Mandatory third-party liability insurance for dogs in Spain
Dive into the details of the Spanish Animal Welfare Act and discover what you need to know about mandatory liability insurance for your loyal four-legged friend.
The new Spanish Animal Welfare Law
Since the implementation of the new Spanish Animal Welfare Law (Ley de Bienestar Animal, 7/2023), significant changes have been introduced for dog owners. One of the most significant changes is the obligation to insure your dog for civil liability. This law was introduced to increase animal protection and encourage responsible pet ownership. It is essential that all dogs, regardless of breed or size, are third-party liability insured to cover any damage to third parties.
There are significant differences in premiums among the various Spanish insurers. I insured my Great Dane with PetPlan for coverage of €300,000 with a premium of only €25 per year!
N.B. This law also applies to winter residents and tourists (all dogs on Spanish territory).
Why third-party liability insurance?
Mandatory liability insurance protects both the dog owner and third parties. Imagine your dog accidentally causes damage to other people's property, or worse, injures a person or another animal. Without adequate insurance, the financial consequences can be significant. This insurance covers the costs arising from such incidents, giving you peace of mind and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. It is a crucial and mandatory part of responsible dog ownership in Spain.
N.B. In the event of an incident (such as a bite or a traffic accident caused by the dog), costs in Spain can quickly exceed €100,000. Moreover, without verifiable insurance, you risk fines ranging from €500 to €10,000.
Check your current coverage
The most important thing is to immediately check whether your dog is already covered by your current Spanish contents insurance. Many standard contents insurance policies may already offer coverage for pets, but it is crucial to verify this. If your dog is not yet insured for liability, it is necessary to take out separate liability insurance as soon as possible. Contact your insurance company to discuss the best options for your situation and to comply with Spanish legislation.
N.B. Tourists must be able to show a copy of their policy or a statement from their insurer (preferably in Spanish) upon inspection.
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