which office to get their certificate. Spain doesn't require a quaratine and rarely ask to see any documents. BUT once you are here there are worms here that we dont have in the States and they will need a pill for protection from them.
    I flew with Lufstansa and the dogs flew in cabin under our seats. I have also flown Lufstansa with the dogs in cargo and they have been treated very well.
    If you have a lay over anywhere, most airports will let you dose the cats again. The vet may have a tranq that will last 12 hours and they wont be back to themselves right away anyway. Also try the meds before you fly just in case they have an allergy or adverse reaction.
     
    #2 trina, Aug 3, 2004
  3. composerK

    composerK Active Member

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    Thanks a million Trina! You've put my mind at ease.
    Ciao :)
     
    #3 composerK, Aug 5, 2004
  4. bayswake

    bayswake New Member

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    Hi I brought two small dogs from England, but not only do you need to be aware of the heart worm the worst is liesmonosis sorry if spelling is not correct. It is rife in Spain caused by the sandfly which comes out at night, a bite to your pet can be fatel. There is a coller that can give so much protection but not 100% I think there is an injection that can be given but you need to speak to your vet.

    [%sig%]
     
    #4 bayswake, Sep 2, 2004
  5. composerK

    composerK Active Member

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    TRINA I need your help!
    Ok, I'm going to fly with Luftstansa but as I'm bringing two cats I may go the easier route and put them in one carrier in cargo. As I have to fly to Malaga, I have to change planes in Frankfurt with a wait of about 6 hours. I'm worried about sedation again as the airline said they would transfer them to the next plane. And they are supposed to be given water every 12 hours according to regulations. The first plane's flight is 14 hours I think. How were yours treated exactly when you flew them that way? Do I need a carrier with a food bowl attached then also?

    We are also considering a direct flight to Madrid and then taking the train to Malaga so we don't have this layover business. Do you (or anybody else) know what the policies are for pets on the train and baggage for that matter as I'll be taking 3 of the biggest pieces possible (each about 70 pounds)?

    The US consulate directs you to the train website where those questions are addressed but they are in Spanish and I don't trust my Spanish enough yet to be able to interpret regulations accurately.

    Thanks in advance!
     
    #5 composerK, Sep 17, 2004
  6. trina

    trina Member

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    I asked to see the dogs at the Frankfurt airport, to walk them and with a long layover they allowed it. The train allows for pets under 20 lbs in a carrier no larger than 60 x 35 x 35 cm. They allow one per trip, so you would need to book separate from your spouse. I booked 2 people, 2 dogs once and they had a fit, I thought it was absurd. As far as luggage, I have never seen a limit or have my bags been weighed.
    Trina
    PS. Yes, you need a dish attached to the carrier door.
     
    #6 trina, Sep 17, 2004
  7. composerK

    composerK Active Member

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    Guess I better just scratch the train idea. Thanks for the quick response.

    I spoke to Lufstansa again and they said I could not see them in Frankfurt. They take them to some animal area where they have people who check on them. I asked them if something was wrong, would they page me? She said they have never needed to before. So I guess that's reassuring.

    I'm so excited and so happy I'll be able to have my cats join me in my new life in Spain. :)

    Did you hear with the new regulations as of October 1st, pets need a passport to travel inside and out of EU countries?

    Say did you microchip or tattoo your dogs? I'm going to microchip mine with Home Again (it's supposed to be compatible). The new regulations are so strict, but I'm so glad Spain is a bit more lenient than UK.

    If anybody else needs to know the ins and outs of bringing your pets to EU after October 1st, please feel free to ask as I feel like an expert now as I've spoken to so many officials about it. lol lol!

    Thanks again Trina for calming my nerves and for the great referral to Lufstansa. They seem very reasonable and accommodating. Is the flight pretty comfortable for humans too? :)
     
    #7 composerK, Sep 18, 2004
  8. trina

    trina Member

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    Lufstansa is one of the most comfortable I have ever flown. I prefer them to anyone, but Britsh Airways. I have had the dogs microchipped with the PETS Scheme from the UK so that I can take them to London. My dogs are smaller than cats, but they still charge 20 Euros per dog per day for a kennel. Catteries are like 9 a day and minimal for a 2nd cat. Getting passports for the animals is a good idea, I have been traveling for years with my dogs and every country has different rules and paperwork so getting something uniformed is such a good thing. Good luck with your move. I would ask at the Frankfurt airport anyway, people are a lot more relaxed in Europe. Its not like the States, at all.
    Trina
     
    #8 trina, Sep 18, 2004
  9. ginaterence

    ginaterence New Member

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    Newbie - It is not a good idea to tranquilize your pets for air travel. To have their systems suppressed at high altitudes is potentially dangerous and limits their ability to respond to unexpected movement. Regulated carriers will not tranquilize pets. Your older cat could be at more risk. I don't normally sign up on these sites but felt compelled to share this with you. The best plan is to find an airline that allows your pets in the cabin with you. Buy an extra seat if you have to.
    Best of luck!
     
    #9 ginaterence, Jun 20, 2005
  10. ginaterence

    ginaterence New Member

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    Sorry - I see now that you are composerK. G
     
    #10 ginaterence, Jun 20, 2005
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