One of the great things about living and working on the Costa del Sol is the incredible network of local businesses and entrepreneurs who support one another. Through The Inland Networking and Support Group – Costa Del Sol, organised by Kelly at Mediterranean Homes alongside Mark Pinder from Los Chozones, local business owners and residents of the area are being given the opportunity to connect, collaborate and showcase the fantastic services available throughout the inland Costa del Sol.

The networking group has become a valuable hub for both businesses and the wider community, helping people build relationships, support one another and strengthen the local area in a genuinely relaxed and welcoming environment.

As part of that support for local businesses, we were delighted to feature ProPaws European Transport Services, a company whose reputation for professionalism, compassion and animal welfare has earned them enormous respect amongst pet owners and rescue organisations alike.

Moving a beloved pet from one country to another is never just about transport. For many owners, it is an emotional journey filled with worry, paperwork, logistics and the overwhelming need to know their animal companion is safe, comfortable and cared for every step of the way.

That is exactly where ProPaws European Transport Services has built its reputation.

Operating between Spain, France and the UK, ProPaws has become known for delivering a truly professional, compassionate and fully compliant pet transport service, with animal welfare placed firmly at the centre of everything they do.

Owned and operated by Tracey Vickery, ProPaws has been helping pets travel safely across Europe for several years. But in reality, the experience behind the business stretches back much further. Tracey brings with her more than 30 years of hands-on experience in dog rescue and animal welfare, dedicating much of her life to helping abandoned, abused and neglected dogs rebuild their lives.

Working alongside Tracey is her partner, Geoff Jarvis, the lead driver on every journey. Geoff has lived in Spain for over 40 years and is fully bilingual in both Spanish and English, something which proves invaluable when navigating border crossings, official documentation and the often complicated red tape surrounding international animal transport.

Together, they have created far more than simply a transport business.

They also run a dog rescue operation in Málaga, Spain, specialising particularly in Bull Breeds and vulnerable rescue dogs. Their work regularly sees them helping animals move on to loving new homes not only in the UK, but also across Europe including Belgium, Holland and Finland.

For Tracey and Geoff, every journey represents a new beginning for the animals they care for.

One of the things that immediately sets ProPaws apart is their commitment to legal compliance and animal welfare standards. ProPaws European Transport Services is fully licensed and compliant with both UK and EU regulations, holding DEFRA animal transport licences in the UK alongside DAFM licences within the EU.

This means every journey is carried out in line with strict welfare legislation, health regulations and transport requirements, offering owners and rescue organisations complete peace of mind.

International pet transport has become increasingly complex in recent years, particularly following Brexit, with additional paperwork, veterinary checks and border regulations now required. ProPaws manages every stage carefully, ensuring pets travel safely, legally and without unnecessary stress or complications.

However, it is not only the legal side where ProPaws excels.

The company proudly describes its service as offering “5 star travel for pets”, and when you look at the setup inside the vehicle, it is easy to understand why.

Fresh water, food supplies and clean bedding are always available throughout the journey, ensuring animals remain comfortable during long distance travel. All drivers are first aid trained, adding another important layer of reassurance for owners placing their trust in the service.

Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of the ProPaws vehicle design is the removal of the traditional bulkhead separating the driver compartment from the animal area. Rather than pets being isolated in a disconnected cargo section, they remain in constant contact with Tracey and Geoff throughout the journey.

This allows animals to hear familiar voices, experience the same ambient temperature, and even share the same music and environment as the drivers. The result is a calmer, more reassuring atmosphere which significantly reduces stress and anxiety, particularly for nervous or rescue animals who may already have experienced trauma in the past.

The vehicle also features a motorised rooftop ventilation system alongside integrated LED lighting, ensuring both comfort and safety when loading or unloading pets during night time journeys.

For owners and rescue organisations, communication throughout the transport process is another area where ProPaws stands out.

Every journey is fully tracked, with regular updates shared through dedicated group chats, allowing owners to receive photos, videos and progress reports throughout the trip. In what can often be an emotional process, this level of transparency and reassurance means a great deal to families waiting to be reunited with their pets.

Over the years, ProPaws has built a strong reputation within the rescue community for reliability, compassion and professionalism. Many of the dogs they transport have experienced difficult beginnings, and the patient, caring approach taken by Tracey and Geoff has earned the trust of rescue organisations across several countries.

In many ways, ProPaws European Transport Services represents something increasingly rare in modern business. It is a company built not simply around profit or logistics, but around genuine passion, experience and care for animals.

For Tracey and Geoff, transporting pets is not simply about moving animals from one location to another.

It is about helping families reunite.

It is about giving rescue dogs a second chance.

It is about ensuring every journey is safe, calm and filled with compassion.

And above all, it is about giving every animal the first-class treatment they truly deserve.