Resumen rápido
The new Animal Welfare Act requires cats to be registered, all dogs to have liability insurance and owners to complete a training course. Here is everything you need to know.
Act 7/2023 on Animal Welfare
Act 7/2023 of 28 March on the Protection of the Rights and Welfare of Animals is Spain's first comprehensive national animal protection law. It came into force on 29 September 2023 and establishes new obligations for all pet owners.
Key changes for owners
1. Mandatory registration for cats and ferrets
Previously only dogs had to be registered. Now cats and ferrets must also be enrolled in the municipal census.
2. Mandatory liability insurance for ALL dogs
Previously only breeds considered "potentially dangerous" (PPP) required insurance. Now all dogs need third-party liability insurance with a minimum cover of €120,000.
Note: The concept of the "potentially dangerous dog" (PPP) has been removed by the law. There is no longer a list of dangerous breeds. However, individual behavioural assessment still exists.
3. Mandatory training course
Every new dog owner must complete a free training course on responsible ownership. Without the course certificate, the ownership licence cannot be issued.
4. Ownership licence
Everyone who owns a dog needs an ownership licence issued by the town hall. Requirements:
- Must be an adult
- No convictions for animal abuse
- Training course certificate
- Valid liability insurance
5. Prohibition on selling in shops
The sale of dogs, cats and ferrets in pet shops is prohibited. They may only be rehomed through registered shelters or purchased from registered breeders.
6. Mandatory sterilisation of cats
Cats living in colonies or without an owner must be sterilised. For cats with owners it is recommended but not compulsory.
7. Ban on circuses with wild animals
The use of wild animals in circuses, shows and entertainment events is prohibited.
Obligations by pet
If you have a dog:
| Obligation | Deadline / Frequency |
|---|---|
| ✅ Microchip | Before 3 months of age |
| ✅ Municipal census registration | 30 days from acquisition |
| ✅ Liability insurance (min. €120,000) | Annual renewal |
| ✅ Training course | Before the licence |
| ✅ Ownership licence | Before census registration |
| ✅ Rabies vaccine | Annual (varies by region) |
| ✅ Daily walk | Legal obligation |
| ❌ Not leaving the dog alone > 24 hours | New requirement |
If you have a cat:
| Obligation | Deadline / Frequency |
|---|---|
| ✅ Microchip | Before 3 months of age |
| ✅ Municipal census registration | New: 30 days from acquisition |
| ⚠️ Sterilisation | Recommended (mandatory for colonies) |
If you have a ferret:
| Obligation | Deadline / Frequency |
|---|---|
| ✅ Microchip | Mandatory |
| ✅ Municipal census registration | New: 30 days |
| ✅ Rabies vaccine | Varies by region |
Fines for non-compliance
| Infringement | Minor | Serious | Very serious |
|---|---|---|---|
| Range | €500–10,000 | €10,001–50,000 | €50,001–200,000 |
| Failure to register | ✅ | ||
| No microchip | ✅ | ||
| No liability insurance | ✅ | ||
| Abandonment | ✅ | ||
| Animal abuse | ✅ + criminal charge | ||
| Illegal breeding | ✅ | ||
| No ownership licence | ✅ |
What has NOT changed?
- Hunting continues to be regulated by regional laws (not by this act)
- Livestock and experimental animals have their own separate regulations
- Feral cat colonies continue to be managed by town halls
How to comply with everything
The number of procedures can be overwhelming. GovEasy has all pet-related procedures organised with step-by-step guides:
- Microchip and identification — Find authorised vets nearby
- Pet census registration — Register at your town hall
- Liability insurance — Compare options
- Training course — Access the free course
- Ownership licence — Step-by-step application
- EU pet passport — For travelling with your pet
Need to get your pet's paperwork up to date? GovEasy guides you with the exact documentation for your town hall and autonomous community.
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