All you need to know about living with a dog in Madrid

Madrid is a beautiful cosmopolitan city that loves dogs. Dogs in Madrid live a happy, active life with access to beautiful public parks, outdoor restaurants, public transport and much more. Living with a dog in Madrid is fun and full of adventure because Madrid is one of the most pet-friendly cities in all of Spain.

If you are planning to bring your pup to Madrid, here’s all you need to know about the dos and don’ts of living with a dog in the Spanish capital.

Pet owner responsibilities

Pet dogs in Madrid must be microchipped, vaccinated and registered. Your neighbourhood vet can help you with all these requirements. After your pet is microchipped and vaccinated, your vet will record your pet’s details in the pet passport. A microchip is a great resource to trace lost or stolen dogs.

Pet parents in Madrid have to make sure their pets are in good health and treated with love and kindness. Pet dogs must have access to hygienic and healthy food and sufficient exercise. Pet parents are obliged to pick up after their pets and dispose of the waste responsibly. Doggy poop bags are available for free in many public spaces when you have forgotten yours at home.

Public transport with a dog in Madrid

Dogs are well-loved in Madrid, and as a pet parent, you can bring your favourite puppy pal with you on public transport and in cabs in the city. Dogs are allowed on buses, local trains and the metro. Dogs in buses and local trains have to be in pet crates, or on lead and muzzle if they are not in carriers.

Dogs can travel on the metro only during off-peak hours. Dogs are allowed only on the last carriage of the train. On the metro, dogs must be muzzled and on a lead.

Most private taxis in Madrid accept dogs as long as you mention beforehand during the booking. Madrid also has special doggy cab services such as Mascotaxi meant just for transporting pets in the city.  

Dog-friendly restaurants in Madrid

Madrid has several cafés and restaurants where you can go to grab a bite or a drink with your puppy pal. Some restaurants allow dogs in the outdoor seating while others welcome your doggy inside with treats and special dog menus. Here are some of the best dog-friendly establishments in Madrid:

• Café Federal
• El Columpio
• Barbara Ann
• La Esperanza

Dog-friendly parks and gardens in Madrid

Most parks in the city allow dogs unless they expressly mention that dogs are not allowed. Dogs in public parks must always be on a lead and muzzled, if necessary. Here are some of Madrid’s best dog-friendly parks:

• El Retiro
• Parque del Oeste
• Casa del Campo
• Madrid Rio
• Parque Dehesa de la Villa

Pet-friendly housing in Madrid

Pet-friendly housing is extremely easy to come by all over Madrid. A few landlords may not allow pets in the apartment; it is always a good idea to disclose that you are looking for a pet-friendly rental beforehand.

Madrid is a popular tourist destination and travellers from all over the world visit the city. As a result, pet-friendly vacation homes are readily available on rent for tourists who bring their pet pup along. Don’t forget to mention you need a pet-friendly accommodation when you begin to look for vacation rentals.

Living with a dangerous dog breed in Madrid

Spain has strict laws for potentially dangerous dog breeds, and if you own one of these breeds, you will have to follow a different set of rules. Potentially dangerous breeds are defined as dog breeds with a strong jaw, big chest, well-defined muscles and weigh over 20kg. Some of the breeds considered dangerous in Madrid are:

• Tosa Inu
• American Pitbull
• Bullmastiff
• Presa Canario
• Doberman
• Fila Brasileiro
• Akira Inu
• Dogo Argentino

If your dog is one of these dangerous breeds, you must follow all local regulations as stipulated by the council. Only adults of age more than 18 can own a dangerous breed, and they must be physically able to manage the dog.

• The dog must be registered, vaccinated and microchipped
• You must have a third-party liability insurance
• The dog must be muzzled and on a lead at all times in public

International pet travel to Madrid? Reach out to the pet transport experts

To bring your pet dog to Madrid, you will have to follow all the pet import regulations in Spain satisfactorily. International pet transport to Madrid can be long and confusing, and an experienced pet travel agency can help you manage the move safely and without stress.

If you are planning to travel to Madrid with your pet dog, reach out to Petraveller for more information on pet transport to Spain and a free pet travel quote.