It is considered that veterinary surgeons in Spain offer a good standard of healthcare for animals. In busy urban areas there are clinics which are open 24 hours a day and it is relatively easy to find an English speaking vet in areas which are popular with expats. There are English language publications in these areas and many vets choose to advertise with them.

Most veterinary clinics offer a wide range of services to pet owners. These include general examinations and treatment, emergency services, surgical procedures, pet supplies, home visits if required and some will even collect the pet and return it home again. Most veterinary clinics are equipped with the latest technologies and are staffed by fully qualified professionals.

It is estimated that the cost of visiting a vet in Spain is very reasonable, as the care is equal to that which can be expected in both the UK and the US. When you find a vet in Spain, details of your pet’s medical history can be requested from your vet in the UK. If you are taking a pet with you it should already be microchipped, but it is also recommended for any pet that you adopt while you are in Spain.

A vet in Spain will record details of vaccinations and treatment in the same way that a vet would in the UK and when booster injections are due they will send a reminder. In addition many vets will take in stray and injured animals that have no owner, so if you are looking for a pet the local vet is a good place to begin your search.

There is no national register of veterinary surgeons but there are a number of smaller organisations which keep details of qualified vets. One of these is AVEPA, an association for vets which specialise in small animals. This organisation dates back to 1964 and has almost 4000 members, advising on training and the latest innovations. AVEPA also works closely with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).

Useful Resources

AVEPA (Asociacion de Veterinarios Espanoles Especialistas en Pequenos Animales)
www.avepa.org (website in Spanish)
Tel: +34 93 253 15 22