I'm Moving from Colombia to Spain and I want to know if it's possible that I bring my American Pitbull along

Question

I'm Moving from Colombia to Spain and I want to know if it's possible that I bring my American Pitbull along

Answer 1

Possible, but it must be licensed:

Moving with Pets

You won’t have trouble taking your pet to Spain. Most standard household animals are allowed in the country without being quarantined—even ferrets get the green light so long as their papers are in order. The laws on pets are currently in flux, but this much is known: as of October 2004, all pets must be identified with either a tattoo or microchip; a special certificate must be completed by vets regarding vaccinations and you’ll also need a written description of your pet and its origin. You can get your paws on all the details you need through the Spanish embassy’s office of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (www.mapausa.org).

In the case of dogs and cats—the most common pets—a veterinarian will have to provide certain stamps and your pooch or kitty will need to have had a rabies vaccination within the past year, but at least one month prior to your travel date.

Once you arrive you’ll have to register your dog with the government and you should attach contact information on your pet’s collar tags. Any dog older than three months will also require a health card in its name. If you’ve been to Spain before, then you’ve undoubtedly weaved your way along public streets dodging piles of p**p; you’ll be shocked to discover that Spain does in fact have pooper-scooper laws but they are broadly ignored. (However, you should feel free to buck the system and pick up after your dog.) Each municipality has its own rules regarding where dogs are permitted to run free, but all dogs must be leashed in public areas.

If you are the owner of what the government deems to be a potentially dangerous dog, your pet will need a microchip inserted under its skin with identifying information. (That sounds like a far more painful procedure than it actually is.) You’ll also require a license from your municipality as an owner. Potentially dangerous dogs are pit bull terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, rottweilers, Dogo Argentinos, Fila Brasileiros, Tosa Inus, and Akita Inus. If you own one of those breeds and want to know if you qualify for a license to be in Spain, more information is posted on the consulate website.

On the whole, life is good for Spanish pets. Animals are adored and dog owners out on walks with their pooch will discover that their dog is a great conversation starter. Everyone seems to have a question for the owner and plenty of strangers are happy to scratch behind the ears of any dog that looks good-natured. Vets are easy to find and in the case of an urgent health scare you’ll be pleased to know that the country has plenty of 24-hour emergency clinics for animals. However, you should take particular caution if you live in a rural area. Spanish hunters and some farmers are known to leave pieces of poisoned meat strewn about in an effort to kill foxes and other animals viewed as pests. If your dog were to eat that meat instead, it could be fatal. Additionally, you should speak to your Spanish vet about any health hazards that might be endemic to your area of Spain.