HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

March of this year saw the culmination of months of negotiations with the successful passing of the pioneering Animal Welfare Law, known as Law 7/2023. Among its groundbreaking provisions, a noteworthy stipulation has emerged, requiring all dog owners to secure public liability insurance for their furry companions. This obligation will come into effect on September 29, 2023, marking a significant stride in enhancing pet protection.

Article 30 of this trailblazing legislation explicitly mandates that individuals who own dogs must engage and sustain civil liability insurance coverage for potential third-party damages throughout the animal's lifespan. This inclusive coverage extends not only to possible harm inflicted by the dog but also encompasses the individuals accountable for the animal's actions. The aim is to ensure adequate financial safeguards are in place to address any resultant expenses.

While the concept of insurance for dogs has already been compulsory in various regions, such as Madrid, the Basque Country, and La Rioja, it's just one facet of the array of new regulations introduced. These encompass a compulsory training course for dog owners, a prohibition on the sale of most animals in pet stores, and more stringent penalties targeting those who subject animals to abuse or neglect.

Spain's reputation as a nation of fervent animal enthusiasts is well-earned, with nearly three out of every ten households sharing their abode with a canine companion. However, the rising costs associated with pet care, encompassing general well-being, sustenance, and veterinary expenditures, have rendered pets increasingly expensive. Presently, approximately 9.3 million dogs find their homes in Spain, yet merely 3 percent of these are covered by insurance – a notably meagre proportion in comparison to some neighbouring European countries. To put this in perspective, the United Kingdom boasts insurance coverage for 28 percent of its 10.1 million canine residents.

This proactive approach not only contributes to the welfare of dogs but also proves economically prudent. For instance, the Royal Canine Society of Spain (RSCE) approximates an annual expenditure of around 300 euros on the healthcare necessities of each dog.

The financial implications of canine insurance are variable, contingent upon the comprehensiveness of coverage. Certain policies, particularly those tailored for breeds with specific handling requirements (formerly categorised as hazardous breeds), may entail higher costs. However, as an average benchmark, basic packages hover around 24 euros annually, while more comprehensive options extend to approximately 90 euros.

The scope of coverage within these policies is noteworthy, often reaching impressive limits of up to 200,000 euros. This encompassing umbrella can even encompass ancillary benefits, ranging from discounted veterinary treatments to provisions for kennel stays in the event the owner requires hospitalisation.

It's conceivable that individuals with pre-existing home insurance policies might already have some degree of coverage for their pets. However, come September, a pivotal adjustment will be necessary – dogs must be formally included within the insurance framework using their microchip identification. It's important to highlight that, typically, a single pet is covered per policy.

The new legal framework also spells out penalties for non-compliance with the insurance mandate. Refusal to procure public liability insurance for one's dog is likely to result in a cautionary response from authorities. While most instances of non-adherence are deemed minor infractions, provided no harm befalls the animal, more severe cases including the absence of insurance could invite fines ranging from 500 to 10,000 euros, emphasising the seriousness of responsible pet ownership.

Sources

https://spanishnewstoday.com/dog_insurance_mandatory_in_spain_from_next_month_2208698-a.html
https://www.diariodecadiz.es/vivir_en_cadiz/septiembre-obligatorio-seguro-perro_0_1814818887.html