Checked against official sources on 2 November 2026. Rules change: always check the linked source. This guide is for information only and does not replace the legal text or what your town hall or region says.
Which national rules apply today
The basis is still Ley 50/1999 (Act 50/1999), on the legal framework for keeping potentially dangerous animals [1], and its implementing regulation, Real Decreto 287/2002 (Royal Decree 287/2002) [2]. The consolidated text of the law in the BOE (Boletín Oficial del Estado, Spain's Official State Gazette) does not record any repeal and its latest update was published on 17/11/2001 [1]; that of the royal decree has as its latest update the one published on 12/12/2007 [23].
Ley 7/2023 (Animal Welfare Act), on the protection of the rights and welfare of animals, in force since 29/09/2023, does not contain its own regime for PPP: according to the Junta de Andalucía (Andalusian regional government), it makes no express reference at any point to potentially dangerous animals or dogs [4]. It does apply to dogs in general: its article 30 requires a training course to own a dog and third-party liability insurance for damage to others, with content and amount to be set by regulation [3]. It expressly excludes, among others, hunting dogs, hunting packs (rehalas) and animals that assist in hunting (art. 1.3) [3].
According to the Junta de Andalucía, the express repeal of Ley 50/1999 was removed from the approved text of Ley 7/2023, so Ley 50/1999 and its implementing rules remain in force insofar as they do not conflict with the new law; the Junta adds that the general insurance in article 30.3 is not effectively applicable until the regulation is approved [4].
National developments 2025-2026: on 09/03/2026 Spain notified the European Commission (notification 2026/0118/ES) of a Proyecto de Real Decreto (draft Royal Decree) approving the Regulation implementing Ley 7/2023 [24]. That draft would amend RD 287/2002: it keeps the list of breeds, but a dog of those breeds would cease to be a PPP if it passes aptitude tests; it removes Annex II (physical characteristics), and it sets insurance of 150,000 euros for PPP and, for all other dogs, a minimum of 100,000 euros per year of cover [24]. It is a draft: as of 02/11/2026 we have not found it published in the BOE, so Ley 50/1999 and RD 287/2002 still apply today. There is also another 2026 draft on the list of domestic species and the positive list of pet animals, under public consultation since April 2026, which does not mention Ley 50/1999, RD 287/2002 or PPP [5].
What a PPP dog is under the national rules
RD 287/2002 considers as PPP dogs of the breeds in Annex I and their crosses, and those that have all or most of the characteristics in Annex II. A dog of any breed can also be declared PPP for markedly aggressive behaviour or for having attacked people or animals, a decision taken by the competent authority on the basis of a veterinary report [2].
- Annex I breeds: Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu and Akita Inu [2].
- Annex II characteristics, among others: strong musculature and athletic appearance, short coat, chest circumference of 60 to 80 cm, height at the withers of 50 to 70 cm, weight over 20 kg, large head and big, strong jaws [2].
The owner's basic obligations
These are the national minimum requirements; regions and town councils can make them stricter.
- Prior administrative licence, granted by the town council where you live [1]. Requirements: being of legal age, not having certain convictions or penalties, a certificate of physical capacity and psychological aptitude, and third-party liability insurance [2]. It is valid for five years and is renewed for equal periods; changes in details must be notified within 15 days [2].
- Third-party liability insurance with cover of no less than 120,000 euros [2].
- Registration in the municipal register of potentially dangerous animals within 15 days of obtaining the licence [1]. Sale, transfer, theft, death or loss must be notified to the register [1].
- Compulsory microchip [2].
- In public places and spaces: a muzzle suitable for the type of breed, a non-extendable lead or chain of less than 2 metres, only one PPP per person, and carrying the licence and the certificate of registration in the municipal register [2].
- Fines under Ley 50/1999: minor, 150,25 to 300.51 euros; serious, 300,52 to 2.404,05 euros; very serious, 2.404,06 to 15.025,30 euros [1].
