Pet Insurance Spain for Dogs & Cats

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Pet insurance Spain for dogs and cats — third-party liability (now mandatory for all dogs under Spain's 2023 Animal Welfare Law), veterinary cover, dental and optional extras from Generali. English-speaking agents in Javea, Costa Blanca. Potentially Dangerous Dogs (PPP) cover available.

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By Andrew Turner · In insurance since 2001, exclusive Generali agent since 2007 · DGS Registry C0467B54657010 · Last reviewed May 2026

Quick Answer. Pet Insurance in Spain

Mandatory?Dog liability — yes (Ley 7/2023)

Typical premium€8–€35 / month

Vet fees included?Yes — accidents and illness

Lost pet cover?Yes — recovery assistance

PPP breedsSpecific cover required

Spanish Insurance Law: Pet Insurance. Key Facts, Limits & Exclusions

The legal framework, specific waiting periods, exclusions and citations every prospective policyholder should know. Sources are linked inline to the BOE (Boletín Oficial del Estado) and Spanish regulators.

Legal framework

Pet insurance in Spain is governed by Ley 50/1980 general provisions. A major regulatory change came with Ley 7/2023, de 28 de marzo, de protección de los derechos y el bienestar de los animales, in force since 29 September 2023. Article 30 makes third-party liability insurance mandatory for all dog owners nationwide — previously only required regionally for PPP (potentially dangerous) breeds. The cover must be active in every autonomous community.

Mandatory dog liability cover

Under Ley 7/2023, every dog owner in Spain must hold civil liability insurance covering damage caused to third parties by the dog. There is no national minimum sum specified by the law itself — the figure was deferred to the implementing Real Decreto.

Pending publication of the implementing RD, regional pre-existing rules continue to apply: in the Valencian Community, the customary minimum is €120,000–€175,000; many insurers offer €300,000 as standard. Failure to insure can result in fines of €500–€10,000 under Article 81 (graduated by severity).

Potentially Dangerous Breeds (PPP)

Specific rules apply to perros potencialmente peligrosos (PPP) under Ley 50/1999 and Real Decreto 287/2002. Eight breeds are classified PPP:

Pit Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rottweiler
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
Tosa Inu and Akita Inu. PPP owners need: a special licence (licencia administrativa)
An annual psychological/physical evaluation
A clean criminal record
Civil liability insurance of at least €175
000–€300
The dog must wear a muzzle and short lead in public places

Vet-fees cover and waiting periods

Beyond the mandatory liability, optional vet-fees cover pays for accident and illness treatment — typical limits are €1,500–€3,000/year. Standard waiting periods:

0 days for accidents
30–60 days for illness
6 months for hereditary conditions
10–12 months for hip dysplasia and other progressive conditions. Most Spanish pet policies include theft of pet
Lost-pet recovery (newspaper ads
Microchip flag)
A boarding benefit if the owner is hospitalised (typically up to 30 days at €15–€20/day)

Standard exclusions

Common pet policy exclusions: pre-existing conditions; pregnancy and birth-related care unless the breeding cover is explicitly added; routine vaccinations and de-worming (covered only on premium tiers); dental care beyond accident-related (premium tier add-on); aesthetic procedures (ear/tail cropping); damage caused by the dog when off-lead in prohibited areas; and damage caused by an unmuzzled PPP dog. Always declare any prior treatment honestly — non-disclosure voids the policy under Ley 50/1980 Article 10.

Microchipping and registration

All dogs in Spain must be microchipped (under regional veterinary regulations) and registered with the autonomous community's pet registry (in Valencia, the RIVIA registry). The chip number is required on every pet insurance application — without it the policy will not be issued. From 2026 the new national pet registry under Ley 7/2023 will harmonise the regional systems but timing of implementation continues to be subject to the implementing Real Decreto.

Pet Insurance Spain. Generali ON Mascotas

Pet insurance Spain is becoming increasingly important for expats with dogs and cats on the Costa Blanca. Under Spain's Animal Welfare Law (Ley 7/2023), which came into force in September 2023, all dog owners in Spain are now required to hold civil liability insurance covering any damage their dog may cause to third parties.

