Moving to Spain With a Dog: What Expats Need to Know
- Ryan Rothon
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
Spain is one of the most popular relocation destinations in Europe. Sun, lifestyle, lower cost of living, and relaxed culture. But what’s it really like when you move to Spain with a dog?
The good news: Spain is generally very dog-friendly.
The reality: There are important differences in rules, culture, climate, and daily life that many expats don’t expect.
Here’s what you should know.
1. Spanish Dog Culture: More Urban, Less “Pampered”
Spain has changed a lot over the past 10–15 years. Dogs are increasingly part of family life, especially in cities like:
Barcelona
Madrid
Valencia
Málaga
However, expectations differ slightly from countries like the UK or Germany.
What to expect:
Dogs are common in apartments.
Not all landlords allow pets.
Dogs are often walked later in the evening (especially in summer).
Dog parks (“pipican” areas) are common in cities.
Cleaning up after your dog is taken seriously — fines exist.
In smaller towns and rural areas, dogs may still be kept more traditionally (yards, outdoor living), though this is gradually changing.
In cities like Madrid and Barcelona, dogs are now very much seen as part of the family.
You’ll see:
Dogs at café terraces
Dogs living happily in apartments
Boutique pet shops and grooming salons
Dog birthday parties and social media accounts
However, this shift is relatively recent. Older generations may still see dogs more traditionally, as working animals, guard dogs, or outdoor animals.
2. The Heat Is No Joke (Especially in Summer)
If you’re moving from Northern Europe or the UK, Spanish summers can be a shock.
In many regions:
Summer temperatures reach 35–45°C
Pavements become dangerously hot
Midday walks are not realistic
The 5-second pavement test: Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can’t comfortably hold it there for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for paws.
Practical tips:
Walk early morning (7–9am) and late evening.
Always carry water.
Avoid artificial turf in summer.
Consider cooling mats indoors.
Be especially cautious with flat-faced breeds.
In southern areas like Seville or inland Spain, heat management becomes part of daily life for months.
3. Registering Your Dog in Spain
Spain has strict identification rules.
Requirements generally include:
Microchip (mandatory)
Rabies vaccination
Registration in your regional animal register
Municipal registration (in many towns)
Each autonomous community has its own system. For example:
Madrid has the RIAC system
Catalonia has AIAC
If you’re relocating, check with your local town hall (Ayuntamiento) shortly after arrival.
Failure to register can result in fines.
4. Veterinary Care in Spain
Spain has excellent veterinary standards, particularly in cities.
What expats often notice:
Vet consultations are often cheaper than the UK.
Many vets speak English in expat-heavy areas.
Preventative parasite treatment is essential (especially in warmer regions).
Southern Spain has higher risks of:
Leishmaniasis
Heartworm
Ticks and fleas
Your vet may recommend year-round parasite protection depending on region.
5. Finding Dog Food in Spain
You’ll find dog food in:
Supermarkets (Mercadona, Carrefour, etc.)
Specialist pet shops
Veterinary clinics
Online retailers
However, product types and brands may differ from what you’re used to.
Many expats say:
Ingredient lists vary.
Some supermarket foods are heavily cereal-based.
Premium options are available but sometimes harder to find locally outside cities.
If you prefer specific feeding approaches (raw, cold pressed, limited ingredient), you may need to order online.
This is often one of the first adjustments new dog owners make after relocating.
To get premium cold pressed dog food delivered directly to your door fast why not try Gentle? We offer native English customer service and premium recipes with human grade ingredients and a revolutionary cold pressed approach.
6. Renting in Spain With a Dog
Spain is still catching up with Northern Europe in terms of pet-friendly rentals.
Common realities:
“No pets” clauses are common.
You may need to negotiate directly.
Some landlords accept small dogs but not large breeds.
In cities like Barcelona and Madrid, pet-friendly rentals exist but are competitive.
Tip: Always disclose your dog upfront.
7. Public Transport & Travel
Rules vary by region and transport provider.
For example:
Renfe allows small dogs under 10kg in carriers.
Some city metros allow dogs during off-peak hours.
Long-distance buses may prohibit dogs.
Check rules before travelling between regions.
8. Daily Life Adjustments You Might Not Expect
A few subtle things expats often notice:
Evening dog-walking culture (especially summer).
Dogs commonly tied outside shops briefly.
Stray cats are common in some areas.
Public bins for dog waste vary in availability.
Spain is becoming increasingly dog-friendly, but infrastructure and expectations still vary regionally.
Moving to Spain with a Dog: Is Spain a Good Place to Live With a Dog?
Yes , if you adapt.
Spain offers:
✔ Outdoor lifestyle
✔ Mild winters (in many regions)
✔ Growing dog-friendly culture
✔ Good veterinary standards
But success depends on:
Managing heat
Understanding local rules
Choosing the right food
Registering properly
With preparation, Spain can be a fantastic place for both you and your dog.
Interested in other destinations? Read our guide to moving to Portugal with a dog or our guide to moving to France with a dog.
To learn more about what makes cold pressed special, read this guide.