Traveling with Cats to Spain

Hi Jo, I read your blog... I am leaving Costa Rica with my three fully vaccinated cats but it is a pita to get information. I cannot return to the UK as they demand that my cats have blood tests 6 months prior to travel PLUS they have to stay in quarantaine for 6 months upon arrival in the UK. I am thinking about Malta as I have a job offer there but they seem to have the same rule. I then thought Spain as I have friends and can work there too... Do you know the rules? Is it 6 months for vaccinated cats with Vet's Certificates as well? Can you advise me where to turn? Many thanks for your time Anneli

Hi Anneli

This is everything to do with animals flying here from the Main Aena Website

Pets accompanying their owners on a trip can be accepted as luggage when the corresponding tariff has been paid, regardless of the class in which the passenger is to fly.
As a general rule, these animals must be checked in and loaded into the hold of the aircraft, where they will be placed in a container which some airlines can provide.
Sometimes they are allowed to fly with their owners in the passenger cabin, provided that the pet does not cause any bother to nearby passengers. The owner must fulfil certain requirements and is responsible for the pet's care and transport during the flight. For this, the maximum measurements of the container must be respected, as well as the conditions of the maximum permitted weight of the animal with its container or cage, as applied by the airline and that should be previously consulted.
Animals must travel properly documented, through a pet passport or veterinary certificate, identified by way of a microchip or tattoo and with all required vaccinations (in some countries with an evaluation of antibodies). You can find more information at: http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/index_en.htm.
It is wise, when booking or purchasing the ticket either at the airline or the travel agency, to express your intention of taking a pet on board and to be informed of the specific conditions for transportation.
Guide dogs
Dogs trained as guides to accompany a passenger with a disability will, in general, travel in the cabin, unless prohibited by national regulations or the airlines. The dog's transport, whether in the hold or in the cabin, will not be charged. It is not necessary to carry out any special procedure, but the dog must wear a muzzle, collar and lead. If the dog is to travel in the cabin, it will be placed next to the passenger in a place indicated by the crew.
Here is the link to the main page where you can down load a file with more information

Regards

Joanne
http://www.malaga-airport-guide.com/