Spain expands dog DNA rules to curb mess and fine offenders.
Photo Credit: Artem Beliaikin via Unsplash
DOG OWNERS, a new regulation has come into effect in several municipalities in Spain that could bring a fine of more than €300 if not followed: registering your pets’ DNA. Many municipalities across the country are now requiring that dog owners not only microchip their pets, but also register a DNA sample at the veterinarian in an effort to combat dog excrement in public spaces.
A measure to curb public mess
The measure has already been implemented in a number of municipalities, but the requirement has only recently hit the Costa del Sol. The aim of the new measure is to avoid public health problems, preserve the health of the ecosystems (that is, plants as well as animals), and keep public spaces clean, walkable, and litter-free. If any dog droppings are left in the open, authorities have the means to take it for DNA testing and issue fines to the owner responsible.
What happens if I do not comply with the DNA registration?
In some towns where the DNA registration is a requirement, dog owners could face an eye-watering fine of more than €300 (in Catalonia, for example, the fine could be up to €500) for leaving their pup’s excrement lying in a public place. To avoid a hefty fine, be sure to pick up after your pets and dispose of it properly, leaving it tied in a bag.
Many citizens also complain that dog owners often take their pets for a walk without any plastic bags to pick up after them, or are distracted by their phones while their pet is doing its business.
Is registering my pet’s DNA a requirement in my town or city?
Whether DNA registration is mandatory or obligatory can vary from town to town. The best way to make sure is to double check with the local town or city hall.
Some municipalities where the DNA registration is mandatory include:
- Fuengirola, Malaga province
- Mijas, Malaga province
- Benalmadena, Malaga province
- Estepona, Malaga province
- Torremolinos, Malaga province
- Alcala de Henares, Madrid area
- Tres Cantos, Madrid area
- Cornella de Llobregat, Catalonia province
- Other municipalities in Catalonia also require the DNA registration, but whether it is obligatory varies by region
How much does it cost to register my pet’s DNA?
The price varies by region, but the cost for most people will typically fall between €30 and €60, with many reporting that it fell around the €50 range for them. Some municipalities, particularly in the Costa del Sol where the measure is relatively new, are offering discounts for initial rollouts.
Do I have to register other types of pets as well?
As of November 2025, no Spanish municipality requires owners of other types of pets that are not dogs (cats, rabbits, birds, etc.) to register their animals’ DNA. However, microchips are still mandatory for all dogs, cats, and ferrets in Spain, and it is good practice to pick up after your animals regardless of the legal obligations of your municipality (not to mention, it’s the neighbourly thing to do).
How to register your dog’s DNA
After confirming whether the registration is obligatory in your area, the process is relatively simple, whether adopting a dog for the first time or taking a long-time furry family friend to get registered.
- Go to your local veterinarian to take a saliva sample (another type of DNA sample may be required, depending on the region and institution) and register the dog. This can be done alongside the regular microchip and vaccination process.
- The owner will be given a special collar tag with a QR code upon completion of the process, which they should keep on their pet’s collar to avoid fines.
- Avoid legal issues, fines, and unexpected delays by registering the pet as soon as possible.
- Keep all your pet’s documents (adoption papers, collar tags, etc.) organised and on-hand should it ever be needed.
The people voice their opinion: A surprisingly controversial public health measure
While the new requirement aims to improve public health and walkable spaces, the announcement has drummed up a surprising amount of controversy, particularly from the Costa del Sol where the measure is new in many places. While some residents are staunchly in favour of the new regulation, others are dismissing it as a way for the government to take more money from the citizens, and some are on the fence about the issue altogether.
“I pick up my dog’s poo, so I don’t think I’m going to spend so much money on that nonsense,” writes one Facebook user.
“When they do that with human excrement and all the litter that’s left […] that’s when I’ll do that with my dogs. Until then, I’ll keep picking up after them. And if they want to fine us, they should put up a dog park, since there are three in the whole of Estepona.”
Indeed, there were many users that assented to continue picking up after their pets, but stated outright they were not going to register them. “Let’s also analyse the saliva left by people on cans, bottles, cigarette butts. Urine […] They don’t know what to do anymore to take our money. I always pick up after my animals, but come on, I’m not going to do that nonsense.”
Other users consider it a great thing for the local communities, citing that many areas are full of dog excrement and irresponsible pet owners. “Around here the police station and its gardens are full of dog poo,” writes one user on the Costa del Sol. “Where there were prohibited signs, they take them away. And we have to deal with the smell.”
“If you don’t want to pick it up, don’t have a dog!” writes another user, staunchly in favour.
Whether in favour of the measure, against it, or on the fence about it, one thing is clear: Spain is readying to more widely adopt this public health regulation, and the more informed the public stays, the better they can avoid a pocket-punching fine.
Read more news from Spain here.