Pets
Spain’s animal welfare law in 2026: what pet owners must know
Spain’s animal welfare law for pet owners in 2026: microchips, time-alone limits, dog insurance status, Andalucía rules and bringing pets to Spain.
Updated: October 2026
Moving to Spain with a dog or cat, or thinking of adopting one once you are settled? Spain’s national animal welfare law has applied since 2023, and in Andalucía older regional rules still sit on top of it. This guide explains what owners must do today, which headline rules are still waiting for regulations, and how to bring a pet into Spain from the EU, the UK or elsewhere.
Ley 7/2023 in a nutshell
Ley 7/2023 on the protection of the rights and welfare of animals took effect on 29 September 2023. It sets minimum standards across Spain for companion animals, while regional laws continue to apply alongside it. The Ministry of Social Rights publishes a questions-and-answers guide to the law (in Spanish) that is worth keeping to hand.
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Not every animal is treated the same. Bullfighting falls outside the law, and dogs used for hunting and certain other working activities were excluded from its scope after a long political debate, so they remain mainly under regional rules.
Everyday obligations for owners
- Microchip: dogs, cats and ferrets must be identified with a microchip by a vet and registered to you. Pet birds must be ringed.
- Time alone: a dog may not be left without supervision for more than 24 consecutive hours; for other companion animals, including cats, the limit is three consecutive days. A relative, neighbour or paid pet sitter can provide the supervision.
- Cats: cats must be sterilised before six months of age, unless a vet gives a justified reason not to. Cats kept for registered breeding are treated differently.
- Breeding at home: anyone breeding, even occasionally, has to be registered as a breeder and record the breeding animal in the official register.
- Buying a pet: online purchases from unregistered sellers are not allowed. Since the transition period ended on 29 September 2024, pet shops can no longer sell dogs, cats and ferrets – buy from a registered breeder or adopt from a shelter.
- Town hall rules: many ayuntamientos also run a municipal pet census and set by-laws on leads, mess and beaches. Some coastal towns, especially on the Costa del Sol, have designated dog beaches.
Dog insurance and the owner course: status in October 2026
These are the two points that cause most confusion. Both are written into the law, but both depend on an implementing regulation (reglamento) that sets the details.
- Third-party liability insurance: the law says dog owners must hold insurance for damage their dog causes to others, with the minimum cover to be fixed by regulation. Shortly before the law took effect in September 2023, the ministry stated that the insurance would not be compulsory until that regulation is developed. As of early October 2026, three years later, it still has not been published, so there is no general fine for not having it.
- Free dog-owner course: the law foresees a free online course, with no expiry date, for anyone who wants to own a dog. A draft royal decree proposes a minimum of four hours on an online platform, with six months to complete it once the platform launches. The decree has not been approved yet, so the course cannot be demanded in practice.
Our advice is still to have cover. A regional or local rule can require it, many rental contracts and communities ask for it, and an accident without insurance can be expensive. Many home insurance policies already include pet liability or can add it for a small extra cost – ask your insurer to confirm in writing. See our guide to insurance in Spain.
Andalucía: registry and dangerous dogs
Andalucía still has its own animal protection law, Ley 11/2003, which applies together with the national law. A new regional law has been discussed for years but has not replaced it.
The RAIA pet register
In Andalucía, pets are registered in the RAIA, the regional companion animal register run with the Andalusian council of veterinary colleges. Any authorised vet can microchip your dog, cat or ferret and enter it in the RAIA. Puppies must be chipped before they are three months old. If you move to Andalucía with a pet chipped in another region or country, ask a local vet to add it to the RAIA, and update your details whenever you change address or phone number.
Potentially dangerous dogs (PPP)
Owners of dogs classed as potentially dangerous (perros potencialmente peligrosos) need a licence from their town hall under Decreto 42/2008. Unlike the general dog insurance, these rules are fully in force:
- Who can apply: adults with no relevant criminal record or recent sanctions, and a psychological and physical fitness report from an authorised medical centre.
