When we decided to move to Spain, our biggest concern wasn’t the paperwork – it was our dog, Charlie. Moving abroad with pets can be extremely stressful and complicated, and it seems like you don’t have many options to choose from.
We researched countless different ways to safely get our Golden Retriever, Charlie, and our cat, Spud, to Spain, and we didn’t like any of the options presented to us. It was either spend $15k on a chartered flight, book a cruise one year in advance, or put them in cargo, which we found extremely overwhelming.
On top of our less-than-ideal options, we didn’t know anybody who had actually done this before. It felt like we were flying blind, and had no clue what the reality of international pet relocation actually looked like.
Our pets are our babies, and we know many people who want to relocate feel the same way about theirs.
We’re here to tell you that they can come along with you on your journey, and here’s how.
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Moving Abroad With Pets: Is It Possible?
(Yes, and Here’s What to Know)
International pet travel is absolutely possible with the right preparation. The things you need to consider are:
- Airline rules and restrictions
- Destination country requirements
- Pet breed, size, age, and health
The best thing you can do for yourself is research your options, plan early, and save.
Step-by-Step Process: Moving Abroad With Pets to Spain
Step 1: Research Import Rules for Your Destination
This includes country-specific regulations like vaccine, microchip, and documentation requirements. In our case, Spain only required that we show proof of a rabies vaccine, ISO microchip, and pet health certificate for both our dog and cat.
Note that some destinations have breed restrictions or age limits for international travel. Here is the latest information for Spain.
Step 2: Determine Your Mode of Transportation
Decide which option is best for your pet relocation, and if you’re willing to handle it yourself. If you’re traveling with small cats or dogs, airline travel will be easier if they can fit under the seat on a pet-friendly airline.
Naturally, large dogs are much more complicated to move with. Unless your dog is a certified service animal, your options included chartered flights for thousands of dollars, Queen Mary Cunard pet-friendly cruises between the east coast of the U.S. and the U.K., or booking your pet in cargo on an approved airline.
After months of research, listening to people’s stories and discussion, we decided to hire a pet relocation service and fly with our pets in cargo.
If this scares you – it absolutely scared me too. Check out Starwood Pet Travel if you’re considering moving your dog, and read through all of their successful relocation stories. Hopefully it gives you some peace of mind.
Step 3: Talk to Your Vet
Ensure your vet is USDA certified to help with the paperwork you’ll eventually need to provide. Work with your vet to conduct health checkups and put together the necessary paperwork and certificates. This usually happens within the month before your departure.
Step 4: Make Your Travel Plans
Whether you contracted the help of a relocation service or if you’re doing it all yourself, make sure you have your travel squared away.
- Look into pet-friendly airlines such as Lufthansa or KLM and evaluate their weight and breed restrictions.
- Know when to book – if you’re traveling with your pet in cargo, sometimes you can’t book the flight until the week or two before. Keep an eye and remain as flexible as possible.
- Double check your travel documents from the vet and make sure you have everything squared away.
Additional Considerations:
- If you have a large dog that will fly in cargo, make sure you get an airline approved travel crate. I recommend checking the World Pet Travel website for guidance regarding which size you need for your pets. We used this PP100 travel crate for our 85lb golden retriever and it worked great.
- Consider the timing of your move. If your pet will travel in cargo, avoid moving during peak summer or winter seasons to ensure the move is as comfortable as possible for your pets.
PP100 Dog Crate we used to move our 85lb Golden Retriver.
The Journey: What to Expect on Travel Day
With a pet relocation service, our experience was a bit different than if you were to handle the pet travel yourself. Charlie and Spud were picked up from our house a few hours before their flight, which differed from ours, and they were taken to the airport for check-in and for a few laps outside before boarding. With Starwood, we received real-time updates and a tracker so we could see where they were in their travel process each minute of the day.
I will never forget checking their location in the middle of the night and seeing that they were over the Atlantic Ocean. I have never been more scared, overwhelmed, and anxious about the journey they were on, but I was constantly reassured by the Starwood team that they would be safe, comfortable and arrive okay. And they were 100% right.
We received confirmation that they arrived safe and sound, passed their health exams, and were on the way to be dropped off at our Airbnb in Madrid. We were jetlagged, exhausted from our own travel, but anxiously awaiting the arrival of our fur babies.
When they arrived, Charlie got out of the car and did his first Spanish zoomies! Within moments, he was acting like we were never apart, and he was loving exploring his new home. I think we underestimate how adaptable our pets can be, and I noticed that Charlie and Spud both adjusted to their new home almost immediately.
Life Abroad with Pets
Ever since moving abroad with our pets, we’ve noticed some key cultural differences in how pet owners interact with their pets and with others in the city.
First, we noticed that dogs are usually walking off leash, even in city centers and high-traffic areas. This was shocking to me when I first moved, and something we do not plan to adopt with our jamon-motivated dog!
Secondly, most places you’ll go are very dog friendly. Bars, restaurants, shops, trains, you name it. We’ve traveled a ton with our dog on public transport and trains and it has always been a very positive experience. Here, it’s actually assumed here that you can take your dog everywhere with you unless otherwise stated!
And lastly, the people in Spain love their furry friends. We get stopped constantly by people asking to pet Charlie, and he gets treats at every shop and restaurant on our street! He is loved by all of our neighbors, and has quickly become very famous in our neighborhood, La Latina.
Finding A Pet-Friendly Apartment
If you’re planning to move to Madrid or Barcelona (or any larger city in Spain), you should be able to find a pet-friendly apartment. While our options were certainly more limited, we were able to quickly find a furnished, pet-friendly apartment in the heart of the city.
If you’re having trouble, one trick I’ve heard is when searching for apartments, do not filter by pet-friendly and book a tour with the apartments you’re interested in. When you go on the tour, mention that you noticed the apartment was not listed as pet-friendly, but see if they’re open to you moving with your pets (even for a small additional fee).
I can’t guarantee results, but I know a few people have had success that way. For more on how to find an apartment in Spain, read my complete guide.
FAQ’s About Moving Abroad with Pets
- Can I bring my large dog abroad? Absolutely, yes! While it is a more difficult process, it is absolutely manageable with the right planning. Some destinations have breed restrictions, so do your research before planning your move.
- Is it safe to fly pets internationally? Yes, it is safe! I’d recommend reading the success stories on pet relocation travel planning websites to get a sense of how many pets move internationally each year.
- How much does it cost to move a pet abroad? Depending on the size of your pet, it can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. I’d recommend researching and consulting with services about your specific needs.
- Can pets go in the cabin internationally? Yes, they sure can! Look at pet-friendly airlines like KLM and Lufthansa for guidance.
- What documents do I need for pet relocation? It depends on your destination country, but in our case, it was just a health certificate, rabies vaccine, and microchip records.
Final Thoughts
While moving abroad with pets can be stressful and emotionally overwhelming, it is so worth it when you’re living your dream life with your pets in a new country.
If we could do it with a 85lb dog and cat, so can you.
If you have more questions about the process of moving abroad, either by yourself or with your pets, check out my ultimate guide to moving abroad.
Have you moved abroad with your pets? Tell me about your experience in the comments!
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love.
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