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Quick answer: in 2026 Spain has two draft royal decrees on registered animal establishments («núcleos zoológicos») in progress. The Ministry of Social Rights' draft covers premises for companion animals (breeders, pet shops, boarding kennels and rescue centres for dogs, cats and ferrets). The Ministry of Agriculture's draft covers so-called traditional establishments (educational farms, bird premises, hunting dogs, zoos and others). Neither has been approved yet, but both show where breeding rules are heading.
Companion animals: a responsible vet and a register
In February 2026 Spain's Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and 2030 Agenda opened a public consultation on the draft royal decree regulating establishments for companion animals, with comments accepted until 20 March. The aim is to harmonise registration requirements across Spain and align them with EU law and Spain's animal welfare act.
It covers animal protection centres, holding centres, temporary and permanent dog accommodation, breeding establishments, sales outlets and private collections. The proposed requirements include:
- A responsible vet for the establishment.
- Minimum space for dogs, cats and ferrets, plus isolation areas.
- Standards for location, construction, hygiene and handling, and an emergency plan.
- Proper storage of food and medicines, clean water and suitable feeding.
- Staff training and a register with set minimum content.
Traditional establishments: educational farms, birds and hunting packs
Spain's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is preparing a royal decree with basic rules on animal health, authorisation and registration for traditional animal establishments, meaning premises with animals that are neither farmed nor companion animals. It is included in the 2026 Annual Regulatory Plan, and the draft, dated 11 June 2026, has been notified to the European Commission.
It covers zoos, circuses, educational farms, rescue centres, wildlife rehabilitation centres, bird premises, quarantine centres and premises with hunting or guard dogs. It sets obligations on location, facilities, biosecurity, registers, training and identification; creates a dedicated section within the general register of livestock holdings; and provides for authorisation or a responsible declaration. It would also repeal Decree 1119/1975, a rule more than fifty years old. The accompanying report estimates a cut in administrative burden of 64.61 million euros a year.
What hunters and pigeon fanciers are asking for
On 1 July 2026 Spain's federations for racing pigeons, hunting, greyhounds and pigeon breeding met the Ministry of Agriculture. They called for rules proportionate to the health risk, a clearer definition of a «hunting dog», the inclusion of existing hunting packs and recognition of traditional lofts at people's homes. The Ministry confirmed it will keep working on the decree and will consider their comments for the next draft.
How to prepare if you breed animals or run a small holding
- Check your registration: confirm with your regional authority that your establishment is registered for the right activity.
- Keep your register up to date: arrivals, departures, births, treatments and incidents.
- Record cleaning and storage of feed and medicines.
- Talk to your vet about the health plan and the role of a responsible vet.
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Frequently asked questions
Are these decrees already in force?
No. Both are drafts still going through the process. Until they are approved and published in Spain's Official State Gazette (BOE), each region's current rules apply.
What is a «núcleo zoológico»?
It is the Spanish term for a registered establishment where animals are kept, bred or sold outside a purely domestic setting, such as breeders, pet shops, boarding kennels, rescue centres, educational farms or hunting packs.
Does it affect someone with a single litter at home?
Breeding dogs and cats is regulated by Spain's animal welfare act. If you are unsure about your situation, check with your regional authority or your local veterinary association.
Keep reading
- Paperwork for a holding or animal establishment: the key records
- Responsible dog and cat breeding: welfare before volume
- Animal intake form: template and key details
Sources
- Diario Veterinario: draft decree on companion animal establishments published (27 February 2026)
- European Commission (TRIS): draft decree on traditional animal establishments (June 2026)
- Diario de León: the Ministry of Agriculture's decrees in the 2026 Regulatory Plan (9 May 2026)
- Royal Spanish Pigeon Racing Federation: press release on animal establishments (1 July 2026)