Pets in Spain

When you walk through the streets of Spain, it feels like every resident has a dog — or even several. And if you visit people at home, in about half of the houses and flats you will find cats, hamsters, fish, parakeets, turtles and other pets. Across the country there are more than 7 million dogs and around 5 million pet birds. Cats, with a population of over 2.5 million, take an honourable third place in terms of numbers.

At Granfield Estate, many of our team members have pets, and we’ve helped dozens of clients navigate the process of bringing their animals to Spain.

Pets and the Law in Spain

In 2022, a law came into force in Spain that grants pets the legal status of members of the family they live with. This change once again confirms that animals are very much loved in Spain and that their welfare is protected at state level, obliging owners to provide proper care for those they have tamed.

The new law, for example, regulates who gets custody of a pet in the event of a couple's divorce — according to statistics, more than 30% of separated couples in Spain have animals. Now the future of a pet is not decided in the heat of family conflict, but in line with the law: a court appoints the official guardian and sets out how the costs of food, care and veterinary treatment will be shared.

Bringing Your Pet to Spain: Requirements and Registration

Most often, people bring dogs and cats with them when they move to Spain. To begin with, your pets must be microchipped — without a microchip and the required vaccinations you will not be allowed to bring an animal into the EU. Once you arrive in Spain, you must also register your pet in the municipal pet registry and undertake to notify the authorities if the animal goes missing, dies or changes place of residence.

Caring for a pet is, of course, an obligation: regular check-ups, timely treatment and vaccinations. In Spain, as in other EU countries, rabies vaccination and a combined vaccine (against distemper, viral hepatitis and parvoviral enteritis) are mandatory. They must be repeated every year, and the stamps in the pet passport will confirm this. In the south of Spain there is a serious problem with fleas, so you must remember to change flea collars in good time and treat your pet regularly with protective products or give special medication (including deworming tablets).

Walking Your Dog: Rules, Breeds and Fines

When walking your dog, don't forget the rules. Even a chihuahua has to be on a lead: this is for the safety of other people and of your own pet (there may be cars, cyclists or children on scooters nearby). If you are the owner of a "potentially dangerous breed" and go for a walk without a lead and muzzle, be prepared to pay a fine. The city of Cartagena is one of the strictest in this regard — fines can reach 3,000 euros. So even if your Akita Inu is a fluffy angel and the friendliest dog in the world, when out in public it must wear a muzzle and a non-extendable lead (no longer than 2 metres). In addition, to own a dog from this category you need a special licence.

There are special fenced-off areas where dogs that are not classified as potentially dangerous are officially allowed off the lead — they are marked with specific signs, and some of them even have simple agility equipment for the animals.

And of course you must clean up after your dog. Not only because you risk a fine of several hundred euros, but also out of basic respect for others. Imagine what a "minefield" the streets would become if nobody did it. That's why bags for dog waste are sold literally on every corner. In many towns and cities there are now posters urging owners to clean up after their dogs, including after "small business". You're not expected to mop up puddles, but it is common to carry a small bottle of water to rinse away urine so that no smell remains. Many residents of corner flats even put 5-litre water bottles at the corner of their building to protect the façade from urine marks.

Beaches, Transport and Daily Life with Pets in Spain

What should your pet do while you enjoy the sea and the beach? On most public beaches in Spain, dogs are not allowed. However, the country has designated "dog beaches" where four-legged friends are not just allowed, but welcome — they are clearly marked with special signs. This is where your pet can meet lots of new furry friends, run around in the sand and swim in the sea, while you also enjoy your day at the beach. Just don't forget that the clean-up rules apply there as well. Some of these beaches are even equipped with special dog showers so your pet can go home clean.

Transporting dogs and cats by car is also regulated by law. Pets may only be transported on the back seat or in an open boot area. A cat must be in a carrier; a dog must either be in a carrier or secured with a special harness. These are safety measures to ensure the animal does not distract the driver and, in the event of sudden braking or an accident, is not injured and does not end up in the front next to the controls. Leaving an animal in a car is prohibited — in hot weather a pet can quickly suffer heatstroke, which may be fatal.

If Your Pet Dies: Steps to Take

If the worst happens and your pet dies, there are a few steps to follow:

1. Cancelling the microchip: when notifying the municipal pet registry of the death, you can ask them to cancel the microchip by giving its number. A vet can also take care of this.
2. Cremation: this service is provided by veterinary clinics or municipal services, and there are usually two options — an individual cremation for around 300–400 euros or a collective cremation for about 100 euros.

Housing, Neighbours and Your Responsibilities as a Pet Owner

It is also important to check, before getting a pet, whether the residents' association in your building or urbanisation allows animals. This is relatively rare, but it is still worth confirming. Problems arise more often when renting: not all landlords are willing to accept tenants with cats or dogs. If the owner has banned pets and you hide the fact that you have one, you may be evicted and even fined for breaching the contract if it is discovered.

If there are no restrictions, you are free to keep pets at home as long as they do not disturb your neighbours. Complaints can arise due to smells, noise, parasites or aggressive behaviour of your dog towards others. In that case, neighbours may file reports asking you to solve the problem, and fines may follow. Remember that your pet is entirely your responsibility.

Spanish animal welfare laws are designed both to protect the rights of pets and to safeguard the interests of the people around them. So the main principle, if you already have a pet or are thinking of getting one, is to take proper care of the animal and show respect for others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a dog or cat to Spain?

Yes, this is a common practice. Mandatory conditions: ISO standard 15-digit microchip, valid rabies vaccination (not earlier than 21 days before entry), and a European veterinary passport. When entering the EU from certain countries, an additional rabies antibody test may be required. Check the requirements for your country of departure in advance.

Do I need to register my pet in Spain after moving?

Yes. Dogs must be registered in the municipal animal registry (censo municipal) within a few weeks after moving. There is a fine for unregistered animals. Additionally, the dog must be registered with a local veterinarian. Some municipalities also require liability insurance for the dog.

Is it allowed to keep pets in a rented apartment in Spain?

This depends on the terms of the rental agreement: the law does not prohibit keeping pets in rental housing, but the landlord has the right to include a ban or restrictions in the contract. In practice, many landlords allow small animals, especially if the tenant is willing to pay an additional deposit. It is better to clarify this point when searching for housing.

What is the legal status of pets in Spain?

Since 2022, Spanish legislation recognizes pets as "living beings endowed with feelings" (seres vivos dotados de sensibilidad), rather than objects. This means that in the event of a divorce, the court determines which spouse retains the pet based on its well-being — similar to decisions regarding child custody.

Our team at Granfield Estate lives and works on the Costa Blanca year-round. If you’re considering a move to Spain or looking for property in the area, we’re happy to share our local knowledge — get in touch for a free consultation.

Granfield Estate
Av. Bélgica 1, C.C. Parquemar, La Mata, 03188 Torrevieja (Alicante)
Tel: +34 865 44 33 33