Thinking about relocating to the Costa del Sol?
Mon Jan 26 2026
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
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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, 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 NuSun Realty NuSun Network