The type of document you need to have in order to own a dog in Spain depends on whether you buy or adopt it, and whether you bring it from another country or not.
If you buy a dog in Spain, the seller must provide you with the following documents⁵:
- Sale certificate (Contrato de compra-venta)
- Microchip number and identity card (Formulario de identificación canina)
- Vaccination book signed by the vet
- Original pedigree document (if applicable)
As the new owner of the dog, you must:
- Register the microchip in your name in the Registry of Companion Animals (RIAC) of your autonomous community
- Request the health passport for your dog from an authorized veterinarian
- Comply with the sanitary and legal rules on vaccination, deworming and responsible ownership
If you adopt a dog in Spain, the shelter or foster center must provide you with the same documents as if you buy it, except for the sale certificate. In addition, you must sign an adoption contract where you commit to take care of the dog and not abandon or mistreat it.
If you bring a dog from another country to Spain, the documents you need vary depending on the country of origin. If you come from another European Union country, your dog must have⁴:
- A microchip or a legible tattoo as a method of identification
- A valid rabies vaccine
- A European health passport
If you come from a country outside the European Union, your dog must have⁴:
- A microchip as a method of identification
- A valid rabies vaccine
- A serological test to check the effectiveness of the vaccine
- A health certificate issued by an official veterinarian from the country of origin
- A responsible declaration from the owner
Starting from 2023, it is mandatory for every pet owner to have civil liability insurance for their pet. This insurance is required in the event that the pet causes any damage or harm.
I hope I have clarified what type of document you need to have a dog in Spain. If you have any other questions about it, feel free to ask me anything. 😊
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