What are the laws for having pets in apartment buildings in Spain?
Under Spanish law, there is a directive called ‘Ley de Propiedad Horizontal’ – the Horizontal Property Law. This law protects people living in communal living areas, including private estates and apartment blocks. The law ensures that people living in these areas are not subject to dangerous, unhealthy, disturbing or illegal acts.
People being disturbed by animals fall under the protection offered by this law.
Before moving into a building, we recommend you check the Statutes of the Residents’ Association to see if animals are allowed in the building. If there is nothing in the statutes that prohibits residents from having pets, then you are allowed to have them as long as they do not disturb the neighbours.
If your pet is very loud, has flees, ticks or parasites, smells very bad or is considered dangerous, your pet may not be able to live there. Even if your pet is always kept in your apartment or house, you can still be asked to remove the animal.
Also, if you have your dog in your garden and it is not tied up, you must put up a sign saying ‘Beware of the dog!’ It is also advisable to always keep your pet on a leash when in public places and to clean up after them.
I am renting in Spain - What are the laws for pets?
If you are renting a home in Spain, we would recommend that you check your lease agreement to ensure pets are allowed. If they are not allowed and you bring an animal onto the property, your landlord can terminate the rental contract immediately.
Other legal requirements for having a pet in Spain are:
- You must provide your pet with suitable accommodation, as you cannot keep an animal on a terrace or balcony for an extended period of time.
- Pets must be kept up to date with their vaccines and be free of diseases.
- Your pet must be registered on the Pets Register, including details of your address, contact number and their vaccination details.
- If your animal is dangerous, you must register it on the ‘Registro de Animales Potencialmente Peligrosos’.
Relocating your Pet to Spain
Before moving your furry friend to Spain, you must have them microchipped. Pets must be vaccinated for rabies and other diseases at least 21 days before they can travel.
Note: Vaccinations must have taken place within the last year.
It may also be required that your pet have a blood titre test completed one month before they travel. This is for pets that come from countries considered to have high level of rabies and other diseases.
Fish, reptiles, rabbits, birds and other pets are not required to have rabies vaccinations. However, they must meet other requirements. We strongly advise those wanting to relocate their pet to Spain to contact the relevant authority in your home country to find out the specific requirements for your type/breed of pet.
What breeds of dogs are banned in Spain?
Each municipality has different regulations and procedures for the importation of certain breeds of dogs that are considered ‘dangerous.’ It is important to speak with the relevant authority in the municipality you plan to move to if you think your pet could be considered dangerous. Some breeds of dangerous dogs are not banned, but must be registered and wear a leash and a muzzle at all times.
Dogs that are considered ‘dangerous’ in Spain include:
Pitbull Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasiliero, Tosa-Inu and Akita-Inu.
EU Pet Passports
Pet owners in the European Union must now have a passport for their pet when they travel. The passport has details of the animal’s vaccinations and other important information including:
- The name and address of the owner.
- The animal’s breed, sex and age.
- The date the pet had its vaccinations against rabies.
- Microchip number.
- Address of the veterinarian and their signature.
Spanish Pet Insurance
Relocating your pet to Spain can be very expensive and veterinarian bills will only add to the cost. If your pet is involved in an accident or becomes ill, you want to know that you are covered. A comprehensive pet insurance policy can prove invaluable.
4 things to consider when taking out Pet Insurance
1. Ensure your pet insurance policy covers all necessary health conditions.
2. Find out if there is a price limit that your insurance provider will pay out for treatments.
3. What added protections does the policy include? Does it include cover if my pet goes missing? What about if you need to go into hospital, who will look after your pet?
4. Make sure you know what the policy covers.
Over to you...
We hope you found this information useful for living in Spain with your pet. For most people, pets are part of the family, so ensuring you will be able to keep them safe is vital. We recommend pet parents consider taking out insurance for their furry friend!
Get a quote for Pet Insurance today...
If you would like to discuss any of our insurance products or packages, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call on (+34) 96 682 11 72 or fill in the “Send us a message” form provided.