Travelling to another region with your licence
The licence is issued by your town council of residence [1]. The national rules contain no article requiring you to apply for another licence for a trip, although they do not say so expressly either; Melilla does say so in its regulation: anyone who has obtained a licence from another competent authority in Spain or in an EU Member State does not need the city's licence while it remains valid [26]. What the national rules regulate is relocation: if the dog moves from another region permanently or for more than three months, the owner must register it in the corresponding municipal registers [1]. Several regions repeat this rule in their own regulations, with a 15-day deadline in the Balearic Islands [18] and in the Basque Country (municipal PPP register and the REGIA register) [11], and also in Galicia [9], the Canary Islands [25] and Melilla [26].
Bear in mind that, when walking on public roads, the safety measures of the place where you are apply. If your destination has a wider list of breeds than the national one (for example Cataluña, Extremadura, Galicia, Comunitat Valenciana, País Vasco or Melilla), a dog that is not a PPP in your region may be one there. Before travelling, check the destination's rules in the table and, if the stay is long, ask the town council.
Table by region
Summary of what has been verified in official sources as of 02/11/2026. Where we have not found a specific regional regulation on PPP, we say so: in that case Ley 50/1999, RD 287/2002 and municipal bylaws apply. We have not found any region that has removed the breed criterion by regulation.
| Region | Own regulation | Particularities | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andalusia | Yes: Decreto 42/2008 | Minimum insurance of 175,000 euros per claim. Specific identification document (COIAPP). The Junta considers Ley 50/1999 and Decreto 42/2008 to remain in force after Ley 7/2023. | [4] |
| Aragón | Not specific | Ley 11/2003 on animal protection has no PPP regime of its own: it provides that animals classed as potentially dangerous must move about in accordance with their specific regulations (art. 18.2). The national rules apply. | [27] |
| Asturias | Yes: Ley 13/2002 (chapter V) | Distinguishes attack dogs and guard and defence dogs; the law does not list breeds and leaves the list of dog types to a regulation. On public roads and in public spaces and in the common areas of residential buildings: a non-extendable lead or chain of less than 2 metres, a muzzle, supervision by an adult and only one dog per person. Attack dogs may not enter public transport, public places (except public roads) or premises open to the public. Licence from the town council (concejo) of residence and third-party liability insurance (the law does not set the amount). | [28] |
| Balearic Islands | Yes: Resolución de la consellera de Agricultura y Pesca de 17/05/2006 (register) | Regional register of potentially dangerous animals. Insurance of no less than 120,000 euros. Animals arriving to live permanently or for more than three months: registration within 15 days. | [18] |
| Canary Islands | Yes: Decreto 30/2018 | In all cases, PPP are the dogs in Annexes I and II of RD 287/2002 (no breed list of its own). Insurance of no less than 200,000 euros per claim. A sturdy muzzle suited to the breed, a non-extendable and unbreakable chain or lead of less than 2 metres and only one dog per person. Animals arriving from another region or country for more than three months: they are included in the identification and census system. The decree repealed Decreto 36/2005 (central register). | [25] [19] |
| Cantabria | Not found | Ley 3/1992 on animal protection does not mention potentially dangerous animals and we have not found any other regional regulation on PPP. The national rules apply. | [29] |
| Castilla-La Mancha | Not specific | Ley 7/2020 on animal welfare refers to the regulations on keeping potentially dangerous animals and requires animals classed as PPP to be identified and their presence to be signposted. | [17] |
| Castile and León | Yes: Decreto 134/1999 (regulation implementing Ley 5/1997) | Considers dangerous the dogs of the 8 breeds in its annex and their first-generation crosses: American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Tibetan Mastiff, Fila Brasileiro, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Tosa Inu. It predates Ley 50/1999 and we have not confirmed how it applies today alongside the national rules. | [20] [30] |
