On March 29, a new Animal Welfare Law introduced several changes aimed at improving the lives of pets. The law will come into force on September 29, but preparations should begin now. One notable change is the introduction of mandatory civil liability insurance for all dog owners, extending beyond breeds previously considered potentially dangerous.
This insurance package includes: liability coverage that protects the owner if the animal harms a third party, causes an accident, or damages another person’s property. This is a key distinction from conventional animal insurance, which has historically focused on pet health or related outcomes.
As with other insurance products, there is a wide range of dog and pet policies, varying by breed, lifestyle, and the benefits included. The goal is to ensure that pet ownership comes with a clear financial safeguard for third-party incidents.
The precaution applies to all dog breeds and is intended to align liability coverage with the responsibilities of pet ownership. Photographer credits and image sources are provided by Pixabay for illustration.
The most basic annual premium starts around 25 to 40 euros. Industry expert Rocío R. Gavira notes that civil liability insurance for potentially dangerous dogs is typically about 62 euros, reflecting the broader scope now required by the law.
It is distinct from standard pet insurance.
There is no need to look for a separate policy when considering this new requirement. The Civil Liability Insurance under the Animal Welfare Act represents a shift in how pet insurance is viewed by providers and consumers alike, focusing on responsibility and third-party protection.
Traditional pet insurance often centers on health care for the animal, including veterinary visits, coverage for theft or loss, and home-visit guarantees for the owner’s family during hospital stays. The new law introduces a broader liability framework that sits alongside these existing protections.
Article 30.3 of the legislation specifies this innovation in plain terms: when owning a dog, the owner must contract and maintain civil liability insurance throughout the animal’s life to cover damages to third parties, with coverage levels determined by regulatory provisions to ensure adequate protection.
According to industry updates, once the law is in effect, responsible dog owners will have up to two years to secure the mandatory insurance, underscoring a phased transition and ample time to arrange coverage.
In the meantime, pet owners should review their current policies and assess whether existing coverage meets the new civil liability requirements or if a new policy is needed to fulfill the law’s obligations. The aim is to provide clear, reliable protection for third parties while supporting responsible pet ownership.
For further guidance, readers can consult official resources from the environmental department of their region, which will detail policy terms, enforcement timelines, and compliance steps. This information helps ensure families and guardians understand their responsibilities and the protections available under the new rules.