Living in Spain with pets: new tax benefits and insurance essentials

Published on 8 October 2025

Spain is a country of animal lovers. Recent surveys estimate there are more than 9.3 million dogs registered nationwide, and around half of Spanish households now share their home with a pet. For many expatriates, bringing their four-legged friend to Spain (or adopting one locally) is part of making this country feel like home. But while pets bring joy and companionship, they also come with responsibilities — and costs — from routine vaccinations and microchipping to those inevitable, last-minute vet visits.

That’s why new regional tax relief measures announced in Andalusia and approved in Murcia have caught the eye of pet owners: for the first time, parts of Spain are moving to recognise certain veterinary expenses in the personal income tax system. Below, we explain what’s proposed in Andalusia, what Murcia has approved, what’s happening in the rest of Spain, and how dog liability insurance fits into the picture for expats who own, rent or maintain a second home here.

Tax breaks for pet owners in Andalusia and Murcia

In recent months, two Spanish regions have taken the lead in offering tax relief for families with pets. Both Andalusia and Murcia have announced deductions on veterinary expenses, a first in Spain’s personal income tax system.

Andalusia: Announced in September 2025 as part of the 2026 budget. The measure allows residents to deduct 30% of eligible veterinary costs, up to €100 per year, for pets acquired after 1 January 2025. Families adopting from registered shelters can benefit for three years, while owners of guide dogs, assistance animals or pets linked to domestic violence protection cases will qualify for relief for the entire lifespan of the animal. The deduction applies retroactively from January 2025, with income thresholds of €80,000 (individual) and €100,000 (joint). According to official estimates, more than 182,000 households in Andalusia could benefit.
Murcia: Approved in June 2025, the measure allows pet owners to deduct 30% of veterinary expenses, up to €100 per year. Here too, the deduction will apply from the next income tax campaign, meaning costs incurred during 2025 can be claimed on the 2026 tax return, provided invoices from authorised vets are presented. The initiative is part of a wider package of measures to support families and encourage responsible pet ownership.

Expatriates in Andalusia and Murcia who are required to file a Spanish income tax return may be eligible for these new deductions — whether you own a property, rent long-term, or keep a second home in either region. This relief could help offset part of your annual pet care costs. If you are unsure whether you qualify, see our guide on Tax Residency in Spain: Are you considered a Tax Resident?

What about the rest of Spain?

Outside Andalusia and Murcia, most Spanish regions do not currently allow individuals to deduct pet care expenses such as vaccinations, treatments or surgery in their personal income tax return. For the majority of pet owners, these costs remain a private expense.

There are, however, some exceptions where animals are directly linked to professional or assistance activities:

Self-employed workers (autónomos) whose business relies on animals — such as livestock farmers, pet hotels, veterinary practices or security firms using guard dogs — may deduct certain expenses as business costs. This can also include pet insurance, provided the animals are formally registered as part of the business.
Working animals, including guide dogs, assistance animals, livestock or pets used in professional services, may also benefit from tax treatment under existing regulations.

A few regions have introduced more limited measures in niche areas. For example:

Madrid has approved a 10% deduction on certain veterinary expenses, up to a fixed annual limit.
Valencia has provided tax relief for specific treatments, particularly in cases involving assistance or professional animals.

In short, unless pets are directly tied to a business activity or formally recognised as assistance animals, everyday pet care expenses remain non-deductible in most of Spain. For expatriates, this means that only in Andalusia and Murcia do general deductions apply — but it is always worth checking regional updates when filing your Spanish income tax return.

Mandatory liability insurance for dogs in Spain

Alongside new tax benefits, expat pet owners should also be aware of their legal obligations. Spain’s Animal Welfare Law (Law 7/2023) establishes that public liability insurance for dogs is compulsory nationwide, regardless of breed or size. The full obligation will come into effect once the implementing regulation is published, but some regions and municipalities already require it in practice.

This means the rule applies not only to so-called “dangerous breeds” but to all family dogs, including small pets kept purely for companionship. The cover protects against damages your dog may cause to third parties — from accidents in public spaces to incidents in the home.

Failing to have dog liability insurance in Spain in place can result in fines, making it an essential part of responsible pet ownership. For expatriates, this requirement applies whether you live in Spain year-round, rent a property, or keep a second home that you visit part of the year.

Is pet insurance worth it in Spain?

Veterinary costs in Spain can be surprisingly high. On average, the annual cost of maintaining a dog ranges from €700 to €1,500, depending on its size, health and lifestyle. While routine vaccinations, parasite treatments and check-ups are predictable, unexpected accidents, surgery or chronic illnesses can push expenses much higher.

For expats living in Spain these pet healthcare expenses can quickly become a strain on the household budget.

A pet insurance policy can ease that burden by turning unpredictable vet bills into a fixed monthly or annual payment. This makes it easier to plan your finances while ensuring your pet has access to the care it needs. Just like people, pets age and may develop conditions requiring ongoing treatment — and that’s when comprehensive cover becomes especially valuable.

When is the best time to take out pet insurance in Spain?

There is no single “perfect” moment to insure your pet, but most experts agree on one thing: the earlier, the better. Ideally, you should arrange cover as soon as your dog or cat becomes part of your family.

Waiting until a vet diagnoses a chronic condition may limit your options. In some cases, insurers can refuse cover altogether or increase the premium significantly.

By taking out pet insurance in Spain while your pet is still healthy, you not only secure more favourable terms but also long-term peace of mind. In other words, the best time to insure your pet is now, not when problems appear.

Protecting your pet with Generali Expatriates

At Generali Expatriates, we know that for many expatriates, pets are truly part of the family. Keeping them safe and healthy is just as important as protecting your home or car — especially when you are living abroad. That’s why we offer flexible pet insurance in Spain for expatriates, designed to give you confidence and peace of mind wherever life takes you.

Our cover goes beyond standard veterinary fees. It includes emergency boarding, lost pet assistance, EU-wide protection and public liability insurance, so you can focus on enjoying life in Spain with your pet by your side.

With more than 200 brokers and agents across Spain, we can help you find the policy that suits your needs and your budget.

Find your nearest broker or agent, or request a quote today and discover how easy it is to protect your pet while enjoying life in Spain.