Can I keep a dog? Insurance and duties
Yes, with duties — some still pending development. Keeping a dog is legal, but Law 7/2023 on the rights and welfare of animals imposes duties: third-party insurance for all dogs, an owner training course (free, indefinitely valid), microchip identification and not leaving the animal alone for more than 24 hours. Important: in 2026, the national enforceability of the insurance and course still depends on the implementing regulation (royal decree), though some regions and councils already require them. Potentially dangerous dogs (PPP) have their own regime (licence, insurance and muzzle).
📋 The rules
- Microchip identification: mandatory
- Third-party insurance for all dogs (Law 7/2023)
- Free training course for owners
- Don't leave the dog alone for over 24 hours
- Insurance and course: enforceability pending the regulation in 2026
🔓 Exceptions
- Potentially dangerous dogs (PPP): specific licence, insurance and muzzle
- Some regions and councils already require the insurance or course
- Identification and registration: mandatory in all cases
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Not identifying the dog or abandonment are animal-welfare offences, with fines from hundreds of euros (minor) to tens or hundreds of thousands in serious cases. Animal cruelty is also a crime. While the regulation isn't in force, lacking insurance or the course isn't always sanctionable nationally, but it's wise to hold third-party insurance, as you're liable for any harm your dog causes.
📎 Official sources
- BOE · Law 7/2023 on animal welfare →
- Ministry of Social Rights · Law 7/2023 FAQs →
- Administración · Keeping pets →
❓ Frequently asked
Is dog insurance mandatory in Spain?
Law 7/2023 sets it for all dogs, but in 2026 its actual national enforceability still depends on the regulation. Some regions and councils already require it, and it's strongly advisable anyway, since you're liable for harm your dog causes.
Do you need a course to keep a dog?
The law provides for a free, indefinitely valid owner training course. Its actual requirement depends on the implementing regulation and each region; in some councils it's already a requirement.
What duties do I have with my dog?
Microchip it, don't abandon it, don't leave it alone for over 24 hours, ensure its welfare and, as the law develops, hold third-party insurance and the training course. Cruelty is a crime.
And dangerous dogs (PPP)?
They have a stricter regime: an administrative licence, mandatory third-party insurance, and a muzzle and short lead in public. Their keeping is banned for minors and people with certain records.
What if I don't comply with the welfare law?
Offences (not identifying, abandonment, cruelty) are fined from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of euros by severity, and cruelty is a crime. Identification and registration are already mandatory.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “dog insurance mandatory spain 2026”
- “animal welfare law 7/2023 dogs”
- “dog owner course mandatory”
- “dog microchip mandatory”
- “potentially dangerous dog ppp”
- “duties of dog ownership”