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Quick answer: Spain’s animal welfare law (Law 7/2023) has been in force since 29 September 2023, but at the end of October 2026 the regulation that should set out the dog owner course, the minimum third-party liability cover and the national registration system has still not been approved. With a general election called for 29 November, organisations in the sector think approval before then is unlikely. In the meantime, microchipping and insurance remain compulsory.
It is one of the questions we are asked most often: do I already have to take the course to own a dog? What insurance do I need? In short, the law sets out the obligations, but many details depend on rules that have not yet been published in the BOE, Spain’s official gazette.
What is still pending at the end of 2026
According to Libertad Digital on 14 October 2026, these parts of the law are still waiting to be implemented:
- Responsible ownership course: Article 30 requires anyone taking on a dog to complete free training that remains valid indefinitely, but how it is delivered, what it covers and how it is certified have not been defined.
- Third-party liability insurance: the law requires a policy covering damage to third parties throughout the dog’s life, but the minimum amount of cover is left to the regulation.
- Registers: the national system that should coordinate the regional registers is not complete, and the conditions for the register of private breeders have not been set.
- General regulation: the public consultation opened in June 2025 to implement 25 articles of the law, but it has not been approved.
The 29 November election complicates the timetable
On 6 October 2026 the BOE published Royal Decree 806/2026, dissolving the Cortes and calling a general election for Sunday 29 November. The animal shelter federation FAUNA considers it "very difficult" to complete the regulations before that date, according to the same outlet. It is therefore sensible not to expect immediate news on the course or the insurance amount.
What is already compulsory for dog owners
- A microchip and registration on your autonomous community’s animal register.
- Third-party liability insurance for damage caused to others. Many home insurance policies already include pets, so check yours before taking out another.
- Not leaving your dog alone in a vehicle in conditions that put its life at risk, and not keeping it permanently tied up.
- Following your regional and local rules, which may go further, such as muzzles for certain breeds or a specific level of insurance cover.
Practical tips while the regulation is pending
- Be wary of paid courses sold as the “official compulsory course”: the law says it will be free and its format does not exist yet.
- Ask your insurer for a document confirming that your policy covers third-party liability for your dog, and keep it with the vaccination record.
- Check your local council’s bylaw, as it is usually the one that issues fines day to day.
See more dog muzzles, leads and poo bags.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be fined for not having taken the owner course?
The course is in the law, but until the regulation governing it is approved there is no defined official course to take. Keep an eye on the BOE and on your regional government.
What minimum cover should my dog’s insurance have?
The national law leaves the minimum amount to the regulation. Some regions and councils already set their own amounts, especially for potentially dangerous dogs, so check your local rules.
What happens to the law if the government changes?
Law 7/2023 remains in force unless another law amends it. What may change is the pace and content of its implementing regulations.
This article is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific cases, consult the official text or a professional.
Keep reading
- Is dog insurance compulsory in Spain? What to check
- Third-party liability or vet insurance: the differences
- Potentially dangerous dogs (PPP): licence, insurance and rules
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