- Insurance: third-party liability insurance with at least 175,000 euros of cover per incident.
- Validity: the licence lasts five years and can be renewed.
- In public: a suitable muzzle and a non-extendable lead of no more than one metre, one dog per person, and the handler must carry the licence and registration document.
Fines and offences
The national law sets three levels of administrative fines:
| Level | Fine | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Minor (leve) | Warning or 500 – 10,000 euros | Leaving a cat alone for more than three days without harm |
| Serious (grave) | 10,001 – 50,000 euros | The same, if the animal suffers harm |
| Very serious (muy grave) | 50,001 – 200,000 euros | The most serious breaches of the law |
Regional and municipal fines can apply on top, and serious cruelty is a criminal offence that can lead to prison. If you see an animal being mistreated or in danger, call 112 or contact the local police or the Guardia Civil’s SEPRONA unit.
Bringing a pet to Spain
From another EU country
Dogs, cats and ferrets need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport issued by a vet. You can travel with up to five pets; more than that is only allowed for competitions or shows. If someone else travels with your pet, you must authorise them in writing and be reunited with the animal within five days. The European Consumer Centre in Spain has a short guide to travelling with pets.
From the UK or outside the EU
Pet passports issued to people living in Great Britain have not been valid for entering the EU since 2021. Instead you need an animal health certificate from your vet for each trip. According to the UK government’s pet travel guidance:
- Have your pet microchipped before or at the same time as the rabies vaccine.
- Vaccinate against rabies from 12 weeks of age, then wait at least 21 days after the first vaccination before travelling.
- Get the animal health certificate. It must be used to enter the EU within 10 days of issue and is then valid for onward travel within the EU, and for returning to Great Britain, for up to six months.
- Enter through a travellers’ point of entry and carry the certificate and vaccination records.
Arriving from other non-EU countries works in a similar way: an official EU health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival and a written declaration that the move is not commercial. Some countries also require a rabies antibody blood test months in advance, so start planning early. Once you live here, register your pet with a local vet and ask about a Spanish or EU pet passport.
Useful links
- Ministry FAQ on Ley 7/2023 (Spanish, PDF)
- Decreto 42/2008 on potentially dangerous animals in Andalucía (BOJA, PDF)
- GOV.UK: taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad
- European Consumer Centre Spain: travelling with pets (Spanish, PDF)
- Renting in Spain as a foreigner (check the pet clause)
- How to become resident in Spain
- Volunteering in Spain – animal shelters always need help
FAQ: pets and the animal welfare law
Is dog insurance compulsory in Spain in 2026?
The law requires it, but the regulation setting the minimum cover had still not been published in October 2026, and the ministry has said it is not compulsory until then. Insurance is already mandatory for potentially dangerous dogs and may be required by local rules.
Do I have to take a course before getting a dog?
Not yet in practice. The free course is in the law, but the decree defining it is still a draft. Once the online platform launches, owners are expected to get a period to complete it.
How long can I leave my dog or cat alone?
No more than 24 consecutive hours for a dog and three consecutive days for a cat or other pet. Someone can check on the animal for you.
Can I use my UK pet passport to bring my dog to Spain?
No, if you live in Great Britain. You need an animal health certificate from your vet, issued no more than 10 days before you enter the EU.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or veterinary advice. Animal welfare rules vary by region and town, and parts of the national law still depend on regulations – always check with your vet, town hall or the official source before you act.
Pets
Processionary caterpillars in Spain: a danger to dogs
Pine processionary caterpillars can seriously injure dogs. When the risk is highest, the symptoms and what to do if your dog touches one.
Updated: October 2026
Every year Spanish vets warn dog owners about the pine processionary caterpillar (oruga procesionaria). The caterpillars live in pine trees all over Spain, including parks, gardens and urbanisations on the Costa del Sol, and their hairs can cause serious injuries to dogs – and rashes in people. Here is what to look for, when the risk is highest and what to do if your dog touches one.
