Thinking about relocating to the Costa del Sol?

2026-01-26

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In this episode of The NuSun Network Podcast, host Chris Cassidy is joined by relocation expert Andy Welland to unpack what it really takes to move to Spain successfully.From lifestyle adjustments and cultural differences to pet relocation, vehicle imports, logistics, and mindset shifts, Andy shares practical, real-world advice based on years of hands-on experience helping families and individuals settle into life in Spain.If you’re considering a permanent move, second home, or lifestyle upgrade in Marbella or the Costa del Sol, t...

In this episode of The NuSun Network Podcast, host Chris Cassidy is joined by relocation expert Andy Welland to unpack what it really takes to move to Spain successfully.

From lifestyle adjustments and cultural differences to pet relocation, vehicle imports, logistics, and mindset shifts, Andy shares practical, real-world advice based on years of hands-on experience helping families and individuals settle into life in Spain.

If you’re considering a permanent move, second home, or lifestyle upgrade in Marbella or the Costa del Sol, this episode will help you plan with clarity and confidence.

👉 Explore relocation-ready luxury properties: www.nusunrealty.com

📧 chris@nusunrealty.com

Timestamp:

00:00 Intro: Moving to Costa del Sol with pets

00:33 Meet Andy (Golden Paws Pet Transport)

01:44 Why start a pet transport company?

03:20 Doing it better: vehicles, crates, communication

04:50 Building trust with owners (and dogs)

06:22 First-timers vs regulars: easing nerves

07:35 The 5-day rule explained (owner + pet timing)

09:58 Private pet vs commercial import (and why it matters)

12:10 Why Golden Paws avoids commercial imports

13:02 UK → Spain: microchip, rabies (21 days), AHC

15:00 Animal Health Certificate (AHC) demystified

16:45 Golden Paws handles the AHC logistics

18:40 Managing timelines without overwhelm

18:58 Switching to a Spanish pet passport

19:50 Annual rabies in Andalucía vs 3-year UK jab

20:38 Timing trap: passport updates while in the UK

22:06 Paperwork checklist for Spain → UK 2

23:16 Tapeworm treatment timing (24–120 hour window)

25:00 Operational logistics: 7 dogs max, 14 legs per run

26:35 Route, stops, and daily routine (safety + welfare)

29:31 What owners and dogs can expect on the journey

33:00 Live updates via Facebook events (4 per day)

35:10 Word of mouth and social media

35:45 Why only 11 trips per year (no August)

36:40 Safety-first: two-person driving, maintenance

37:23 Bespoke trips and driving client cars

38:47 When bespoke makes more sense

39:52 Post-Brexit border changes and ferry routes

40:46 New UK Animal Welfare Act: capacity reduced to 5 pets/vehicle (coming soon)

42:16 DIY tips for driving with your pet UK ↔ Spain

44:07 Wrap-up