How much does a liability insurance for dogs cost?
The new Animal Welfare Law, which came into force on September 29, 2023, includes a series of measures, prohibitions, and requirements, such as a new classification of which animals are considered pets and which are not, or the ban on animal sacrifice (except in euthanasia situations). Among all the innovations, one stands out: the obligation for all dog owners to take out liability insurance for dogs. In this article, we will tell you the main new features introduced by the new law and answer the question that all dog owners are asking right now: how much does liability insurance for dogs cost?
New Animal Welfare Law
In Spain, having a pet is increasingly common. According to the Anfaac association, in the last 3 years the number of pet owners has increased by 38%. The enactment of the new Animal Welfare Law seeks to regulate this situation, tackling some of the most common problems animals face in our country, such as abandonment, mistreatment, or sacrifice.
Below we explain some of the innovations introduced by the law:
- A pet cannot be left alone for more than 3 days (1 day in the case of dogs).
- It is not allowed to buy dogs, cats, or ferrets in pet shops or from other intermediaries; only from authorized breeders.
- The sacrifice of animals is prohibited, except in the case of euthanasia.
- All cats must be sterilized from the age of six months, regardless of their gender, breed, etc.
- Mandatory course on responsible dog ownership, with indefinite validity, for all owners.
- Ban on animal shows (in the case of circuses), although popular festivities with bulls are allowed.
- Progressive conversion of dolphinariums, aquariums, and zoos into recovery centers for native species. Among all the measures proposed by the new Law, one particularly concerns many owners because it entails an economic expense they may not have foreseen: dog liability insurance.
What is liability insurance for dogs and how much does it cost?
Before knowing how much liability insurance for dogs costs, it is important to understand what it is and what it is for. This insurance is a policy that covers the costs of any material damage your dog may cause to third-party property or to other people and/or animals. However, this insurance not only covers third parties but also the owner or even an occasional handler (in the case that, for example, the owner does not walk the dog themselves). Now that you understand what this policy is and what it is for, we can answer how much dog liability insurance costs. And the answer depends on the insurance company you choose or the type of insurance you already have contracted. For example, it is common for a policy of this type to be included (or able to be included) within home insurance, likely reducing its total price. According to the insurance comparison site Rastreator, liability insurance for dogs ranges between €25 and €30 per month, and in the case of dogs considered dangerous (such as pit bull terriers or terriers), it can rise up to €50. Another option is to add this type of policy as an extra to your dog’s veterinary insurance, covering not only the potential damages they may cause but also compensation for their death or even if they are stolen.
Other ways to protect your dog
If you are interested in the new animal welfare measures and want to do everything necessary to keep your dog happy, healthy, and safe, we invite you to take a look at Onlyfresh dog food. Cooked with natural ingredients, 100% fresh meats, and zero wheat flours, Onlyfresh dog food offers a range of options for any situation: from dry food to wet food and specific products for cases such as diabetes, obesity, puppies, and more.