What is the processionary caterpillar?
The pine processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is a moth whose caterpillars spend the winter in white, silky nests in pine trees, and sometimes cedars. When they are ready to bury themselves in the ground, they leave the tree and walk nose-to-tail in long lines – the “procession” that gives them their name.
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When is the risk highest?
The nests appear in pine trees in autumn and winter. The dangerous period is when the caterpillars come down to the ground, usually from late winter into spring. In warm areas such as the Costa del Sol this can start as early as January, and a mild winter can bring it forward. Keep an eye out from the turn of the year until the end of spring.
Why it is dangerous for dogs
Each caterpillar is covered in thousands of tiny hairs containing a toxin. Dogs are curious and sniff, lick or pick up the caterpillars, and the hairs break off and stick to the mouth, tongue and eyes. Even dead caterpillars and empty nests can be harmful.
Signs to watch for:
- Heavy drooling and pawing at the mouth
- A swollen or discoloured tongue or lips
- Vomiting
- Red, itchy skin or eyes
- Restlessness or difficulty breathing
What to do if your dog touches one
- Go to a vet straight away. This is an emergency – the tongue can be permanently damaged within hours.
- Rinse, do not rub. On the way, rinse the mouth and affected area gently with plenty of water. Rubbing breaks the hairs and releases more toxin.
- Protect yourself. Use gloves if you can, so the hairs do not get on your skin.
- Keep the dog calm and stop it licking or rubbing its face.
How to prevent it
- Walk your dog on a lead near pine trees from January to spring, and avoid pine woods and parks with nests.
- Look up: white silk “bags” in pine branches mean nests.
- Never touch nests or caterpillars, and teach children not to either.
- If you have pines in your garden, ask a gardening or pest-control company to remove nests safely in autumn or early winter. Some town halls treat trees in public areas – report nests in parks to the town hall.
Looking for a gardener on the Costa del Sol? Find local companies in our Find a Business directory. More pet guides: Pets in Spain.
FAQ: processionary caterpillars
Are processionary caterpillars dangerous to people?
The hairs can cause itchy rashes, eye irritation and, rarely, allergic reactions. Wash the skin with water and see a doctor if symptoms are strong or affect the eyes.
Can cats be affected?
Yes, although cats are usually more careful than dogs. The symptoms and the first aid are the same.
Should I remove nests myself?
No. Let a professional do it with protective equipment. Disturbing a nest can spread the hairs.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet shows symptoms, contact a vet immediately.
Pets
Dog beaches on the Costa del Sol: where your dog is allowed
Where dogs are allowed on beaches in Málaga province, the rules on dog beaches and how to keep your dog safe by the sea.
Updated: October 2026
Taking your dog to the beach is one of the joys of living on the Costa del Sol – but on most Spanish beaches dogs are not allowed, at least not in the bathing season. The good news: several towns have designated dog beaches (playas caninas), and outside the summer some local rules are more relaxed. Here is where you can go and what the rules are.
The basic rule: no dogs on normal bathing beaches
Town halls set the beach rules through local bylaws (ordenanzas). On almost every beach in Málaga province, dogs are banned during the bathing season, which usually runs from around June to September, and many towns keep the ban all year. Fines can be issued by the local police. Always check the signs at the beach entrance – they show the local rule.
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Dog beaches in Málaga province
These dog beaches were listed as operating in 2026. Rules, opening periods and even locations change from year to year, so check the town hall’s website before you go.
- Málaga / Rincón de la Victoria – Arroyo Totalán, near La Araña, east of Málaga city.
- Vélez-Málaga – dog beach in Torre del Mar.
- Torrox – Torrox dog beach.
- Benalmádena – El Carvajal area. The former Arroyo Hondo dog beach has been closed.
- Fuengirola – next to Sohail Castle.
- Marbella – El Pinillo and Ventura del Mar.
