Dogs in Spain: rules, tax and travel
Under the 2023 animal welfare law (Ley 7/2023) dog owners must take a free training course and hold liability insurance, and cats must be microchipped and neutered before 6 months. Details such as the course content, insurance amount and registration are set by regulations and regional or municipal rules.
Spain's autonomous communities and municipalities set many details, including registers, leash orders and local fees, so check the local council.
Breed rules
| Where | Rule | Breeds and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole country | Permit required | American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa, Akita, crosses, and any dog matching the Anexo II physical traits Real Decreto 287/2002 (Ley 50/1999) 'perros potencialmente peligrosos': municipal licence (adult, clean record, psychological and physical aptitude, liability insurance of at least 120,000 EUR), muzzle and non-extensible leash under 2 m in public, one PPP per handler; a 2025 draft decree under Ley 7/2023 would let dogs leave the category by passing aptitude tests but is not yet approved. [1] |
Registration and microchip
Spain has a national register of companion animals (Registro de Animales de Compañía) holding identification and owner data, and unidentified animals cannot be sold, given away or put up for adoption.[2]
Owners must keep the animal located and identified under current rules (art. 24.2.f). The minimum age for dogs is set by regional rules.[2]
Dog tax and licence
Anyone who wants to own a dog must complete a free training course. It is valid for life and its content is set by regulation (art. 30.1-2).[2]
Insurance
Dog owners must take out and keep third-party liability insurance for the dog's whole life. The amount is set by regulation (art. 30.3).[2]
Leash and muzzle
Animals may not roam public spaces without the carer's direct supervision (art. 27.d). Electric, shock, punishment and choke collars are banned (art. 27.ñ).[2]
Other rules
Tying an animal to a fixed point is banned unless a vet prescribes it, and keeping dogs or cats habitually on terraces, balconies, roofs, patios or in vehicles is banned.[2]
Dogs may not be left alone for more than 24 hours.[2]
Permanent mutilation or body modification is banned, with exceptions for ear tipping of community cats and vet certified therapeutic procedures.[2]
Shops may not sell or show dogs, cats or ferrets; only registered breeders may sell them.[2]
Travelling to Spain with a dog
The pet travels with its owner and needs a microchip, a rabies vaccination given at 12 weeks or older and valid from 21 days after the primary vaccination, and an EU pet passport. Maximum 5 pets per vehicle.[3]
The pet needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (12 weeks or older, valid from 21 days after the primary vaccination), an animal health certificate valid 10 days for the entry checks, and a signed non-commercial declaration. It must enter through a travellers' point of entry. Maximum 5 pets per vehicle.[4]
Needed for pets from non-EU countries that are not on the EU list. Blood sample at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before the certificate is issued, tested at a designated laboratory, result 0.5 IU/ml or more. Not needed when travelling between EU countries.[4]
Tapeworm treatment for dogs is required only for entry into Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway and Northern Ireland, given by a vet 24 to 120 hours before entry. It is not required to enter this country.[3]
The EU entry conditions list no quarantine for pets that meet them.[4]
Not confirmed yet: Dog tax. We only show what an official or named source states.
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.
Sources
- boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2002-6016 (official)
- boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2023-7936 (official)
- food.ec.europa.eu/animals/live-animal-movements/dogs-cats-and-ferrets/travelling-pet-withi (official)
- food.ec.europa.eu/animals/live-animal-movements/dogs-cats-and-ferrets/bringing-pet-eu-non- (official)