Overview of Spain’s Animal Welfare Act and its impact on pet ownership
Spain has long restricted possession and breeding of certain animal species. Since 2013, many species have appeared in the Spanish Catalog of Invasive Alien Species, which includes animals such as the raccoon, certain parrots, budgerigars, the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, the peninsula tortoise, hedgehogs, and other furry animals. The recently introduced Animal Welfare Act broadens that list and tightens what can be kept as a household pet. It outlines rules that restrict which animals may be kept at home and clarifies which species may be legally kept as pets.
The act sets out criteria for an animal to be considered a pet. A species must first be on an approved list, which itself is finalized after the law takes effect. In essence, approval hinges on the animal meeting ecological, physiological, and behavioral standards that demonstrate it can be kept in captivity, that there is scientific evidence the species can live in captivity, and that it does not pose a risk to humans. Factors such as aggression, venom, or large size are weighed, and if an animal were to escape, it should not threaten native ecosystems or biodiversity through invasiveness.
Based on these criteria, the Animal Welfare Act forbids keeping certain animals in private homes, including:
– Mice
– Hamsters
– Guinea pigs
– Chinchillas
– Rabbits
– Turtles
– Lovebirds
– Parrots
– Snakes
– Spiders
– Iguanas
– Chameleons
– Geckos
– Birds native to regions outside the country
Purpose: preventing the spread of invasive species
Where rodents are concerned, the reason for the ban is to protect native wildlife and ecosystems. The law states that species with certain invasive tendencies or those that pose significant biodiversity risks if they escape should not be listed as acceptable pets. The rationale is clear: keeping such animals could undermine conservation efforts and harm local habitats.
Although rabbits have been popular in some households, the new regime treats them as a potential ecological risk when kept as pets. The Ministry of Ecological Transition notes that these animals can carry vectors of disease and parasites, increasing the chance of spreading infection if they escape or are released into the wild.
Similarly, lovebirds and other non-native birds face scrutiny because their presence as pets may conflict with Spain’s environmental priorities, especially when species not naturally found in the country can escape or be released.
The government has not yet finalized a list of permitted animals. A formal list will be approved by the government within 48 months of the law coming into force, outlining which species may be kept as pets and under what conditions.
Divergent standards across Europe
There appears to be no uniform European consensus on what qualifies as a pet. For example, in Belgium, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, and some other small mammals are permitted where similar welfare reforms have passed. The Netherlands, which has had a comparable framework since 2015, has narrowed the list to around 30 species, including some wild boars, alpacas, and buffalos, alongside various rodents, rabbits, and ferrets. The variety reflects different national priorities and ecological considerations across the continent.
In related developments, the discussion continues as many countries weigh biodiversity protections against the cultural appeal of keeping exotic animals as companions. It remains essential for households to stay informed about evolving regulations and to prioritize native and responsibly sourced pets when choosing a companion animal.
Notes: no direct contact details are provided here. Citizens are encouraged to consult official government publications and environmental agencies for authoritative guidance on pet restrictions and compliance. Citations are provided for context and attribution to official statements and policy overviews.