Fines for non-compliance range from €500 to €10,000. Generali's dedicated pet insurance policy — Generali ON Mascotas — provides this mandatory cover alongside comprehensive veterinary protection.

Spanish law requirement (since September 2023): All dog owners in Spain must hold civil liability insurance for their dog. Fines for non-compliance: €500–€10,000. Generali ON Mascotas includes mandatory dog liability cover as standard. Get covered today →

Three Policy Tiers. Based on Your Pet's Size

Generali ON Mascotas. Policy Tiers

Small Mascota: For cats and dogs up to 9kg — ideal for small breeds, cats and kittens
Medium Mascota: For dogs of 9–15kg — covers breeds such as Beagle, French Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Dalmatian, English Setter
Large Mascota: For dogs over 15kg — covers Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Boxer, Doberman, Spanish Greyhound, Labrador and all large breeds

What Generali Pet Insurance Covers

Civil liability (mandatory dog cover): Compensation to third parties for physical injury or property damage caused by your pet — up to €300,000 per claim. Meets the mandatory requirement under Spain's Animal Welfare Law
Veterinary assistance for accidents: Emergency vet treatment following an accident or injury — consultations, surgery, hospitalisation, medication
Veterinary assistance for illness: Treatment for illness diagnosed during the policy period — specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, prescribed medication
Death of pet by accident: Compensation to cover the loss of your pet following an accident
Lost pet assistance: In the event of loss, Generali arranges and covers the cost of search assistance — including location services and temporary lodging expenses while your pet is found
24-hour veterinary helpline: Access to qualified veterinary advice by phone at any time of day or night
Veterinary emergency assistance: Emergency vet attendance at home or clinic for sudden acute illness or accident

Optional Extras. Pet Insurance Spain

Comprehensive veterinary cover: Extended annual limit for vet fees covering both accidents and illness — higher sum insured for more complete protection
Dental treatment: Dental procedures for your pet — tooth extractions, periodontal treatment, dental X-rays and veterinary dental check-ups
Behavioural therapy: Consultations with a qualified animal behaviourist for anxiety, aggression or stress-related conditions
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation: Post-surgical physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and rehabilitation treatment for injury recovery
Death by illness: Compensation for loss of pet following illness as well as accident
Third-party liability extension: Higher civil liability limit for larger or higher-risk dog breeds — important for dogs classed as Potentially Dangerous (PPP) under Spanish law
Cat civil liability: Optional liability cover for cats — recommended where cats have outdoor access
Funeral and cremation costs: Cover for the cost of pet cremation or individual burial following death

Dangerous Dog Breeds (PPP). Special Requirements

In Spain, certain breeds are classified as Potentially Dangerous (Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos) under Royal Decree 287/2002. Including Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu and crosses thereof.

Owners of PPP breeds must: obtain a special licence from the local town hall (Ayuntamiento), hold civil liability insurance with a minimum cover of €120,000, keep the dog muzzled in public and on a lead no longer than 2 metres. Generali can arrange the appropriate liability policy for PPP dog owners — contact us for a specific quote.

How to Get a Quote

We make getting a quote simple and fast.

Call or email us — ring 966 461 625 or email info@turnerinsurance.es. Our English-speaking team is available Monday to Friday, 09:30–15:00.
Tell us your situation — we will ask a few quick questions about what you need to cover, your age, location, and any existing policies you hold.
We compare options — as authorised Generali agents, we present the plans that match your needs and budget. No pressure, no obligation.
Your policy is set up — once you are happy, we arrange everything and send your certificate and English-language policy documents promptly.

