Guide To Pets In Spain And The Laws

Bringing Pets to Spain from the UK or Outside the EU

For expats relocating to Spain from the UK or other non-EU countries, bringing your pet legally requires a few key steps. Dogs, cats, and ferrets are the only species covered by pet-travel regulations, and each must meet strict identification and vaccination rules before entering Spain.

Your animal must be microchipped with a device compliant with ISO 11784/11785 standards. The chip number must appear on all vaccination records and veterinary certificates. The rabies vaccine must have been administered at least 21 days before travel and must remain valid on the date of entry. Booster vaccinations are accepted as long as they are recorded correctly.

You must also obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a licensed veterinarian within ten days prior to travel. This certificate replaces the old UK-issued EU Pet Passport and is valid for a single trip into the EU and up to four months of onward travel within Schengen countries. A new certificate is required for each journey.

In addition, travellers must sign a Declaration of Non-Commercial Transport, confirming that the animals are not being moved for sale or transfer of ownership. Up to five pets may be included on one certificate. If your pet does not meet all requirements, it may be quarantined or refused entry at the border.

Travelling with Pets from Another EU Country

For expats already living within the EU, pet movement is simpler. You only need a valid European Pet Passport issued by an authorised veterinarian. This passport must include proof of microchip, owner details, rabies vaccination, and the vet’s signature and stamp. Pets under 15 weeks old that have not yet completed their first vaccination and the 21-day waiting period are not permitted entry into Spain.

Some countries, such as Ireland, Finland, and Malta, also require treatment for tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) before travel, although this is not mandatory for Spain itself.

Spain’s Animal Welfare Law: A New Era of Pet Protection

Spain introduced a landmark piece of legislation in 2023 — the Animal Welfare Law (Ley 7/2023). The aim is to prevent abandonment and cruelty, promote responsible ownership, and standardise welfare rules nationwide. While autonomous communities still manage their own registries and enforcement, the law sets a clear baseline for all pet owners.

Under this law, companion animals are now legally recognised as sentient beings, not possessions. Owners must ensure their pets’ physical and emotional well-being and protect them from neglect, abuse, and stress. Leaving a dog alone for more than 24 consecutive hours or a cat for more than 72 hours is now a punishable offence.

Other key obligations include providing adequate shelter, food, and exercise, ensuring access to veterinary care, and never abandoning an animal. Penalties range from €500 for minor infractions to €200,000 for severe cruelty or abandonment.

Microchipping and Registration

Microchipping has been mandatory for years, but under the new law, registration is now just as important. Each autonomous community maintains its own Registro de Animales de Compañía (Companion Animal Registry). The registration links the microchip number to the owner’s name, address, and contact details. This helps reunite lost animals with their families and ensures accountability for welfare violations.

Once registered, you will receive an official animal health card showing your pet’s ID number and vaccination history. If you move to another region, you must update your details within 30 days. Municipal veterinarians and authorised clinics can handle this process, and most now offer it online.

New Owner Training Requirements

Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights and Agenda 2030 has announced a national responsible-ownership course that will become mandatory for all dog owners. The short online course, expected to launch nationwide during 2025, will cover basic animal care, safety, and community rules. Once completed, owners will receive a certificate valid for life.

Some regions such as Madrid and Catalonia have already begun offering their own local training schemes as a transition measure.

Potentially Dangerous Dogs (Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos)

Until the national reform of breed classification is finalised, the previous 2002 list of “potentially dangerous dogs” still applies. This includes breeds such as Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu, and others. In Andalusia and several other regions, additional breeds such as Doberman or Bullmastiff are also included.

If your dog falls under this category, you must apply for a PPP licence at your local town hall. The requirements include being over 18, having no criminal record, passing a physical and psychological aptitude test, and obtaining civil liability insurance covering at least €120,000. Licences are valid for five years and must be renewed before expiry.

Under proposed 2025 reforms, breed-specific rules may soon be replaced by behavioural assessments. However, until this law is enacted, all existing PPP obligations remain in force.

