The Draft Royal Decree that develops Law 7/2023 is now in public consultation, and its definitive publication in the Official State Gazette (BOE) is expected in the coming months, after the summer. This is how the MANDATORY civil liability insurance for all dogs comes into force – to safeguard third parties from the damage dogs cause and to consolidate responsible ownership.
Who has to take out the Mandatory Civil Liability Insurance for dogs?
- Article 7 of the draft establishes that every dog owner must maintain civil liability insurance for the entire life of the animal.
- People who own animals coming from other countries and change their residence to Spain, or remain more than 4 months in Spanish territory, must also take out insurance.
What does the Mandatory Civil Liability Insurance for dogs cover?
- The insurance taken out must cover the possible damage caused by the dog to third parties.
- People who are part of the family unit will not be considered injured third parties, nor will the responsible persons.
- It must cover both when the dog is led and handled by its owner and by those responsible persons, who are those in charge of the care, keeping or custody of the animal.
How much does the Mandatory Civil Liability Insurance for dogs cover?
- Every dog owner must maintain, for the entire life of the animal, civil liability insurance with minimum coverage of €100,000.
- For so-called potentially dangerous dogs (PPP), the amount will be governed by their specific regulations, but will not be less than €150,000.
When do you have to take out the Mandatory Civil Liability Insurance for dogs?
- For new adoptions or purchases, there is a period of 48 hours after registering the animal in the official register.
- For owners of animals coming from other countries who change their residence to Spain or remain more than 4 months in Spanish territory, there is a period of 48 hours after registering the animal in the official register.
- For dogs that already live with you, for now they give a period of 6 months.
How to comply with the Animal Welfare Law?
- By taking out civil liability insurance for your dog.
- By including them in the civil liability policy for carrying out their activity.
- By including it in your home policy, whenever possible. Because note this warning:
The Royal Decree states: “those home insurance policies that include, within the civil liability cover, coverage for the damage caused to third parties by the dogs owned by the policyholder or the insured will be valid, under the terms established in this royal decree.”
That is, NOT all home insurance policies can cover it, because:
- They do not include, within the civil liability cover, coverage for the damage caused to third parties by dogs.
- The dog is registered under the name of another family member and is neither the policyholder nor the insured.
- It does not expressly cover the responsible persons.
- It does not cover the minimum amount of €100,000.
- Does it have to mention your dog explicitly, or by counting the microchip number?
- Or it fails to comply with any other term established in this Royal Decree.
Conclusion
The Mandatory Civil Liability Insurance for dogs is not just an imminent legal requirement: it is a guarantee of protection for your family, your dog and those around you. Getting ahead and taking out a suitable policy avoids penalties and demonstrates a real commitment to responsible coexistence. At Petplan we are ready to support you every step of the way and to turn this obligation into an opportunity for lasting wellbeing for your best friend.
At Petplan you can take out insurance for your pet from €25/year – click the following link.
