How much does it cost to own a dog in Spain?

Adopting a dog may not cost much, but keeping one costs money every month for many years. Knowing the numbers in advance helps you decide with a clear head, and makes sure you’re ready when something unexpected happens.

The benchmark figure

The Real Sociedad Canina de España (the Spanish kennel club) estimates that keeping a dog costs around €105 a month, or about €1,200 a year. Other estimates published in 2026 put the cost of a well-cared-for dog at €1,300 to €2,500 a year, not counting emergencies.

The difference depends mainly on the dog’s size, the food you choose and whether they need grooming.

Breakdown of the usual costs

These figures are a guide only and vary a lot between clinics and brands. Always ask for a quote.

Item	What it includes	Approximate yearly cost
Food	Mid-range dry food; more for large dogs or special diets.	Around €600 (up to €800 or more).
Routine vet care	Annual check-up, vaccinations and the odd consultation.	Around €150-200.
Parasite prevention	Fleas, ticks, worms and, in Andalusia, leishmaniasis prevention.	Depends on the products; ask your vet.
Hygiene and grooming	Shampoo, brushes and grooming depending on the breed.	Around €150, more if they need regular grooming.
Third-party liability insurance	Compulsory for potentially dangerous breeds; Spain’s Animal Welfare Act (Ley 7/2023) extends it to all dogs.	Depends on the insurer and the cover.
Accessories	Lead, harness, bed, toys, carrier.	Little after the first year.

An extra cost in Andalusia: leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is common on the Costa del Sol, so it’s worth budgeting for prevention: repellent collars or spot-ons, an annual test and, if your vet recommends it, a vaccine or immune-boosting treatment. We explain it in how to protect your dog from leishmaniasis.

The first year costs more

On top of the above, the first year usually includes:

The adoption fee at a shelter, which normally covers the microchip, vaccinations and often neutering. If not, you’ll need to pay for them separately.
Puppy vaccinations, which involve several doses.
A microchip and registration on the Andalusian register (RAIA).
Neutering, if it hasn’t been done.
Training: a few sessions with a dog trainer can save a lot of trouble.

The unexpected

What really upsets the budget isn’t the dog food, but an emergency or an illness: surgery, a hospital stay or long-term treatment can cost hundreds or thousands of euros. There are two ways to prepare:

Pet health insurance, which covers part of those costs in exchange for a premium.
A small monthly saving, a “dog fund” for when you need it.

What the law says

Spain’s Animal Welfare Act (Ley 7/2023) provides for a training course for anyone who takes on a dog and third-party liability insurance for all dogs. In September 2026 some of the regulations needed to apply it are still pending, so the details (course content, minimum insurance cover) may change. Check the current situation with your vet or local council.