Living with Pets in Apartments and Urbanisations

Many expats live in apartments or urban communities where additional regulations apply. Spain’s Ley de Propiedad Horizontal (Horizontal Property Law) governs shared residential buildings. It does not prohibit pets outright, but it allows communities to restrict behaviour that causes nuisance or danger. Constant barking, foul odours, or aggressive behaviour could lead to fines or demands to remove the animal.

Before buying or renting a property, review the Estatutos de la Comunidad de Propietarios (Community Statutes) to check any internal pet clauses. Landlords can also set their own terms in rental contracts, so always clarify this before signing a lease.

Good practice includes keeping common areas clean, using lifts or stairs considerately, and respecting local quiet hours — especially in resort areas with noise-sensitive neighbours.

Pets on Beaches and in Public Places

Dog-friendly beaches (playas caninas) are now increasingly common across Spain, but rules vary by municipality. During summer (typically June to September), most beaches restrict access to dogs, though several allow them in designated sections or during early morning and evening hours. Off-season access is usually more flexible.

Check your local ayuntamiento website before heading out, as fines for violating beach rules can range from €100 to €1,500. Some coastal towns in Andalusia, Valencia, and Catalonia publish interactive maps listing permitted areas.

Dogs must always be kept on a lead in public areas unless in a fenced dog park. Owners are responsible for collecting waste and carrying disposable bags at all times. Failure to do so can result in on-the-spot fines.

Health, Hygiene, and Veterinary Care

Spain’s pet laws also outline clear welfare standards. Owners must schedule regular veterinary check-ups, keep vaccinations up to date, and treat animals promptly for parasites and illnesses. Uncontrolled breeding is banned — only licensed breeders registered with their regional authority may sell or reproduce animals commercially.

It is illegal to permanently confine a dog on a terrace, balcony, or rooftop, or to keep animals in unsanitary conditions. Dogs may not be tied or chained for long periods, and all animals must have access to clean water and adequate shelter. Transporting pets in vehicles without proper restraint (carrier, seat belt harness, or crate) can lead to fines under Spain’s traffic law.

Fines and Penalties

Under the new national framework, penalties are divided into three levels:

• Minor offences — neglecting basic duties such as failing to register a pet or leaving a dog alone for more than the permitted hours. Fines from €500 to €10,000.

• Serious offences — abandonment, breeding without a licence, or failure to obtain insurance for a PPP dog. Fines from €10,001 to €50,000.

• Very serious offences — deliberate cruelty, illegal fighting, or killing of an animal. Fines up to €200,000 and potential disqualification from owning animals for several years.

Local police and the Guardia Civil’s SEPRONA unit (Nature Protection Service) actively investigate reports of neglect or abuse, and animal protection NGOs often collaborate in enforcement.

Adopting and Rehoming Animals in Spain

Spain still faces one of Europe’s highest pet abandonment rates, though it has improved significantly since the introduction of the new law. Thousands of dogs and cats are available for adoption through local shelters and municipal centres. Adoption fees usually include vaccinations, microchip registration, sterilisation, and an adoption contract ensuring responsible ownership.

For expats, adoption can be a rewarding alternative to buying. It also ensures compliance with the new breeding restrictions while giving a second chance to an animal in need.

Everyday Pet Etiquette for Expats

Living harmoniously with pets in Spain often comes down to courtesy and awareness. Most cities now provide free biodegradable bag dispensers and dog waste bins. Many cafés and terraces welcome pets, but always ask before entering. Public transport rules vary — small animals in carriers are usually allowed, while larger dogs require a muzzle and lead.

In the hot summer months, never leave animals unattended in vehicles. Spanish police are authorised to break car windows to rescue pets in distress.

Summary: Responsible Ownership in 2025

Owning a pet in Spain in 2025 is about more than following the rules — it’s about understanding that your animal is a protected companion under national law. With proper registration, care, and respect for local norms, you and your pet can enjoy a safe, happy life together in one of Europe’s most animal-friendly countries.

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Sources

Ley 7/2023 de Protección de los Derechos y el Bienestar de los Animales
Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación
Portal de Sanidad Animal