Couple with a dog in Barcelona. Credit: Pexels, Leeloo The First
I don’t know about you, but one of the things I had to adjust to after moving here two-and-a-half years ago was the vast amount of dog poo in the streets. I even saw a pile on a zebra crossing once, which completely baffled me.
Spain is a pet-friendly country, particularly for small breed dogs, but public cleanliness and hygiene are often not taken very seriously by dog owners. Expats living in Spain need to be aware of the national and municipal laws governing dog excrement and urine in public spaces. Failing to comply can lead to hefty fines. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping Spanish streets clean and avoiding penalties.
Spanish national law on dog poo in the streets
At a national level, Ley 7/2023 de Protección de los Derechos y el Bienestar de los Animales outlines the responsibilities of pet owners to maintain public hygiene. This legislation requires all dog owners to clean up their pet’s excrement in public places to ensure a cleaner and safer environment for everyone.
According to the BOE (Boletín Oficial del Estado), pet owners must “prevent animals from depositing their excrement and urine in places where other people usually pass through, such as facades, doors or entrances to establishments, proceeding in all cases to remove or clean them with biodegradable products.”
Although the national law sets broad guidelines, enforcement and additional requirements are left to local authorities. Municipalities across Spain have adopted stricter measures to tackle dog waste issues.
Municipal regulations for cleaning dog waste in Spain
Madrid
In Madrid, dog owners are legally obligated to clean up both excrement and urine left by their pets. The city council mandates that owners carry bags for waste but also recommend water mixed with vinegar to rinse areas where their dogs urinate. The fines for non-compliance range from €75 to €500, depending on the severity of the offence. As stated on the official Madrid City Council website, this policy ensures that streets, parks, and public spaces remain hygienic and pleasant for residents and visitors alike.
Bilbao
Bilbao recently introduced a rule requiring dog owners to clean urine as well as excrement. The city emphasises the importance of maintaining a clean urban environment, with fines ranging from €50 to €750 for violations. To clean up after your dog, use a bottle of water mixed with white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or active oxygen cleaner for disinfecting and odour neutralisation. Be sure to dilute carefully to avoid damage to public pavements, and encourage urination on grass or garden areas.
Barcelona
Barcelona has taken similar steps to combat dog-related messes. The city council plans to enforce a new rule that requires dog owners to carry cleaning solutions for urine. Fines for failing to comply can reach as high as €1,500 for repeat offenders. As reported by Huffington Post España, the initiative aims to change habits and ensure the city’s streets are clean and welcoming for all.
Valladolid
In northern Spain, Valladolid City Council is introducing a new regulation on cleaning up after dogs, effective from January 1, 2025. It requires dog owners to carry soapy water to dilute pet urine on public streets, alongside existing rules for cleaning up faeces. The new ordinance aims to minimise odours and stains while fostering responsible pet ownership and environmental awareness, with fines ranging from €750 to €3,000 depending on the severity of infractions.
Other municipalities
Regulations concerning dog waste vary across Spain’s municipalities. To find information specific to your local area, visit the official website of your Ayuntamiento (Town Hall).
If you’re unsure, contacting your local town hall directly can provide clarity on your responsibilities as a dog owner.
Dog poo fines in the Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol, home to the largest British expat community in Spain, has introduced stricter regulations for dog owners as part of a broader effort to maintain public cleanliness and protect urban infrastructure. According to a recent report by the Daily Express, in Torremolinos, authorities have issued hundreds of fines related to pet waste in the beginning of 2024. The fines range from €75 to €500, depending on the severity of the offence and whether the perpetrator is a repeat offender. Torremolinos City Council has called for “greater responsibility on behalf of all pet owners,” noting the corrosive effects of dog urine on street furniture, buildings, and vehicles. To address this, the new rules require dog owners to carry a bottle of soapy water to rinse away urine during walks with their pets.
The neighbouring municipality of Rincón de la Victoria has implemented similar laws this February, extending efforts to improve the cleanliness of its streets. To encourage compliance, the town hall has provided free bottles and bags for dog owners to clean up after their pets. In addition to these measures, Rincón de la Victoria has made it mandatory for all dogs to have their DNA registered with the local authorities. This system enables the town hall to identify owners who fail to pick up after their pets by matching excrement left in public spaces to the dog.
Practical tips for cleaning up after your dog in Spain
- Always carry supplies
Keep a sufficient supply of biodegradable bags to pick up after your dog. Bring a small bottle of water mixed with vinegar to clean urine spots.
- Use designated areas
Many cities have designated dog parks or waste disposal stations. Make use of these facilities to reduce your environmental footprint.
- Stay informed
Local regulations can change. Check your municipality’s website for the latest rules.
Keeping public spaces clean is not only about avoiding fines; it’s also about creating a more pleasant environment for everyone.
View all Spanish Living articles.
