The Animal Welfare Law in Spain: All Dog Owners Now Required to Have Civil Liability Insurance

The entry into force of the Animal Welfare Law will require all dog owners to have civil liability insurance. A measure that will affect millions of people in our country who have dogs at home.

In Spain, there are 9.3 million registered dogs for 5.9 million cats, according to the data presented by the European Federation of Food for Companion Animals (Fediaf). Some data that reflect the increase in animal ownership in our country in recent years. Regarding insurance, it is a policy that covers the damage that a pet can cause to third parties, either due to physical injuries or even material damage.

To date, the obligation only extended to the owners of dogs considered potentially dangerous by law. Now, with the new regulations, the measure is extended to all owners. For example, if a dog bites a minor and causes injury the family may sue the owner of the animal. In this case, the insurance would take care of the compensationwith the condition that negligence on the part of the owner is not detected.

Among these negligences, there are some such as the dog was left without a leash in a place where it is forced to be tied, or that a dog considered as “potentially dangerous” do not wear the muzzle. In addition to the regular owner of the dog, the measure is extended to occasional owners. In other words, the insurance would also cover civil liability in the case mentioned above if the incident occurs with an occasional owner.

Prices and types of coverage

According to the insurance company Rastreator, the price is 30 euros per year for non-dangerous dog breeds and amounts to 50 euros per year for potentially dangerous dogs. This last price will apply to owners of the Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu and Akita Inu breeds.

In addition to liability coverage, different insurance companies offer policies that may include the veterinary care coverage, whose price can go up to 400 euros per year; there is also the accident coveragewhich can be contracted from 64 euros depending on the insurance company, and even other companies such as Santalucía can offer the coverage for theft or death of the animal.

What if I have home insurance?

All those who have home insurance have a insurance that only offers protection for civil liability, as well as accidents that the animal may suffer. Specific pet insurance may guarantee broader coverage, including health care, loss or theft, sacrifice or death of the pet.