What It’s Like Having a Dog in Spain

Having a dog in Spain is one decision I don’t regret. It’s a great place for dogs.

When my husband and I chose to move to Spain we were on the same page that our puppy would come with us from the States. Three years later, that dog of ours has spent more time in Spain than in the US. And while we’ve experienced life as dog owners in both countries, I would easily choose Spain as the better of the two.

Owning a dog in Spain is a far easier life for both you and your dog. While not every aspect of that life is better, and there are certainly a few cons, the majority of our dog’s life here has been a fantastic adventure.

Pros

Walkable Cities

Spain, and Europe for that matter, take the cake for centralized, walkable cities.

My family doesn’t have a car, we don’t need one.

That means our dog gets to walks around town with us, for things as simple as running errands. As long as one of us stays outside, the other can run in each store to quickly get what we need. It gives our fur baby far more opportunities to get out of the house with us. Plus…

Spain is more dog-friendly.

We bring our dog to bars and restaurants that have outdoor seating. During the spring and summer months, is almost all of them.

He’s been on the commuter train and the metro -provided we don’t ride during rush hour and he’s got a muzzle.

And there’s even a shopping mall in town that allows dogs in the building -which has been a nice reprieve on a hot day.

More dogs are off leash.

Not a ton, but enough to notice.

When we go to the park, no one seems to complain at the frequency and/or quantity of dogs running free with their owners walking nearby.

There are even a few dog owners who let their dog off leash while walking on city streets. Personally, I wouldn’t allow my dog to do this but, to each his own. And, in all honesty, those dogs are far better behaved than most dogs I’ve met in the US.

Legally, dogs must be leashed at all times. But I’ve never seen anyone get fined.

Dogs in Spain are better behaved.

I don’t know if this is because dogs have more outdoor time to run off their energy. Or, that dog owners place a higher emphasis on dog training. But I was terrified of dogs before my time in Spain. It wasn’t until I saw these well-behaved furballs everywhere that I realized I had nothing to fear.

Now, can this be said for every dog and every dog owner? No. But the majority have surprised me. I truly can’t imagine off-leash dogs being so good and so attentive to their owners back home.

Cons

Dogs pee and poo everywhere.

I’m going to blame some of this on the lack of grass in Spain. The rest seems to be what’s culturally acceptable.

Dogs in Spain pee and poo all over sidewalks, and I’ve frequently seen dogs going on cars. This does not fly for our household. Our dog knows where he can and can’t go. Lack of grass has never been an issue. Any tree stump or patch of dirt will do.

Pro tip for your first time visiting Spain: Always look where you step. Sidewalk doggie presents are extremely common.

People will whistle at/ pet your dog without shame.

I have a very anxious dog, so this one gets to me.

People will whistle at him, which makes him bark, or try to pet him without asking, which he’s terrified of.

It’s a pity because at the heart of it, those are the people who truly love dogs. It just so happens that our little guy needs his space.

Dangerous Breed Laws

Lastly, and most disappointing, is the existence of dangerous breed laws that require owners of certain breeds to adhere to a few extra requirements. Qualifying dogs must be muzzled in public, insured, microchipped, and owners must be licensed by the autonomous community in which they reside.

It’s a sad reality, and not one that’s always adhered to. Some owners, for example, opt to have their muzzle hanging around their dog’s neck for quick access if a police officer were to stop them.

Dog lovers are all over the globe. And, it’s always interesting to see how different cultures include their pets in their daily lives. Thankfully, our life with a dog in Spain has been a major improvement.