Pet Insurance Cover Levels

Cover level	What is included	Best for
Mandatory liability only	Third-party liability up to €120,000 — satisfies Ley 7/2023 requirement for all dogs in Spain	Owners needing legal compliance only
Liability + Emergency	Mandatory liability plus emergency vet treatment — covers acute illness and accident	Budget-conscious pet owners wanting basic protection
Standard	Liability, emergency vet, routine vet fees up to €2,000 per year, lost pet cover	Most dog and cat owners on the Costa Blanca
Premium / Comprehensive	All Standard benefits plus hereditary conditions, specialist referrals and vet fees to €6,000	Pedigree breeds and owners wanting complete peace of mind

📰 Related articles from our blog

Pet Insurance Spain 2025. New Animal Welfare Law Makes Dog Liability Cover Mandatory Living in Spain with pets: new tax deductions for vet costs in Andalusia and Murcia

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Approximate Pet Insurance Pricing

Annual premiums for a healthy dog under 8 years old. Cats are typically 30-40% cheaper:

Mandatory liability only

from €60/yr

Civil liability up to €300,000
Required by Ley 7/2023 for all dogs
Damage caused by your dog
Legal defence
Spain-wide cover

Frequently Asked Questions. Pet Insurance in Spain

These are the most common questions we receive.

Spanish law on pet ownership changed substantially with Ley 7/2023 (the Animal Welfare Law). Here's what dog and cat owners on the Costa Blanca need to know.

For dogs, civil liability insurance has been mandatory throughout Spain since the Ley 7/2023 (Animal Welfare Law) came into force in September 2023. Every dog owner must hold a third-party liability policy of at least €300,000 covering damage their dog may cause to people, animals or property. For cats, no insurance is currently mandatory at national level, though some autonomous communities are considering it. Other pets (birds, rabbits, etc.) have no insurance requirement.

Potentially Dangerous Dogs (Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos, PPP) include named breeds like Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu, plus any dog over a size/weight threshold or with a documented bite history. PPP owners need: a special licence from the local town hall, a higher liability sum (typically €175,000-€300,000), psychological and physical fitness certificates, no criminal record, and the dog must be muzzled and on a short lead in public.

It depends on the dog's age, breed predispositions and your tolerance for risk. A typical Costa Blanca vet visit is €40-€80 for a consultation. A serious illness episode (cancer treatment, hip surgery, ongoing medication for chronic conditions) can run to €3,000-€8,000. We typically recommend at least €2,000-€3,000 annual vet fee limit for healthy dogs under 5, rising to €4,000+ for older dogs or breeds prone to expensive conditions (German Shepherds, Bulldogs, Boxers, Dachshunds).

No — pre-existing conditions (any illness, injury or symptom present before the policy started) are excluded from vet fee cover for the lifetime of the policy. This is identical to UK pet insurance practice. To preserve cover for a condition that develops, you need to: insure the pet young, keep continuous cover with the same insurer, never let the policy lapse. Switching insurers means any conditions diagnosed before the switch become pre-existing on the new policy.

Yes — microchipping is mandatory for all dogs in Spain (and increasingly for cats). The microchip must be registered with the Registro de Identificación de Animales de Compañía (RIAC) for your region. For travel within the EU, your dog needs a Spanish or EU pet passport showing rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel. UK travel post-Brexit requires an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) instead — issued by a Spanish vet within 10 days of travel and valid for 4 months of EU/UK movement.

Yes, but most cat liability claims are very small (cats rarely cause significant property damage and almost never cause personal injury). Cat insurance is typically focused on vet fees rather than liability. Cats are about 30-40% cheaper to insure than dogs because of lower claim frequency. Indoor-only cats are cheaper than outdoor cats due to reduced accident risk.

Standard pet insurance covers accident and illness only — not routine vaccinations, flea/tick treatment, neutering or annual check-ups. Some premium policies include a small wellness allowance (€100-€300/year for routine care) but you generally pay more in premium than you save in routine claims. Most owners self-fund routine care and use insurance only for unexpected events.

Pet dental cover is increasingly important — dental disease is the most common pet health issue and treatment can cost €400-€1,200. Standard policies often exclude dental except for accident damage. Comprehensive plans include dental treatment for dental disease, with sub-limits typically €300-€600/year. Cleaning under anaesthetic is usually a routine care item, not insurance covered.

