Galgo News

More on galgo passports for British adoptants

People who have adopted a galgo from Spain need to check the dog's passport, if they are considering taking it back to the UK, either for a visit or permanently.

Errors have been found on some passports, notably that the microchip has been done after the rabies vaccination. Also, blood tests have not been carried out to check the level of antibodies.

Information on requirements can be found on the DEFRA website, where this .pdf document is available.

This is what one adoptant says:

Possible problems for Galgos going to the UK

I've heard from a couple of British people who have adopted galgos through French associations, who are concerned about possible problems with the Spanish passports if the dogs need to make a trip to the United Kingdom.

In one instance, there are no 'valid until' dates for any of the injections, and the microchips have been inserted after the rabies injections.

DEFRA requires any dog going back to England to be microchipped BEFORE the rabies jab. Because of this problem, a 2nd rabies injection will now have to be done, with a blood test no less than 1 month after.

The dog can then travel to England 6 months after the date of the blood test, not the injection - 7 months in all.

The blood test can be left longer than 1 month, but the results can be less positive, and a wait of 6 months from the date of the test is still required.

In another instance, the rabies injection was given but no test was done at all.

Since more British people are now adopting galgos from Spain, perhaps the associations involved in their rescues could make further checks on the Spanish passports, before bringing the dogs out.

I'd be interested to hear of any other instances where problems have arisen with the Spanish passports. Email me with details

UPDATE: More on problems for galgo owners bringing dogs into the UK