- Casares – Piedra Paloma.
Mijas’ former dog beach has been closed for years, so dog owners in Mijas usually go to Fuengirola or Benalmádena.
Rules on dog beaches
- Your dog must be microchipped, vaccinated and registered – carry the documents or the pet passport.
- Keep the dog under control at all times; some beaches require a lead, and many require a muzzle for dogs over 20 kg or classed as potentially dangerous.
- Pick up after your dog – bags and bins are usually provided.
- Sick, aggressive or female dogs in heat are not allowed.
- Many dog beaches are marked as not suitable for human bathing.
Keeping your dog safe at the beach
- Heat: sand and promenades get very hot in summer. Go early in the morning or in the evening, bring shade and fresh water.
- Salt water: stop your dog drinking sea water and rinse the coat with fresh water afterwards.
- Jellyfish and weever fish: both sting. If your dog yelps after stepping in shallow water or picking something up, rinse with sea water and call a vet.
- Leishmaniasis: sandflies are most active at dusk in the warm months. Ask your vet about a vaccine or a repellent collar.
If your dog causes damage or an accident, third-party liability insurance helps. Providers such as Petplan (ad) offer pet insurance in Spain – see our guide to pet insurance.
Dog-friendly alternatives
- Dog parks (parques caninos) in most towns, often with fenced areas for off-lead play.
- Riverbeds and paths inland, for example in the hills above Mijas, Benalmádena and Marbella.
- Many beach bars (chiringuitos) and terraces welcome well-behaved dogs – ask first.
More pet guides and a list of local shelters: Pets in Spain.
FAQ: dogs on Costa del Sol beaches
Can I take my dog on the beach in winter?
It depends on the town. Some allow dogs outside the bathing season, many ban them all year. Check the sign at the beach entrance or the town hall’s bylaw.
Is there a dog beach in Málaga city?
The nearest is at Arroyo Totalán, on the border between Málaga and Rincón de la Victoria, east of the city.
Do I need a muzzle on a dog beach?
For potentially dangerous breeds, yes. Many dog beaches also require a muzzle for dogs over 20 kg. Follow the rules on the sign.
Disclaimer: Beach rules are set by each town hall and change. This article is general information – check the current rules with the town hall before you go. Links marked “(ad)” are affiliate links – NewInSpain may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Pets
Adopting a dog or cat in Spain: shelters, rules and how it works
How to adopt a dog or cat from a Spanish shelter: the steps, what the animal welfare law requires and shelters on the Costa del Sol.
Updated: October 2026
Spain’s animal shelters are full of dogs and cats waiting for a home, and many foreign residents adopt within months of arriving. Adopting is usually cheaper than buying, the animal comes vaccinated, microchipped and often sterilised, and you give a home to an animal that really needs one. This guide explains how adoption works in Spain, what the animal welfare law expects from you and where to start on the Costa del Sol.
Why adopt in Spain
- Many animals need homes. Abandonment is still a problem in Spain, especially after summer and the hunting season, when many hunting dogs (galgos and podencos) are left behind.
- Pet shops can no longer sell dogs and cats. Under the animal welfare law (Ley 7/2023), dogs, cats and ferrets may only be sold directly by registered breeders, so adoption from a shelter is one of the main routes to a new pet.
- The animal comes prepared. Shelters normally hand over animals with a microchip, the basic vaccinations, a health check and – depending on age – sterilisation.
How adoption works, step by step
- Look online first. Most shelters show their animals on their website or social media, with age, size and character. Many also have English-speaking volunteers.
- Fill in an adoption form. Expect questions about your home, garden, working hours, other pets, children and whether you rent (some shelters ask for the landlord’s permission).
- Meet the animal. You visit the shelter, walk the dog or meet the cat, often more than once. Bring the whole family and any dog you already have.
- Home check. Some shelters visit your home or ask for photos of the garden and fences.