Most Spanish pet liability policies cover the EU-wide while travelling. Travel to the UK post-Brexit is now a different jurisdiction — check the policy for explicit UK cover, which is typically only included on premium plans. Vet fees while abroad are sometimes covered (with claims paid in euros to a Spanish bank account); some policies require treatment to be done in Spain. We confirm the specific cover before travel.

Lost pet cover is normally an add-on on comprehensive plans. It can include: advertising and reward costs (€500-€1,000), professional pet search services, microchip database flagging. Theft of a dog is treated as a property theft for insurance purposes (the dog is the owner's property) and the value is paid out — but most insurers limit this to a fixed sum (€600-€2,500) rather than the dog's market value, since pedigree dogs can be worth thousands.

Your liability cover normally extends to anyone walking the dog with your permission — friends, family, paid dog walkers. If a dog walker's own dog causes damage during a walk, that's the walker's own liability. Professional dog walking businesses need a separate commercial pet liability policy with much higher limits and named exclusions for caring for multiple unrelated dogs.

Some comprehensive pet plans include cover for kennel fees if the owner is unexpectedly hospitalised for more than 3-5 days, typically up to €30/day for 30 days. This is a useful but often-overlooked benefit, particularly for solo expat owners with no family nearby. The hospitalisation must be unforeseen — planned surgery is excluded.

Vet fee claims work either by: (a) the vet billing you, you paying, then submitting receipt and claim form for reimbursement; or (b) some Generali-network vets bill the insurer direct (no upfront payment by owner). Liability claims are handled by the insurer directly with the third party. We open and chase claims in Spanish on your behalf.

Yes, with the standard one-month notice before annual renewal. The big issue is pre-existing conditions: any condition diagnosed during your previous policy will become pre-existing on the new one and excluded going forward. For young, healthy pets, switching is fine. For older pets with health history, staying with the original insurer is usually better. We can compare and advise on whether it's worth moving.

Generally no — pet insurance is a personal expense and not deductible against Spanish IRPF for individuals. The exception is if you operate a registered animal-related business (kennels, breeders, working farm dogs) where the pet liability premium is a legitimate business expense. We are not tax advisers; check with a Spanish gestor.

Civil liability insurance is now mandatory for all dogs in Spain under the Ley 7/2023 de Bienestar Animal, which came into force in 2023. The minimum required liability cover is €120,000 for standard dogs and €300,000 for Potentially Dangerous Dogs (PPP — including Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and other large/powerful breeds). Failure to maintain this insurance is a serious infraction carrying fines of €10,000+. Generali's pet insurance includes the required liability cover as standard. Veterinary health cover is not mandatory but strongly recommended given the cost of specialist vet treatment in Spain.

In Spain, all dogs must be vaccinated against rabies (updated annually or every 3 years depending on the vaccine), distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis. Dogs must also be microchipped (mandatory) and registered on the regional animal register. If bringing a dog from the UK or Netherlands to Spain, you need an EU pet passport or AHC (Animal Health Certificate). Brexit means UK dogs arriving from the UK require a specific import process. Keeping vaccinations current is important for your Generali pet insurance — a lapse in vaccinations can affect cover for related conditions.

Pet insurance costs in Spain depend on the type of cover, the pet's age, breed and health history. Indicative monthly premiums: basic liability only (mandatory cover): €5–€15/month; combined liability + basic vet cover: €20–€40/month; comprehensive health + liability: €35–€80/month. Larger breeds and PPP (Potentially Dangerous Dogs) attract higher premiums. Older pets and those with pre-existing conditions may face higher rates or exclusions. Starting a policy when your pet is young significantly reduces the lifetime cost of cover.

