Pet ownership is booming on the Costa Blanca, and it’s starting to look like every street has its own furry (or scaly) cast of characters.
According to official figures, nearly half a million dogs and cats are now registered in the province, reflecting a growing love for animal companions.
Data from the Registro Informático Valenciano de Identificación Animal (RIVIA) shows that registrations have reached 487,587, marking a 14% increase over the past year. In other words, there is now roughly one dog or cat for every four residents.
Pets on the Costa Blanca: Dogs lead the pack
Dogs continue to be the most popular pets across the Costa Blanca. There are currently 387,248 registered dogs, with 28,467 new additions in 2025 alone.
Not surprisingly, mixed breeds top the list. However Podencos and Chihuahuas are also gaining popularity.
Meanwhile, the registry also reveals a few rarer canine characters, such as:
- Landseer
- Deerhound
- Hovawart
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier
- Finnish Lapphund
In addition, 1,455 dogs are classified as potentially dangerous breeds, requiring specific regulations and controls.
Cats on the rise
Cats are quietly stealing the spotlight. In fact, they recorded the biggest growth in 2025, with 23,409 new registrations, a rise of 37.05%.
There are now 96,247 registered cats in the province.
Beyond cats and dogs
The registry also includes a more unusual menagerie. For example, residents have registered:
- 537 reptiles, including a boa constrictor
- 158 pet pigs
- 18 goats
Hooves in the headcount
It’s not just paws and claws. The register also tracks equines across the Costa Blanca.
Currently, there are 8,604 registered animals, including:
- 7,081 horses
- 1,273 donkeys
- 215 mules
- 21 zebras
Why registration matters
Under Spanish animal welfare laws introduced in 2023, all pets must be microchipped and registered. As a result, the system helps to:
- Locate lost animals
- Confirm ownership
- Monitor animal health
- Improve overall welfare
