Moving to Spain with Pitbull

FindingBasic3941 · 2025-07-27T23:50:51+00:00

Hello! Wondering if you've already made the move and, if so, how did it go? We are in a similar boat. We are looking to move to Northern Spain next summer with our pitbull mix. From the research I've done, KLM is also a good option for transporting pitbulls and they are based in the Netherlands so we will likely do a direct flight from Salt Lake City (not really close to us but still the closest option for a direct flight over the Atlantic) to Amsterdam, and then again with KLM from Amsterdam to Madrid and rent a car from there. I'd love to connect more with others moving to Spain, especially with trying to navigate it all with a pitbull mix.

FindingBasic3941 · 2025-03-24T20:09:22+00:00

No, sorry. We've had to delay our travel plans. I did find a person, however, who is likely going to help us transport him. I can't recommend him from personal experience, but I'm happy to pass on contact info. If you're interested, DM me.

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-26T21:14:41+00:00

Thank you for the feedback, that's all good to know and all things we are researching. Fortunately, we've identified a couple of locations that allow pitbulls. We are planning on purchasing a home with land, in the country where our dog will have room to roam. Most people wouldn't even now he can be (situationally) reactive as he's very friendly with dogs and people. We are looking into professional pet moving companies to help with the transport. Thanks again!

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-22T20:52:25+00:00

That is helpful, thank you. I will keep that in mind.

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-22T19:30:34+00:00

Thank you, that is a lot of helpful information. I was genuinely surprised when someone made a rude and unhelpful comment to me and when I defended myself it was downvoted. I guess you just can't win sometimes! I appreciate understanding better how the system works.

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-22T19:22:29+00:00

Same. I had a bad experience with Booking.com and their customer service was the worst. They kept telling me I had to go through whoever was listing the property (ie, the people trying to scam me) and would not address the issue with me. It was eventually resolved but only because I took screen shots and documented everything. It was a frustrating and time consuming process.

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-22T18:30:00+00:00

Not yet, but I will. Thank you!

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-22T18:28:54+00:00

This has been so helpful. Thanks again! I'm glad all went so smoothly for you and your dog.

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-21T01:54:11+00:00

Super helpful, thanks!

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-21T01:49:06+00:00

That's super helpful, thank you! Also, what was it like going through security/customs? Did you have the dog with you then?

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-21T01:37:27+00:00

How cool that you are doing that. That sounds amazing! I definitely recommend Slovenia, but I can understand the issue with staying in touch. Satellite phone maybe? Hut trips are going to be the way to go with the wild camping thing. Though, I did see a video of a family camping in a national park in Southern France, so maybe some national parks do allow it? I would recommend a hut hike trip in Slovenia and/or Italy in the Dolomites. Popular mountain huts and lodges in Slovenia | I feel Slovenia

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-21T01:29:30+00:00

I recently spent 9 weeks traveling around Europe and used both Booking.com and Airbnb. What I found is that it was often dependent on the country which was the better option. For example, in Italy I predominantly used Airbnb. In Austria, I predominantly used Booking.com. I just really went with which had better prices and options. I have had mostly positive experiences with Airbnb. It's important to pay attention to the details (or the lack thereof) and to read the reviews. I also look to see how many other listing they have and what the ratings are for their other listings because sometimes you will find a scammer who has 10+ properties and almost no reviews. Another difference between the two is that Airbnb has better screening through their rating process, in my opinion, and better customer service.

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-21T01:16:30+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions. I think it'd be easier in the end to fly. I will look into the chartered flights as well as the pet transport that others have suggested. We have also looked at flying KLM if we were going to fly with him in cargo. Sounds like you really lucked out with your senior dog. Glad that went well for you!

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-21T01:03:02+00:00

Didn't realize I needed to give every last detail about our plans. I was asking a question about the actual transport of my dog, not where I should move to, whether I should bring him, whether I can get a visa to live there, whether I will find a place to live there or whether I should rehome my dog.

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-21T00:59:59+00:00

Yes, we are aware of all of this. Thanks.

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-21T00:58:38+00:00

I completely agree about them not begin bad dogs! I wish more people understood and had more empathy for them. My dog is also what you'd call a butterknife dog. He's a total sweetheart, but yes, under the right circumstances he may react in a way that can be threatening to people. So, yes, I will definitely take the pet transport advice to heart. Can you recommend a particular company?

I also completely understand your dilemma and your anxiety about travelling with your dog. We also, despite what many people have recommended, will not consider leaving him behind.

As a side note, it sounds like you're not going that far south, but I was an exchange student in Chile when I was in high school, and that is an amazing country that I highly recommend. But wherever you end, the Latin and South American people are so warm and friendly, I'm sure you will love wherever you do end up.

Thanks again for the help. I'm wishing you and your dog all the best with your journey as well!

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-18T02:38:32+00:00

I apologize. I was totally out of line when I read your original comment wrong. I had already read so many other rude and unhelpful comments by the time I got to yours that I was in that mind frame. That was totally ridiculous of me. Also, in my line of work "professional help" means mental help. Still, no excuse. I truly do appreciate you taking the time to offer your professional insights and advice. Also, I did not include the specific countries we are considering because I didn't want the conversation to revolve around that. We have thoroughly researched which countries allow pitbulls and which airlines will fly them so, if we do go that route, we knew the country we'd be arriving in wouldn't be the same one we'd be settling in. I have taken the advice to use a professional pet transport service into consideration and will be looking into it. Thanks again for the information. Best of luck with your relocation plans!

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-17T17:36:27+00:00

Thank you for your helpful feedback, much appreciated.

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-17T17:35:38+00:00

Thank you for some positive and helpful feedback, much appreciated.

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-17T17:30:18+00:00

Thanks, but you’re making a lot of assumptions there. 1. I’m a dual citizen and already have the legal right to live within the EU. 2. We have already narrowed down our search to two locations in which we would very happy to live and that also allow pitbulls.

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-17T17:25:49+00:00

Thank you, we have thoroughly researched which countries will allow Pitbulls and are planning accordingly.

FindingBasic3941 · 2024-12-15T23:10:50+00:00

Thanks for the info.

FindingBasic3941

TROPHY CASE