- Contract and fee. You sign an adoption contract and pay an adoption fee that helps cover vaccines, microchip and sterilisation. The contract usually lets the shelter follow up and requires you to return the animal to them, not give it away, if things do not work out.
- Registration. The microchip is transferred to your name in the regional pet register – in Andalucía the RAIA. The shelter or your vet arranges this.
Fostering: try before you commit
If you are not sure you can adopt – for example because you may move again soon – consider fostering (acogida). You look after an animal at home for a few weeks or months while the shelter looks for a permanent family. Shelters usually cover food and vet costs. It is also a good way to find out whether a dog suits your lifestyle.
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What the animal welfare law expects from you
The national animal welfare law (Ley 7/2023) applies to every pet owner in Spain, foreign residents included. The main points:
- Dogs, cats and ferrets must be microchipped and registered.
- Animals may not be left alone for long periods – for dogs, not more than 24 hours in a row – and must not live permanently on a terrace, balcony or roof.
- Cats must be sterilised before six months of age, unless they are registered for breeding.
- The law also foresees a free course for dog owners and compulsory third-party liability insurance for dogs, but both still depend on a regulation that has not been approved yet. Until then, insurance is only compulsory for potentially dangerous dogs (PPP) and where regional or local rules require it. Many owners take it out anyway, because it is cheap protection if the dog causes an accident.
More detail in our guide to Spain’s animal welfare law and to pet insurance in Spain. If you want cover for vet bills and liability, providers such as Petplan (ad) offer pet insurance in Spain.
Shelters on the Costa del Sol and in Málaga province
These are some of the shelters and rescue groups in the area. Most welcome adopters, foster homes and volunteers – contact them first, as opening hours and needs change.
- Sociedad Protectora de Animales y Plantas de Málaga – Málaga city. protectoramalaga.com
- Suspiros de Cuatro Patas – Málaga. suspirosdecuatropatas.org
- Asociación Protectora Fidelio – Benalmádena. asociacionfidelio.org
- PAD (Protectora de Animales Domésticos) – Mijas. padmijas.org
- ACE / SHIN – Mijas. ace-charity.org
- Triple A Marbella – Marbella and San Pedro. tripleamarbella.org
- ADANA – Estepona. adana.es
- Galgos en Familia – greyhound rescue, Málaga. galgosenfamilia.org
- Axarquía Animal Rescue – east of Málaga. axarquiaanimalrescue.com
See all our pet guides and the full shelter list on Pets in Spain.
Before you bring your new pet home
- Register with a local vet and ask about vaccines, parasite protection and the leishmaniasis vaccine or collar for dogs – leishmaniasis is spread by sandflies and common in southern Spain.
- Check your rental contract or community rules on pets.
- Plan for summer: shade, water and walks early and late in the day.
- If you may travel, ask your vet for an EU pet passport.
Useful links
- BOE: Ley 7/2023 on animal rights and welfare (Spanish)
- Moving to Spain with a dog or cat
- Pet insurance in Spain
- Pets in Spain: all guides and shelters
FAQ: adopting a pet in Spain
Can foreigners adopt a dog or cat in Spain?
Yes. Shelters adopt to foreign residents all the time. You usually need ID (passport or NIE) and an address in Spain, and some shelters ask how long you plan to stay.
How much does it cost to adopt?
Shelters charge an adoption fee that covers part of the vaccines, microchip and sterilisation. The amount varies by shelter and animal – ask the shelter directly.
Can I adopt from Spain if I live abroad?
Some shelters rehome animals abroad with the right paperwork and transport. Ask the shelter, and check your home country’s import rules.
Is dog insurance compulsory in Spain?
The law foresees it, but the regulation that makes it compulsory for all dogs has not been approved yet. It is already compulsory for potentially dangerous dogs and where local rules require it.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal or veterinary advice. Rules and shelter details change; check with the shelter, your vet or the town hall. Links marked “(ad)” are affiliate links – NewInSpain may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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