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Pet Insurance in Spain for Dogs & Cats

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Pet insurance in 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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📖 Read our in-depth Pet Insurance in Spain guide for expats →

📊 Compare Pet Insurance Spain — 2026 quotes & insurer comparison →

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
Pet insurance, dog insurance, cat insurance, animal insurance, vet insurance — same product family, different names. Whether you searched for "pet insurance Spain", "dog insurance Spain", "cat insurance Spain", "animal insurance", "vet insurance", "expat pet insurance", "Ley 7/2023 dog liability" or the Spanish seguro de mascotas / seguro de mascota / seguro perro / seguro gato, you're in the right place. Spanish pet insurance covers three things: mandatory dog civil liability (the legal minimum under Ley 7/2023, in force since September 2023), vet fees (accidents and illness), and lost-pet recovery. We arrange Generali Mascotas policies for British, Irish, Dutch and Northern-European expat dog and cat owners across the whole of Spain.

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

The legal framework, waiting periods, exclusions and sources every buyer should know. We link the sources inline to the BOE (Boletín Oficial del Estado) and the 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 — see our Spanish-language guide to razas de perros peligrosos en España. Eight breeds are classified PPP:

  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Rottweiler
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Tosa Inu
  • Akita Inu

PPP owners must have:

  • A special licence (licencia administrativa)
  • An annual psychological and physical evaluation
  • A clean criminal record
  • Civil liability insurance of at least €175,000–€300,000

The dog must also wear a muzzle and a 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:

  • None for accidents — covered from day one
  • 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

Every dog in Spain must be microchipped and registered with the regional pet registry (in Valencia, the RIVIA registry). We need the chip number on every pet insurance application. Without it, the policy cannot be issued. From 2026 a new national pet registry under Ley 7/2023 will join up the regional systems, though the exact start date still depends on the implementing Real Decreto.

Pet Insurance Spain. Generali ON Mascotas

Pet insurance matters more than ever for expats with dogs and cats across Spain. Spain's Animal Welfare Law (Ley 7/2023) came into force in September 2023. It now requires every dog owner in Spain to hold civil liability insurance. That cover pays for any damage your dog causes to other people.

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

Optional Extras. Pet Insurance Spain

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.

If you own a PPP breed, you must:

Generali can arrange the right 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. We compare options — as authorised Generali agents, we present the plans that match your needs and budget. No pressure, no obligation.
  4. 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

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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
Most Popular
Liability + vet fees
from €15/mo
  • Everything in mandatory plan
  • Vet fees up to €2,000/year
  • Accident & illness cover
  • Specialist consultations
  • Standard dog up to 8 years old
Comprehensive
from €25/mo
  • Higher vet fee limits (€4,000+)
  • Routine wellness optional
  • Lost & found cover
  • Boarding if owner hospitalised
  • Travel within EU

Prices shown are typical Spanish market starting points and depend on age, area, cover level and your individual circumstances. Contact us for a free personalised quote. Potentially Dangerous Dogs (PPP breeds) require higher liability sums and licensing.

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 British, Irish, Dutch and Northern-European dog and cat owners on the Costa Blanca need to know.

Pet insurance, dog insurance, cat insurance, animal insurance, vet insurance and the Spanish seguro de mascotas / seguro de mascota / seguro perro / seguro gato all refer to the same legally regulated Spanish product family. The mandatory minimum is dog civil liability under Ley 7/2023 (since September 2023). Optional layers add vet-fee cover (accidents and illness), lost-pet recovery, repatriation and dental cover. Cat policies are non-mandatory but the same underwriting structure applies. The rules and cover are identical regardless of which English term you searched for.
Call our English-speaking team on 966 461 625 (Monday-Friday 09:30–15:00) or email info@turnerinsurance.es with the pet's breed, age, microchip number, vaccination status, and your address. We send a formal Generali Mascotas quote within 15–30 minutes — often on the call — with liability-only and full vet-fee options priced side-by-side. For PPP breeds we also confirm the documentation you'll need for the local town hall licence.
For most British, Irish and Dutch Costa Blanca dog owners the strongest combination of price, vet-fee cover and English-language claims is Generali Mascotas with vet-fees up to €3,000. It includes Ley 7/2023 civil liability up to €300,000, vet fees for accidents and illness, lost-pet recovery and the option of dental and repatriation cover. Petplan España has higher vet-fee caps (up to €4,000) but costs 10–20% more; Mapfre Mascotas and SegurCaixa are 5–10% cheaper but Spanish-only at claim time.
Typical 2026 prices on the Costa Blanca: mandatory dog liability only from €80–€120/year; liability + vet fees from €180–€280/year for a standard breed under 7; premium plans (full vet fees, lost-pet, repatriation) from €280–€480/year. Cat policies are typically 30–50% cheaper than equivalent dog cover. PPP breeds attract a 30–100% loading on liability. Multi-pet discounts of 5–15% are available for 2+ pets.
Match the cover level (liability only, liability + vet fees, premium), liability sum and vet-fees cap across quotes. All Spanish pet insurers must offer Ley 7/2023-compliant dog liability cover at €300,000 minimum; the differences are in vet-fee caps (€1,200 to €6,000), lost-pet cover and English-language claims service. Call Turner Insurance on 966 461 625 for a Generali Mascotas benchmark; see our full Compare Pet Insurance Spain page for the Generali vs Mapfre vs SegurCaixa vs Petplan comparison.
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.
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.
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? Contact us for free English-speaking advice — or call 966 461 625.

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:

Insure Your Pet in Spain Today

MANDATORY DOG LIABILITY COVER · GENERALI ON MASCOTAS · FREE ENGLISH-SPEAKING ADVICE

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🔗 Need to make a claim? See our pet insurance claims guide → — or call 966 461 625 and we will guide you through it in English.

Cancellation rights. Annual contracts auto-renew under Ley 50/1980 Article 22. Cancellation requires at least one month's written notice before renewal.

Coverage Across Spain

Pet Insurance Across Spain

We arrange pet insurance for expats across Spain - including online and across the islands. Popular coverage areas include:

📍 Jávea📍 Dénia📍 Moraira📍 Altea📍 Benidorm📍 El Albir📍 Orihuela Costa📍 Torrevieja📍 Mazarrón📍 Ciudad Quesada📍 Pilar de la Horadada📍 Teulada📍 Els Poblets📍 Rojales📍 Orihuela📍 Marbella📍 San Pedro de Alcántara📍 Estepona📍 Fuengirola📍 Mijas📍 Benalmádena📍 Nerja📍 Mallorca📍 Ibiza📍 Tenerife📍 Gran Canaria📍 San Fulgencio📍 La Marina📍 Els Poblets📍 Oliva📍 Benijofar📍 Playa Flamenca📍 Los Alcázares📍 Lanzarote📍 Albox📍 San Juan📍 Mojácar