Many of us love this wonderful country however we are often faced with examples of animal cruelty and abandonment that shocks and upsets. However please remember that it is only the minority of people from ALL nationalities that do this and it is not a problem unique to just Spain. The current economic crisis has resulted in many people returning to their native countries and dumping animals and there are examples from around the world of unbelievable cruelty – some actually sanctioned by governments in the name of sport, food or luxury goods.
At CHAIN we try not to judge people but to work with them to find the best solution for the animals involved.
Here is a selection of the key questions that we often get asked. If you would like some advice or help about any animal-related issue, please contact us and we will use our network to help you as much as we possibly can.
Q: What to do if you find a stray animal
Initially ask around – your neighbours, the local bar etc. as it might belong to someone. We have Spanish speakers who can help to translate for you if you need this service. If you can, it might also be worth visiting the police station or local pound to see if someone has reported it lost and check the local papers. Anything you can do to reunite an animal with its owners will help.
Please check with a vet as the animal may have a microchip. If the animal is micro-chipped, the care of the animal is the owners and not yours. The vet will either try to contact the owner or ask you to take it to the police with the details.
If you take an animal to a refuge please make a donation to help for their care. You should be aware that the animal becomes your responsibility as it is not always possible to admit them to a rescue centre. Most are always full and you would be advised to call them before making a journey.
Q: What to do if you find an injured animal
If you find an injured animal again you need to check whether or not it is micro-chipped with a vet. If the animal can be reunited with its owner this is best all round. Vets are not allowed to treat an injured animal if it has a microchip. The owner has to be contacted first and agree to the treatment. The vet will be best placed to advise you on the next course of action.
If the animal has no microchip, CHAIN may be able to assist with the cost of treatment. We have local arrangements in place with the following vets:
Alfa Animals (Coin): 671 100 004
24 Hour Animal Hospital (Alhaurin) [add]
If you can take the animal to one of the above, they will advise on the treatment. If they can assist you will be asked to sign a CHAIN form kept at the vets so that we can track all costs. So far this year we have spent over £16,000 on vet services so we need to ensure that this money is all accounted for.
Q: Adopting an animal in Spain
If you are interested in adopting an animal check out our adoption pages to see the animals available. Most animals at refuges have been neutered, micro-chipped and prepared for adoption. This costs money and it is commonplace to make a donation to the refuge if you adopt one of its animals. You should talk to the refuge about the behaviour of the animal and which animal is most likely to suit your personal circumstances. Remember a small puppy or kitten will grow up and have very different needs to when you first saw it. Also talk to the refuge about sand fly, a common disease, which is treatable and any other issues that you might need to know about.
Consider fostering an animal or having a trial period first to see if the adoption will suit both you and the chosen animal.
Q: Leaving Spain?
Please don’t dump your animals! This may seem strange to have to mention BUT it has been happening and is on the increase across Spain. If you really cannot take your animal(s) with you, contact one of the local refuges to see if they can help or consider placing an advert in the local press to see if you can re home them.
Speak to CHAIN or your local vet about preparing your animal to travel with you. Animals need to be micro chipped and have a passport to enable them to travel with you. This process takes about 7 months so start early. First of all your animal will have a Rabies jab. Then about 1 month later a blood test is required. The blood test is sent to the lab for analysis. Following this it takes about 6 months to get the passport.
Q: Transferring an animal to the UK
If you are not planning to have your animal(s) travel with you there are a lot of animal transport services available. Do your homework and ask for recommendations. Ensure that they are an approved organisation and use an approved route. Prices vary and you will need to check if a cage is included. You will be expected to ensure that your animal has been treated against ticks and tapeworms before it is handed over to the transport company. Check out DEFRA for details of the UK’s Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).
You can drive back and take your animal with you as an alternative.
Q: Transferring an animal to another European country
The UK tends to take longer than other countries. You will need an EU animal passport. There is a 21 day waiting period before your animal can enter another EU country. Generally your vet is the best person to advise you or look on the DEFRA website.
Q: Transferring an animal to a non European country
You will need to get an official vet certificate please be aware that some non EU countries now require passports. Check with your vet or the DEFRA website.
Q: Vaccinations for Dogs?
Vets recommend a yearly cocktail and you need to keep up with the annual vaccinations. Keep a record yourself of the history of vaccinations as some vets move on.
Q: Vaccinations for Cats
Your cat will need vaccinations for flu and leaukemia etc. and keep up worth yearly to give full protection.
Q: Neutering and Spaying
CHAIN offer a programme to encourage the control of strays. Please contact us for the latest info.
"Go on you ask him if we can share his millet?"