Pet insurance in Spain costs between €8 and €80/month depending on the animal, breed, age, cover level and whether you include the mandatory civil liability cover only or full veterinary cover. The mandatory third-party liability cover required under Ley 7/2023 for dogs is available very cheaply — some policies from around €50-€80/year for liability only. A full pet insurance policy in Spain covering veterinary fees, illness, accidents and liability typically costs €15-€45/month for a dog and €10-€25/month for a cat. Large or high-risk breeds attract higher premiums. Generali's pet insurance Spain plans include liability as standard alongside veterinary cover — call 966 461 625 for a personalised quote.

The main pet insurance providers in Spain are Generali, Mapfre, Línea Directa, Barkibu, AXA and Liberty. Línea Directa and Mapfre are large Spanish generalist insurers — they offer pet insurance as a secondary product rather than a speciality. Barkibu is a digital-first pet insurance specialist popular for its online-only model. The key differences when comparing pet insurance in Spain: Generali covers both dogs and cats with full veterinary and liability cover, and as your existing insurer we can bundle pet insurance with your car, home or health policy for simplicity. As English-speaking Generali agents in Jávea, we provide the service in English that direct insurers and online-only platforms cannot — including claims support in English when your pet needs emergency treatment in Spain.

Yes — dog insurance is compulsory in Spain for all dog owners under Ley 7/2023, Spain's Animal Welfare Law. Every dog must have a civil liability insurance policy covering injury or damage caused to third parties. The mandatory dog insurance in Spain covers bodily injury and property damage claims against the owner. Failure to have dog insurance can result in fines and personal liability for any damage your dog causes. Beyond the legal minimum, full dog insurance in Spain also covers veterinary fees for illness and accidents, dental treatment, death benefit and alternative care costs. We arrange dog insurance for British, Dutch and Irish expat dog owners across the Costa Blanca — call 966 461 625 for a free quote.

More questions? Visit our complete FAQ centre with 90+ detailed guides, or contact us for free English-speaking advice.

How This Compares to the Competition

Honest comparisons help you make an informed choice. These figures are typical Spanish-market starting points and depend on age, area, cover level and individual circumstances.

Generali ON Mascotas vs Mapfre Mascotas and SantéVet

How Generali's pet insurance — including the mandatory dog liability cover required by Ley 7/2023 — compares to Mapfre and SantéVet.

Feature	Generali ON Mascotas	Mapfre Mascotas	SantéVet Confort
Mandatory dog liability (Ley 7/2023)	Up to €300,000	Up to €150,000	Up to €120,000
Vet fees — accidents	Up to €3,000/year	Up to €1,500/year	Up to €2,000/year
Vet fees — illness	Up to €3,000/year	Up to €1,500/year	Up to €2,000/year
Lost-pet cover & assistance	Yes	Yes	No
PPP breeds covered (XL Bully, etc.)	Yes — specific cover	Yes — surcharge	Yes — surcharge
Theft of pet	Yes	Yes	Yes
Boarding if owner hospitalised	Yes — up to 30 days	Yes — up to 15 days	Yes — up to 21 days
Premium standard breed	~€10–€20/month	~€12–€22/month	~€15–€25/month

Comparisons are based on publicly available product literature and our experience placing policies across the Spanish market. Premium estimates assume a healthy applicant on the Costa Blanca with no significant claims history. Contact us for a personalised, like-for-like quote.

Sources & References

This page references the following official Spanish regulatory and legal sources. These are the authoritative bodies and laws governing insurance products in Spain:

Dirección General de Seguros y Fondos de Pensiones (DGS). Spanish insurance regulator. Confirms registration of insurance brokers (Andrew Turner: Registry C0467B54657010) and authorises all insurance products distributed in Spain.
Ley 50/1980. Ley de Contrato de Seguro (BOE). Spanish Insurance Contract Law. The primary legal framework governing all insurance contracts in Spain — defines duties, claims, cancellation rights and disclosure obligations.
Ley 7/2023, de 28 de marzo, de protección de los derechos y el bienestar de los animales (BOE). Spanish Animal Welfare Law. Establishes mandatory third-party liability insurance for dog owners across all Spanish regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the most common questions we receive.

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