As the new Animal Welfare Law comes into force, it will no longer be possible to buy most pets from pet shops (already the case in some areas), but if you want to acquire a pet dog or cat, for example, you can only obtain them from licenced breeders, who must be officially registered.
When you purchase your pet, you also now enter into a contract of care, where you commit to look after your pet, and in the case of dogs, there is an additional requirement to sit and complete a training course on how to care for your pet dog.
The good news is that the course is free, according to the Government, and online. You should therefore be wary of the inevitable practice where people attempt to charge for the service.
The bad news, in some ways, is that ALL dog owners will have to sit and complete this training course, including those who already have dogs as companions, and irrespective of how long you have already cared for your pet pooch.
The course will be made available shortly, and for those existing dog owners who might be panicking, don’t worry just yet, as although the completion of the course is mandatory, or you face a fine of up to 10,000 euro, a two-year grace period has been put in place to allow time for everyone to complete the course.
The objective of this course is to provide dog owners with the basic knowledge necessary for the management, care and coexistence with these animals. Additionally, if you plan to adopt a dog, it is important to keep in mind that you will need to complete the course before the dog is allowed home with you. This requirement ensures that future owners are properly prepared to care for and raise their pet responsibly.
If you would like more in-depth information, there is a website which has translated the entire legislation into English. You can read the full Animal Welfare Law at animalwelfarelaw.es
In addition, we have partnered with three local companies who can offer you tailor made advice, and provide some of the services which will be mandatory under the new law.
If you need more information about pet health or civil liability insurance, you can contact Jennifer Cunningham Insurances, who have local offices in Benijofar, La Marina, and Playa Flamenca. Their telephone number is 965 795 372, and you can visit their website at https://www.jennifercunningham.net/, or via Facebook, at https://www.facebook.com/JCExpatServices/
For anything related to pet health and services such as sterilisation of microchipping, amongst others, you can contact Veterinary Clinic Eduardo’s Pets, located near Las Filipinas, Villamartin, on the Orihuela Costa. Their telephone number is 966 76 41 09, and you can visit their website at https://www.eduardospetsvet.com/, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Eduardospets/
For pet supplies, such as kennels, you can contact Madagascar Pets Pet Center Ciudad Quesada, located in Doña Pepa, near the Aldi and Food Co “Tesco” supermarkets. Their telephone number is 966 73 13 50, and their website is https://madagascarmascotas.com/tiendas/madagascar-mascotas-ciudad-quesada/
Please be sure to tell them you found out about them via TKO Radio, and they will do their best to answer any questions you might have, and play their part in ensuring you are both compliant with the new Animal Welfare Law, and that your pet has the best care and facilities.
