Good to know · Pets
Rules every pet owner must follow under Spain’s animal welfare law
Spain’s animal welfare law (Ley 7/2023, in force since 29 September 2023) sets duties for everyone who keeps a pet, on top of your region’s registry and your town’s rules. It also says dog owners must take a free course and hold liability insurance, with the details set by a later regulation.
- Why it matters
- Some rules differ from what many newcomers are used to, such as how long a dog may be left alone and which collars are banned.
- When
- You live in Spain with a dog, cat or other pet, or plan to get one.
- Official page
- Ley 7/2023, de 28 de marzo, de protección de los derechos y el bienestar de los animales (texto consolidado)
- Last checked
- 26 Oct 2026
In the guide: the 3 steps, what to bring (6 items), and 4 Easy to miss lines, with every official source.
One Easy to miss, on us
A dog may not be left unsupervised for more than 24 hours in a row; for other pets the limit is three days in a row.