Permanent Move to France/Spain- Dog Laws

Hubby and I are currently seriously considering a permanent move to France, we have of course taken Rocky into our plans and have found the information below about taking him with us:

http://www.lost-in-france.com/living-in-france/pets/594-taking-pets-to-france

We have also looked at the laws on taking a Staffy to Spain:

http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/media/968602/travelling%20abroad%20with%20your%20dog%20-%20information%20for%20website.pdf

Oh Kathy fab! would love to move abroad, whys that hun? xx

why france?

Wow interesting on the certificates of physical and mental aptitude needed in Spain! Looks like my hopeful road trip in a camper with Ledger is a big no in getting through France with him not being pedigree

Would your position in life give you the means to move?

I'm not too sure how accurate those rules for Spain are. As someone who has imported a Dogo Argentino into Spain from Thailand and had 3 Dogos at home in Spain and seen by the Guardia as well as taking them out in public, we never had one issue, were we told that they needed to get a special license or take any tests nor ever approached by anyone telling us we needed to do anything. There are many dogos and staffords born, bred and owned in Spain

After Marco passed away and we decided on the staffy we did read up on the laws and found that he would need the papers proving that he is 100% Staffordshire Bull Terrier to avoid problems and was as close to standard as possible to avoid future travel issues especially since we're moving to Andorra which borders France and will be one of our gateways through to the rest of Europe for family road trips. Spain which is another border, where we fly into and also have home had to be also considered but not really a concern for us because we had no problems with the Dogo.

Is Rocky papered and chipped as Staffordshire Bull Terrier? You shouldn't have any problem if he is.

Dog Breeds that are classed as 'Dangerous' in France
In France 'dangerous' dogs are divided into two categories, Category 1 dogs are not allowed to enter and Category 2 dogs are only allowed to enter France under certain conditions. Please note that Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not classed as dangerous in France.

I just found this for Spain too although like I mentioned before, you won't have anyone knocking on your door to check that he's been registered. No mention of cross breeds being restricted either.

http://www.pettravel.com/immigration/spain.cfm
Restricted Breeds: The following breeds are not banned from entering Spain, but they must be registered within 3 months of entry: Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasiliero, Tosa Inu and Akita Inu.

Kathy, since 2012 it's much easier to take dogs to the EU.
No blood tests and after rabies vaccine, you only wait 21 days before travel.
http://www.dogtravelblog.co.uk/important-pet-travel-news-from-defra-new-pet-travel-rules-for-2012/
How exciting for you. Always fancied moving to France   

Oo Kathy, that sounds exciting!

As I said we are considering this move. I have relatives there and the cost of property is so much cheaper over there.

Other things I cannot discuss here.

hope it all works out for you Kathy   

How exciting Kathy, new beginings

Sounds fab. Hope it works out for you

Good luck Kathy.

Exciting Kathy... Good Luck   

Bon chance, Kathy!

Good luck,hope it works out.