Major legal changes regarding animal welfare are happening around the world. More and more countries are revising the rules for keeping, caring for, and handling pets. We closely follow these developments and explain how they are implemented in practice. Today’s focus: Spain.
In March 2023, Spain adopted Law 7/2023 aimed at protecting companion animals. This term refers not only to dogs, cats, and ferrets, but also to other animals that can be kept at home — including certain exotic species and aquarium fish. A full list of permitted species will be established based on a so-called "positive list." The law’s goal is not only to impose stricter penalties for abuse but also to introduce clear standards for the keeping, breeding, sale, and transport of animals.
The law came into force on 29 September 2023. However, to fully implement its provisions, an additional regulation (Real Decreto) is required. A draft of this regulation was published in June 2025. Once officially approved, citizens and organizations will have six months to adapt, after which the full enforcement system and penalties will take effect.
The law came into force on 29 September 2023. However, to fully implement its provisions, an additional regulation (Real Decreto) is required. A draft of this regulation was published in June 2025. Once officially approved, citizens and organizations will have six months to adapt, after which the full enforcement system and penalties will take effect.
In practice, this means much greater responsibility for pet owners. For example, dogs must not be left alone for more than 24 hours, and other animals — for more than 72 hours. Violations will be subject to administrative fines, especially if the animal is left without access to food, water, or basic care.
One of the key requirements of the law is mandatory completion of a free training course for future dog owners. This course will be defined by separate regulations and will be valid indefinitely — it only needs to be completed once. A ban on the sale of dogs, cats, and ferrets in pet stores and on their use for commercial display is also planned. Once the new regulation comes into effect, such animals may only be sold directly by registered breeders, without intermediaries.
One of the key requirements of the law is mandatory completion of a free training course for future dog owners. This course will be defined by separate regulations and will be valid indefinitely — it only needs to be completed once. A ban on the sale of dogs, cats, and ferrets in pet stores and on their use for commercial display is also planned. Once the new regulation comes into effect, such animals may only be sold directly by registered breeders, without intermediaries.
Registration of all dogs, cats, and ferrets in municipal databases will become mandatory. Animals must be microchipped, and liability insurance will be required for all dogs — regardless of breed. All data will be collected in the national register SICERPA.
Sterilization is also a key point. It will be mandatory for all cats before they reach six months of age, unless a veterinarian certifies a medical exemption. This rule does not apply to breeding animals listed in official registries and owned by registered breeders. In cases of adoption from shelters, sterilization will be mandatory for cats, dogs, and ferrets alike. These measures aim to prevent uncontrolled reproduction and reduce overcrowding in shelters.
Penalties for violating the new rules are significant. Lack of registration, microchip, or insurance may result in fines ranging from €500 to €10,000. Serious violations, such as poor conditions or improper transport, may lead to fines of up to €50,000. If an animal suffers serious harm or dies, the fine may reach €200,000. In severe cases, criminal prosecution and loss of licenses are possible.
Penalties for violating the new rules are significant. Lack of registration, microchip, or insurance may result in fines ranging from €500 to €10,000. Serious violations, such as poor conditions or improper transport, may lead to fines of up to €50,000. If an animal suffers serious harm or dies, the fine may reach €200,000. In severe cases, criminal prosecution and loss of licenses are possible.
Transport rules also play an important role. When importing a companion animal from another EU country or from outside the EU, the responsible person must have full documentation confirming the animal’s origin, legal compliance, and final recipient. If the animal must be identified, it must be registered in the Companion Animal Registry within 72 hours of arrival in Spain. The responsibility lies with the final recipient — be it the new owner, breeder, shelter, organization, or former owner moving to Spain permanently. An exception applies to non-EU travelers accompanying their pets under current EU rules.
Animals must be transported safely — in suitable carriers or cages, with access to ventilation and water, and at a comfortable temperature. It is forbidden to leave animals unattended in vehicles or to carry them on the driver’s lap. Such violations already incur fines of €200–€500. If the animal is harmed during transport, administrative or even criminal liability may apply.
Animals must be transported safely — in suitable carriers or cages, with access to ventilation and water, and at a comfortable temperature. It is forbidden to leave animals unattended in vehicles or to carry them on the driver’s lap. Such violations already incur fines of €200–€500. If the animal is harmed during transport, administrative or even criminal liability may apply.
These regulations apply not only to Spanish citizens but also to international transporters operating in the country. For the first time in Spain’s history, companion animals are legally recognized as sentient beings, not just property. Their well-being is now protected not only by ethics but also by enforceable legal norms.
The full text of the law is available on the official website of the Spanish government: Ley 7/2023 — BOE-A-2023-7936.
We will continue to monitor the approval of the final regulation, the launch of SICERPA, and the first applications of the law in practice. Stay tuned for updates — we’ll keep you informed about everything pet owners and industry professionals need to know.
We will continue to monitor the approval of the final regulation, the launch of SICERPA, and the first applications of the law in practice. Stay tuned for updates — we’ll keep you informed about everything pet owners and industry professionals need to know.