| Catalonia | Yes: Ley 10/1999 and Decreto 170/2002 | Its own wider list: adds Bullmastiff, Dobermann, Dogue de Bordeaux, Neapolitan Mastiff and Presa Canario to the national breeds. Some town councils indicate that the general register also treats the American Bully as PPP. Insurance of no less than 150,253 euros, with an annual copy to the town council. A licence is also required for whoever walks the dog. | [6] [7] [8] |
| Comunitat Valenciana | Yes: Decreto 145/2000 | Its own list of 14 breeds, including Bull Terrier, Presa Mallorquín and Neapolitan Mastiff. Insurance of no less than 20,000,000 pesetas (about 120,202 euros). A muzzle that prevents biting and a non-extendable lead of 2 metres maximum, with a possible muzzle exemption after passing a socialisation test. The Valencian Ley 2/2023 refers to Ley 50/1999; we have not confirmed whether Decreto 145/2000 has been amended. | [12] [13] |
| Extremadura | Yes: Ley 5/2002 (fifth additional provision) | Considers as PPP, applying the Ley 50/1999 regime, dogs that have attacked people or other dogs, dogs trained for attack and defence, and dogs of 11 breeds and their crosses: Bullmastiff, Dobermann, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pit Bull, Presa Canario, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier and Tosa (Japanese Tosa). Their premises must prevent them from escaping and their presence must be signposted. | [31] |
| Galicia | Yes: Ley 4/2017 (arts. 16-20) and Decreto 90/2002 | Ley 4/2017 (art. 16.2) considers as PPP, among others, dogs trained for guarding and defence and dogs of 16 breeds and their first-generation crosses, including Tibetan Mastiff, Presa Mallorquín and Bull Terrier; Decreto 90/2002 listed 15 (without the Bull Terrier). Non-extendable lead of less than 2 metres and approved muzzle (Ley 4/2017, art. 18.2). Decreto 90/2002 sets minimum insurance of 125,000 euros and prohibits them from being walked by anyone under 16; Ley 4/2017 keeps that decree in force for the register insofar as it does not conflict with the law, but we have not been able to confirm whether the rest of the decree remains in force. | [9] [10] [33] |
| Community of Madrid | Yes: Decreto 30/2003 | Applies RD 287/2002 without its own list. Compulsory computerised central register for dogs resident in the Comunidad. | [14] |
| Region of Murcia | Not specific | Ley 6/2017 requires PPP dogs to wear a muzzle in all cases and refers to Ley 50/1999 and RD 287/2002. | [16] |
| Navarra | Not specific | Ley Foral 19/2019 refers to Ley 50/1999 and does not list breeds. | [15] |
| Basque Country | Yes: Decreto 101/2004 | Its own Annex I of 12 breeds or types: the 8 national ones plus American Bully, American Akita, American Pitbull Terrier and Bandogg (American Bandogg Mastiff). Minimum insurance of 120,000 euros with no excess. Non-extendable lead of less than 2 metres, muzzle and never off the lead. Harness prohibited unless there is a veterinary certificate. Permanent relocation or for more than three months: registration in the municipal register. | [11] |
| La Rioja | Not found | Ley 6/2018 on animal protection was repealed by Ley 10/2023, which does not mention PPP. The national rules apply. | [21] |
| Ceuta | Not found | We have not found a bylaw or regulation in an official source. The national rules apply. | [1] [2] |
| Melilla | Yes: Reglamento regulador de la Sanidad Animal de la Ciudad Autónoma de Melilla (amendment approved by Decreto no. 1120 of 01/12/2022; BOME no. 6024 of 09/12/2022) | List of 13 breeds and their crosses (the 8 national ones plus Dogue de Bordeaux, Tibetan Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Presa Canario and Presa Mallorquín) and characteristics criterion (more than 20 kg, among others). Insurance of no less than 120,000 euros. The licence is granted by the city's Dirección General de Sanidad y Consumo (Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Affairs); it is not needed by anyone holding a valid licence from another competent authority in Spain or the EU. Permanent relocation or for more than three months: registration in the corresponding registers. | [22] [26] [32] |
What accommodation usually asks for
None of the regulations consulted obliges accommodation to ask its guests for documents. What follows is common practice in the sector, not a legal requirement. Remember, however, that in public spaces the national rules oblige you to carry the licence and the registration certificate [2], so having them to hand costs you nothing.
