DOGS / LICENCES / BEACHES

[squeals]

This may be a silly question but is there a law about walking dogs along beaches? I have never seen anyone actually walk their dogs along the shoreline. Also do you have to have a dog licence if you keep a dog in Spain? Many thanks. Squeals

[joeybaby]

People tell you different things about dog laws over here! Firstly I have been told that it is illegal to walk dogs on any of the beaches here at any time of the year, but then other people say tthat it is ok during the winter months! I have seen Spanish people dog walking on the Guardamar beach in the winter, but the "perros no" sign is still up! A friend of mine walks their dog at a bit of beach at Santa Pola but, it may or may not be legal! Your guess is as good as anybodies!! I personally dont risk it, but it is a shame as I think my doggie would love to run and splash around on the sea front!
As for licenses, I think if you own a "dangerous dog" you have to do things like that through the town hall or police, but I'm not sure exactly what it entails! You do have to have the dog micro-chipped so that you can be traced if your dog is found wandering about by itself! I also have my pooch protected against rabies each year (they give you a little coloured tag to put on its collar), but I dont know if this is a legal requirement. I heard a rumour going round that you should register each dog with the local town hall (regardless of the breed) but I dont think anybody bothers with this!!
I suppose you could ask a local vet what the exact rules regarding dog ownership are!

[squeals]

Thanks for that... i don't think my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is classed as a dangerous dog!!!! A lap dog yes! As you say shame about not being allowed on the sand but I did wander as I had never seen any on the beaches! My pooch has just had his first rabies jab, he is microchipped and registered in the UK, any idea how I register his chip in Spain, or again ask a vet? Thanks though. squeals

[joeybaby]

Go to the vet - I think they scan the chip`and somehow change your existing address to your new one?! I also give my dog a worm tablet every month, which is for intestinal worms, and heart worms ( during the summer this can be a problem - if the dog gets infected by heart worm it can be very serious,sometimes deadly. Some say it mostly affects dogs kept outside alot, but I dont want to risk it with my cutsey little Beagle (naughty as hell!!))!