As of July 2026, dog liability insurance is compulsory throughout Spain for potentially dangerous dogs (PPP), with a minimum cover of €120,000, and for all dogs in regions such as Madrid, the Basque Country, Catalonia, Navarre and Asturias. Law 7/2023 will extend it to every dog in the country, but it is not yet fully enforceable nationally: the enabling regulation has still to be published. The government presented the draft (setting a €100,000 minimum) to the regions on 17 July 2026.
Key facts:
- Potentially dangerous dogs (PPP): compulsory across Spain, minimum €120,000 (€175,000 in Andalusia).
- All dogs, by region: already compulsory in Madrid, the Basque Country, Catalonia, Navarre and Asturias.
- Nationally (Law 7/2023): planned for all dogs, but not yet enforceable until the regulation is published.
- The regulation, under way: draft presented to the regions on 17 July 2026; it sets a €100,000 minimum and a 6-month window to take out cover once it comes into force.
- Penalties: from €500 (minor) up to €200,000 (very serious) for breaching Law 7/2023.
- With Petplan, third-party liability is an optional cover on your policy (never imposed).
There is a lot of confusion about this, and some headlines claim it is “already compulsory for every dog”. The reality, in July 2026, is more nuanced. This guide sets it out precisely.
Is dog liability insurance compulsory in Spain?
It depends on the dog and on where you live:
- Potentially dangerous dogs (PPP): yes, across Spain, and for years. This obligation derives from the specific PPP rules (which develop Law 50/1999) and is independent of the new Animal Welfare Law.
- All other dogs: it depends on your region. In Madrid, the Basque Country, Catalonia, Navarre and Asturias it is already compulsory for every dog. In other regions, not yet.
What does Law 7/2023 say?
Law 7/2023, in force since 29 September 2023, states in its Article 30.3 that dog owners must hold third-party liability insurance for the life of the animal. However, the Directorate-General for Animal Rights itself clarified that this point “is not effectively applicable” until its implementing regulation is in place. In other words: the law provides for it, but the obligation for all dogs is not fully enforceable nationally until the regulation is published.
Where does the regulation stand in 2026?
Advancing, but not yet published. The government presented the draft Royal Decree to the autonomous regions at a technical meeting on 17 July 2026, with the regions able to propose changes until the end of August. According to that draft:
- The minimum cover will be €100,000 for third-party damage.
- The insurance must be kept in force for the life of the animal, regardless of breed.
- There will be a 6-month window from the Royal Decree’s entry into force to take out the policy.
Until that Royal Decree is published in the official gazette (BOE), the general obligation for all dogs is not enforceable at national level; the regional obligations and the PPP one already are.
How much must the insurance cover?
For PPP, the minimum cover is €120,000 across most of Spain and €175,000 in Andalusia. For other dogs, once the national regulation is in force, the planned minimum is €100,000. Some regions may set their own amounts, so it is worth checking the rules where you live.
What does third-party liability cover?
It covers the damage your dog causes to others: injury to people, harm to other animals and damage to property. It does not cover your own dog’s vet bills — that is health/veterinary insurance, a separate cover. They are two complementary fronts: your pet’s health on one side, and your liability to others on the other.
What happens if I don’t have it?
Beyond having to pay out of your own pocket for any damage your dog causes, Law 7/2023 provides for penalties from €500 up to €200,000 depending on severity. For PPP, and in the regions where it is already compulsory, the lack of insurance is an offence that can be penalised today.
How do I take it out with Petplan?
With Petplan, third-party liability is an optional cover you can add to your veterinary policy: we never impose it. That way, a single policy can cover both your pet’s vet bills and your liability to others. Petplan policies start from around €20 a month. See the policy terms for the detail of the third-party liability cover.
Frequently asked questions
Is liability insurance compulsory for all dogs in Spain in 2026?
Not yet nationally: Law 7/2023 provides for it, but it is not enforceable until the regulation is published. It is compulsory for PPP across Spain and for all dogs in Madrid, the Basque Country, Catalonia, Navarre and Asturias.
When will it be compulsory for every dog?
When the Royal Decree developing the law is published in the BOE. Its draft was presented to the regions on 17 July 2026 and provides for a 6-month window to take out the insurance after it comes into force.
How much must it cover?
€120,000 for PPP (€175,000 in Andalusia) and, per the draft national regulation, €100,000 for other dogs.
Does liability insurance cover my dog’s vet bills?
No. It covers the damage your dog causes to others. Your own dog’s vet bills are covered by health insurance.
Methodology: compiled from public and official sources (Law 7/2023, notes from the Directorate-General for Animal Rights and the draft Royal Decree, 2026). The rules are still being developed and vary by region; always confirm the current requirements where you live.
Third-party liability is an optional cover on your Petplan España (Petplan Ibérica, S.L.) policy, which also reimburses 100% of the vet bill up to €3,100 a year, with a €45 excess, at any vet you choose. See the policy terms.