- Mention when booking that the dog is a PPP: many places accept dogs but set a weight limit or exclude some breeds.
- A copy of the valid licence and of the registration in the municipal register.
- A valid third-party liability policy, with the amount required in your region and, if higher, in the destination region.
- Health booklet or pet passport and microchip number.
- Use a muzzle and a short lead in common areas, even if they are private, if the house rules say so.
Before you set off
This guide summarises regulations and is not legal advice. Rules change and town councils can add requirements through bylaws: always confirm in the linked regulation and with the town council of the place you are going to, especially if you are staying more than three months.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ley 50/1999 still in force in 2026?
Yes. The BOE consolidated text does not record any repeal, and the Junta de Andalucía states that the express repeal was removed from the approved text of Ley 7/2023, so Ley 50/1999 and RD 287/2002 still apply. There is a 2026 draft regulation that would amend RD 287/2002, but as of 02/11/2026 we have not found it published in the BOE.
Is my PPP licence valid in another region?
The licence is granted by your town council of residence and the national rules contain no article requiring another one for a trip (Melilla says so expressly in its regulation). If the dog relocates permanently or for more than three months, you have to register it in the municipal register of the new place. Check whether your dog is a PPP at the destination even if it is not in your region.
How much does the insurance have to cover?
At least 120,000 euros under national rules. Some regions require more: Canarias 200,000 euros per claim, Andalucía 175,000 euros per claim, Cataluña 150,253 euros and Galicia 125,000 euros under Decreto 90/2002. The national draft regulation notified in 2026 would set it at 150,000 euros for PPP, but as of 02/11/2026 we have not found it published in the BOE.
Has the list of dangerous breeds been abolished?
No. As of 02/11/2026 we have not found any regulation published in the BOE that replaces the list of breeds in RD 287/2002. The draft regulation implementing Ley 7/2023 notified in 2026 keeps the list, but would allow a dog of those breeds to cease to be a PPP if it passes aptitude tests.
Can accommodation refuse to accept a PPP dog?
The PPP regulations consulted do not cover that question. In practice, each place sets its own pet policy, so it is advisable to ask before booking.
Sources
- Ley 50/1999, de 23 de diciembre, sobre el Régimen Jurídico de la Tenencia de Animales Potencialmente Peligrosos (texto consolidado) · BOE
- Real Decreto 287/2002, de 22 de marzo, que desarrolla la Ley 50/1999 · BOE
- Ley 7/2023, de 28 de marzo, de protección de los derechos y el bienestar de los animales · BOE
- Preguntas frecuentes sobre animales de compañía · Junta de Andalucía
- Proyecto de Real Decreto XX/2026 por el que se desarrolla el listado de especies domésticas de compañía y el listado positivo de animales de compañía · Ministerio de Derechos Sociales, Consumo y Agenda 2030
- Tinença responsable: gossos potencialment perillosos · Ajuntament de Barcelona
- Tinença i conducció de gossos perillosos · Ajuntament de Cambrils
- Decreto 170/2002, de 11 de junio, sobre medidas en materia de perros considerados potencialmente peligrosos (Cataluña) · Ministerio de Consumo (CIDOC), reproduction of the DOGC
- Decreto 90/2002, de 28 de febrero, por el que se regula la tenencia de animales potencialmente peligrosos en Galicia · Xunta de Galicia (DOG)
