Is liability insurance compulsory for dogs?

Question

José Manuel Alburquerque · Accepted Answer

Today, in practice, it is only required for dogs classed as potentially dangerous, unless a rule of your autonomous community or your town hall requires it for all dogs. The “ley de bienestar animal” of 2023, Spain's animal welfare act, requires all dogs to be insured, but left the minimum amount the insurance must cover to be set by regulations. Those regulations have not been approved and, according to the Ministry, the obligation cannot be enforced in the meantime. For potentially dangerous dogs, the minimum cover in Catalonia is 150.253,03 euros per insured event, compared with 120.000 euros under the national rules. Even if your dog does not need it, it is advisable to have it insured, because you are liable with your own assets for the damage it causes. Potentially dangerous dogs They are dogs of the breeds listed in the legislation and their crosses, dogs that have most of the physical traits it describes and dogs that have shown aggression or have attacked. To keep one, you need a licence from the town hall, which lasts five years and requires proof of insurance. The policy must identify the animal. In Catalonia, not having the insurance is a serious infringement, with fines of 3.001 to 9.000 euros. Other dogs The 2023 act requires the owner of any dog to take out liability insurance that also covers whoever looks after it, for the amount to be set by regulations. Those regulations have not been approved, so there is no minimum cover that can be required and the obligation does not apply in practice. Barcelona City Council only requires insurance for potentially dangerous dogs. A microchip, on the other hand, is compulsory for all dogs. What you should do Check whether the civil liability section of your home insurance covers the dog and up to what limit. If it does not, you can take out a specific policy. Even if it is not compulsory today, if your dog causes damage while uninsured, you will pay for it.