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Quick answer: Spain's Animal Protection Act (Ley 7/2023) provides for third-party liability insurance for all dogs, but how it applies in practice depends on implementing regulations. For potentially dangerous dogs (PPP), liability insurance is already compulsory. In addition, some Spanish regions and local councils have their own requirements. Always check the rules in force in your area.
Even though some details are still pending at national level, having liability insurance for your dog is a sensible decision: it covers damage they may cause to others, from an accident in the street to damage in a neighbour's home.
What we know today
- PPP: owners must have an administrative licence, local council registration and liability insurance.
- All other dogs: the national law includes a liability insurance requirement; check whether it is already enforceable, and under what conditions, at the time you read this article.
- Regions and councils: some already required it, or require it, on their own account.
What to check when you take out a policy
- The liability amount covered.
- Excess: how much you pay for each claim.
- Whether anyone walking the dog is covered.
- Exclusions (breeds, age, activities).
- Whether vet fees cover is included.
- Whether your home insurance already covers your dog, and on what terms.
Liability insurance vs vet fees insurance
They are not the same: liability insurance covers damage to others, while vet insurance covers your pet's healthcare costs. Find out more in the differences between liability and vet insurance.
ZONLIDOOG offers information about pet insurance in its services section.
General information, not legal advice. Check the national, regional and local rules currently in force in Spain.