- Ley 4/2017, de 3 de octubre, de protección y bienestar de los animales de compañía en Galicia (texto consolidado) · BOE
- Decreto 101/2004, de 1 de junio, sobre tenencia de animales de la especie canina en el País Vasco (texto consolidado) · Gobierno Vasco (BOPV)
- Decreto 145/2000, de 26 de septiembre, sobre tenencia de animales potencialmente peligrosos en la Comunitat Valenciana (DOGV) · DOGV (copy published by the Ayuntamiento de Alzira)
- Ley 2/2023, de 13 de marzo, de protección, bienestar y tenencia de animales de compañía de la Comunitat Valenciana (texto consolidado) · BOE
- Decreto 30/2003, de 13 de marzo, por el que se aplica en la Comunidad de Madrid el Real Decreto 287/2002 · BOCM (copy published by the Ayuntamiento de Majadahonda)
- Ley Foral 19/2019, de 4 de abril, de protección de los animales de compañía en Navarra (texto consolidado) · BOE
- Ley 6/2017, de 8 de noviembre, de protección y defensa de los animales de compañía de la Región de Murcia (texto consolidado) · BOE
- Ley 7/2020, de 31 de agosto, de Bienestar, Protección y Defensa de los Animales de Castilla-La Mancha · BOE
- Registres de control dels animals potencialment perillosos de les Illes Balears · Govern de les Illes Balears
- Certificado de no haber sido sancionado en materia de animales potencialmente peligrosos (trámite 5104) · Gobierno de Canarias
- Decreto 134/1999, de 24 de junio, Reglamento de la Ley 5/1997 de protección de los animales de compañía de Castilla y León · Ministerio de Consumo (CIDOC), reproduction of the BOCyL
- Ley 10/2023, de 7 de agosto, de derogación de la Ley 6/2018 de protección de los animales en La Rioja · BOE
- BOME n.º 6024, de 9 de diciembre de 2022, pág. 3667 (reglamento sobre animales peligrosos y perros potencialmente peligrosos) · Ciudad Autónoma de Melilla (BOME)
- Real Decreto 287/2002, de 22 de marzo, por el que se desarrolla la Ley 50/1999 (texto consolidado) · BOE
- Proyecto de Real Decreto XX/2026 por el que se aprueba el Reglamento de la Ley 7/2023, de 28 de marzo, de protección de los derechos y el bienestar de los animales (notificación 2026/0118/ES) · European Commission (TRIS system), text notified by Spain
- Decreto 30/2018, de 5 de marzo, por el que se regula el régimen jurídico de la tenencia de animales potencialmente peligrosos en la Comunidad Autónoma de Canarias (BOC n.º 51, de 13/03/2018) · Gobierno de Canarias (BOC)
- BOME n.º 6024, de 9 de diciembre de 2022, pág. 3668 (Reglamento regulador de la Sanidad Animal: licencia, seguro y registro de animales potencialmente peligrosos) · Ciudad Autónoma de Melilla (BOME)
- Ley 11/2003, de 19 de marzo, de Protección Animal en la Comunidad Autónoma de Aragón (texto consolidado) · BOE
- Ley 13/2002, de 23 de diciembre, de tenencia, protección y derechos de los animales (Principado de Asturias, texto consolidado) · BOE
- Ley de Cantabria 3/1992, de 18 de marzo, de Protección de los Animales (texto consolidado) · BOE
- Decreto 134/1999, de 24 de junio, Reglamento de la Ley 5/1997 de protección de los animales de compañía de Castilla y León (BOCyL n.º 124, de 30/06/1999) · BOCyL (copy published by the Ayuntamiento de Ponferrada)
- Ley 5/2002, de 23 de mayo, de Protección de los Animales en la Comunidad Autónoma de Extremadura (texto consolidado) · BOE
- BOME n.º 6024, de 9 de diciembre de 2022, pág. 3658 (Decreto n.º 1120, de 1 de diciembre de 2022, de aprobación definitiva de la modificación del Reglamento de Sanidad Animal de la Ciudad Autónoma de Melilla) · Ciudad Autónoma de Melilla (BOME)
- Ley 4/2017, de 3 de octubre, de protección y bienestar de los animales de compañía en Galicia (DOG de 11/10/2017) · Xunta de Galicia (DOG)