Adopting a dog in Spain gives a homeless dog a second chance – and you a loyal companion.
Spain still faces a very serious problem with abandoned dogs, especially after holiday periods when many “gift dogs” are given up.
Here is a short and up-to-date guide for anyone living in an EU country who is considering adopting a dog in Spain.

Whyadopt a dog in Spain?

Every year, tens of thousands of dogs are abandoned in Spain. Animal shelters and non-profit organisations work hard to find new homes for them.

By adopting, you:

• directly help a dog in need
• usually only pay a fee that covers veterinary costs
• can choose between puppies and adult dogs

Where can you find dogs for adoption?

The most common options are:

• Non-profit shelters and rescue organisations
  Search for protectora de animales + town/region or adopción perro + region.
• Municipal kennels (perreras)
  Run by local authorities and responsible for stray and abandoned dogs. In some areas, dogs may be euthanised after a certain period, so adopting from a municipal kennel can be especially important.
• International volunteer organisations
  In many parts of Spain there are international rescue groups that cooperate with Spanish shelters and can assist you in English or other languages.
• Social media
  Private rehoming is common, but always make sure the dog has been checked by a veterinarian and is properly microchipped.

How the adoption process usually works

The exact process varies between organisations, but it normally follows these steps:

1. Application
   You complete a form about your home, lifestyle and previous experience with dogs.
2. Meeting and assessment
   You meet the dog and, in some cases, a home visit or video call is carried out.
3. Contract and adoption fee
   You sign an adoption agreement and pay the fee. It usually includes:

•  - vaccinations
•  - deworming
•  - microchip
•  - veterinary health check
•  - often neutering

1. Bringing your dog home and the first weeks
   Prepare your home in advance and give the dog time to settle in. Stress and uncertainty at the beginning are completely normal.

Keyrules for dog owners in Spain

When you adopt a dog in Spain, you are subject to Spanish animal welfare legislation –even if you are a citizen of another EU country.

Microchipping and registration
The dog must be microchipped and your details must be updated as the legal owner.

Mandatory owner course
Under Spain’s national animal welfare law, new dog owners must complete a short online course on responsible pet ownership.

Third-partyliability insurance
All dog owners must have liability insurance covering damage or injury to third parties.

Leash and local rules
Dogs are generally required to be on a leash in built-up areas. Local by-laws may vary between municipalities.

Muzzle and special rules for certain dogs
Former breed-based regulations are being replaced by individual behavioural assessments. During the transition period, rules may differ locally.

Vaccinationsand veterinary care
Rabies vaccination is mandatory in most regions.
Parasites and diseases such as leishmaniasis are common in Spain, so year-round preventive protection is strongly recommended.

Municipal registration
Many municipalities require dogs to be registered in a local pet registry.

Tips for a successful adoption

• Think long term – a dog often lives for 10–15 years.
• Consider an adult dog – they are often calmer and already house-trained.
• Make your home safe – balconies, fences, toxic plants and chemicals.
• Be patient – many adopted dogs need weeks or months to fully adjust.
• Introduce training and socialisation gradually and seek professional help if needed.
• Train alone time slowly – in Spain, it is not legal to leave a dog alone for more than 24 hours.
• Never leave a dog in a car – heat can be fatal, even for a short time.

Travelling with your dog within the EU

If you adopt a dog in Spain and later wish to travel or move to another EU country, you will need:

• an EU pet passport
• a microchip
• a valid rabies vaccination
  (the dog must be at least 12 weeks old and at least 21 days must have passed after the first rabies vaccination)

These requirements are harmonised within the EU, but rules may change. Always check the current entry requirements of your destination country before travelling.

Originaltext by Oskar Wahlbäck – edited and adapted for readers within the EuropeanUnion.