Pet insurance in Spain is something most expats in Tenerife look into only after the move: a neighbour asks about your policy, the town hall wants paperwork, or the vet hands you a surgery bill. The short answer: for potentially dangerous breeds (PPP) liability cover is compulsory, the 2023 animal welfare law extended it to all dogs, and there is no compulsory policy for cats. Here is what that means in practice.
What the law requires
For PPP dogs the rule is long established: liability insurance is a condition of the owner licence, and you will not get the licence without it. The full breakdown is in our guide to dog liability insurance in Spain.
For all other dogs the requirement comes from the animal welfare law (Ley de Bienestar Animal, 2023). How it is applied depends on implementing regulations and your municipality’s rules, so check the current status with your ayuntamiento (town hall).
Separately, the law requires dogs and cats to be microchipped — without a chip number neither an insurer nor a vet will usually get started.
Comparing policy small print in Spanish is slow work. You can find the right cover for your dog or cat in the chat instead — we will tell you what is actually required in your case.
Dog or cat: what is different
| PPP dog | Other dog | Cat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liability cover (RC) | compulsory, licence condition | required by the 2023 law; check status with town hall | voluntary |
| Owner licence | required | no | no |
| Microchip | required | required | required |
| Vet policy | voluntary | voluntary | voluntary |
Two kinds of cover
Liability cover (responsabilidad civil, RC) protects you rather than the pet: a bite, an injured passer-by, someone else’s property damaged. Dog policies usually have a PPP version.
Vet cover is about the animal’s own health. Policies of this kind usually include:
- veterinary care and preventive treatment;
- diagnostic tests and surgery;
- therapeutic services;
- discounts at network clinics — on average over 40% off private rates, according to the insurer;
- with some policies, a payment if the animal dies and cover for theft.
The two are often taken out together.
What is not covered — and what to check
The insurer does not publish a detailed list of exclusions, so read the terms of your own policy. Check:
- waiting periods (carencia — the time after the start date before a service is paid) — vet services can have them; more in our guide to waiting periods;
- annual limit and excess (franquicia — the part of the cost you pay yourself);
- liability exclusions — for example deliberate harm or damage to your own family members;
- age and breed limits: some vet policies state they do not refuse on breed, age or health, but this is confirmed per offer.
Quick answers for expats with pets
Bringing your pet to the island. Within the EU you need a pet passport, microchip and rabies vaccination; from outside the EU (including the UK and US) a rabies antibody test may also be required — check the rules well in advance. The other steps of the move are in our Tenerife moving checklist.
Vets in Tenerife. There are clinics in every major town; in the tourist south many vets speak English. A policy with a clinic network is handy because the discount applies straight away.
A bite or damage. Help the injured person, exchange details, note witnesses. Take the dog to a vet — after a bite it is usually placed under observation. Notify the insurer within the deadline stated in the policy.
Tip: have the microchip number and pet passport ready when you apply — they are the first things an insurer asks for.
How much it costs
The price depends on the species, breed, age and the cover you choose — liability only, or together with vet cover. The exact figure is calculated case by case.
Not sure what is compulsory for your dog, or whether to insure your cat? Ask in the chat — we will get you a free pet insurance quote, no obligation.