New Animal Welfare Law introduces pet insurance reforms
On March 29, a new Animal Welfare Law brought several innovations designed to improve the lives of pets. Although the law will take full effect on September 29, it is wise to prepare in advance. A key change is the introduction of mandatory civil liability insurance for all dog breeds, not just those previously labeled as potentially dangerous.
This policy consists of civil liability insurance that protects the animal owner if the pet harms a third party, causes an accident, or damages another person’s property. This is the main distinction from ordinary insurances for animals.
Similar to other insurance types, there is a broad range of policies for dogs and other pets. The variation depends on breed and the specific benefits included in the policy.
The most basic annual price typically ranges from 25 to 40 euros, while civil liability insurance for potentially dangerous dogs is currently around 62 euros according to the Wamiz portal, a source cited for context by a research note from a knowledgeable journalist.
A distinct form of insurance from the usual pet coverage
There is no action needed to obtain the new coverage because it represents the novelty of the mandatory civil liability insurance under the Animal Welfare Act for pets, an option many companies have offered for years.
Traditional pet insurance has generally focused on aspects like veterinary care, reimbursement for theft or loss, or guarantees related to home care during family hospitalization. The new law shifts the focus toward protecting third parties from damages caused by the animal.
Article 30.3 of the law states that when a person owns a dog, throughout the animal’s life the owner must contract and maintain civil liability insurance to cover damages to third parties. The policy should be available in an amount sufficient to cover potential costs as determined by forthcoming regulations.
As reported by the Wamiz portal, the implementation of the law begins on September 29. From that date, the person responsible for each dog will have up to two years to obtain the mandatory insurance for dogs. This requirement applies to all dog owners without exception.
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Details about the environment department will be shared in official channels as the rollout progresses, with further guidance issued to ensure compliance across regions.