Our 2026-2027 “Welcome to Spain” magazine is a guide for newcomers and is a vital resource for understanding your new home in Spain.

Bldg. 1863 | 727-3149, 956-82-3149

The VTF offers routine care and vaccinations for the pets of personnel stationed at Rota. This includes annual visits, sick-call appointments, health certificates, scheduled surgeries, dental cleanings and more.

Register at the VTF within 15 days of arrival. You will need the following.

• Your passport

• DOD ID

• Pets’ health certificate from previous duty station

• Pets’ vaccination records

The VTF will assist you in getting an EU pet passport if your pet does not already have one.

The VTF can help you register your pet in the Spanish “Registro Andaluz de Identificacion Animal” (RAIA). You can also register at an off-base vet.

FERAL CATS

The feral cats on base are under veterinary care and fulfill a rodent-control role. In accordance with Spanish national law and Armada installation policy, they are not to be fed or domesticated as it leads to nuisance behavior. Violating these policies may result in legal repercussions and suspension of base privileges.

POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DOGS

Spanish Law and installation policy restricts the ownership of certain breeds of dogs, including Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasiliero, Tosa Inu and Akita Inu. This list is not exhaustive and includes dogs that demonstrate aggressive character or have been involved in attacks against people.

If you plan to live on base, potentially dangerous dogs are not authorized to accompany you and your dependents on your tour in Spain.

If you live off base, you must obtain a Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos (PPP) license from the local government. After checking-in at the installation VTF, go to the town hall in the municipality you plan to live in to start the licensing process.

• Vaccines are only valid for one year, even if they are used elsewhere to cover multiple years.

• Rabies (mandatory)

• Yearly De-worming (mandatory)

• Heartworm

• Parvo / distemper

• Leptospirosis

• Bordetella

• Flea and tick medicine

It is important to know that leishmania is prevalent in the Rota area. This zoonotic disease is transmitted by biting insects like mosquitoes and can be passed on to humans. It can lead to a variety of skin and digestive problems in dogs and the first signs are typically ulcers in the mouth and ears. It is not fatal when controlled.

• A dog who has lieshmania cannot return to the U.S.

• A lieshmania vaccination is available at off-base Spanish vets only and has a 75 percent efficacy rate.

• Rota VTF recommends keeping your pet on heartworm and topical flea and tick medicine year round as a preventative measure.

These caterpillars have spiked barbs that can cause severe allergic reactions in pets, especially in dogs who try to bite them. The caterpillars typically come out between December and February when they migrate from below ground up into the pine trees. You will see them in lines of hundreds. Prevent your dogs from approaching them.

The Rota VTF does not provide 24-hour emergency veterinary treatment, but they have a detailed list of local Spanish vets who do, including:

• Anubis Centro Veterinario, Rota | 24-hour emergencies: +34 669-479-972

• Clinica Veterinaria Santa Maria, El Puerto | 24-hour emergencies: +34 629-770-770

• Hospital Veterinario La Arboleda, El Puerto (also has specialist care) | 24-hour emergencies: +34 609-577-107

• Veterinary Clinic Avila, El Puerto (adjacent specialty hospital) | 24-hour emergencies: +34 662-305-968

Across from the drive-in movie theater | 727-4000, 956-82-4000

RAWL is an on-base animal shelter run by volunteers. They help Americans who can no longer care for their pets and facilitate cat and dog adoptions.

Pets