Calling all dog owners on the Costa Blanca. There is a rule change on the way in Spain that is worth having on your radar, even if it is not fully up and running just yet.
Under Spain’s Animal Welfare Law (Law 7/2023), dog owners will be required to complete a basic training course. Miss it, and the fines could range anywhere from €500 to €10,000.
Before anyone panics, this is one of those “coming soon” rules. The law itself is already in place, but the details of how and when this course becomes compulsory are still being finalised.
What is this course about?
The idea is simple. Anyone who owns a dog will need to complete a short course on responsible ownership.
Early plans suggest it will take around four hours, be available online, and will not cost anything. Once you have done it, that is it. No renewals, no yearly updates.
It is expected to cover the basics. Think responsibilities as an owner, animal welfare, and what is expected day to day when you have a dog in Spain.
At the end, there will likely be a simple multiple-choice test, nothing too heavy.
Who will need to do it?
This is the bit that is still slightly unclear.
If you are getting a new dog, the rule is expected to be straightforward. You will need to complete the course before you can buy or adopt.
Breeders and sellers will be responsible for checking this before handing over the animal.
Where things are less clear is for current dog owners. The draft rules suggest it could apply to everyone, but this has not been confirmed yet.
Dog owners in Spain
Spain has tightened its animal welfare laws in recent years, aiming to promote more responsible ownership and reduce abandonment and mistreatment.
This course is part of that wider push. The goal is not to catch people out, but to make sure everyone understands the basics before taking on the responsibility of a pet.
What about the fines?
The headline figures sound quite serious, and they are.
Penalties linked to the law could range from €500 up to €10,000, depending on the severity of the breach.
However, and this is important, no fines can be issued for not doing the course until the final rules are officially approved and published.
Bridging the Gap’s takeaway
At the moment, nothing changes day to day.
But if you are planning to get a dog in Spain, or you already have one, it is worth keeping an eye on this. Once the final green light is given, the course will become part of the process of owning a dog here.
For now, consider it one to watch rather than something to worry about.
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