Costa del Sol’s new DNA dog registration rule: What pet parents need to know

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. Dog owners in many Spanish municipalities are now required to microchip their pet and also submit a DNA sample for registration at the veterinarian. This is done in an attempt to reduce dog excrement on public surfaces.

Measures to reduce public mess

Costa del Sol has just recently been impacted by this measure. Although it has already been implemented across a number municipalities, the Costa del Sol has yet to be affected. The goal of this new measure is to reduce public health risks, maintain the health of the eco-systems (which includes plants and animals), and ensure that public spaces are clean, walkedable, and litter free. Authorities can test the DNA of any dog droppings left on the ground and fine owners who do so.

What happens if you do not register your DNA?

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. Avoid hefty fines by picking up after your dog and disposing of it in the right way.                

Many people also complain about dog owners who take their dogs for walks without plastic bags or get distracted by their phone while their pets are doing their business.

Is it a city or town requirement to register my pet’s DNA?

The town by town can differ in terms of whether DNA registration is compulsory or not. It is best to check with your local town or council. 

Some of the municipalities that require DNA registration 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
• Catalonia has other municipalities that require DNA registration. However, whether this is mandatory varies from region to region.

What’s the cost to register my dog’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 in Costa del Sol, where the measure has only recently been implemented, offer discounts to the first roll-out.

Do I also have to register any other animals?

No Spanish municipality will require that owners of pets other than dogs (cats or rabbits) register their DNA after November 2025. As of November 2025, no Spanish municipality will require owners to register the DNA of their pets that are not dogs (cats, rabbits or birds). In Spain, all dogs, cats and ferrets must have microchips. It is also good to clean up after your pets regardless of any legal requirements.

How to register your dog’s DNA

It is easy to register a pet, regardless of whether it’s your first dog or an old friend.

1. Visit your veterinarian and have a saliva test taken (other types of DNA samples may be needed, depending on region and institution). Register the dog. This can be done in conjunction with the normal microchip and vaccine process.
2. Owners will be provided with a special QR code collar tag after completing the application process. They should attach this to their pet’s neck in order to avoid fines.
3. Registering your pet immediately will help you avoid fines, legal issues and other unexpected delays.
4. All documents pertaining to your pet (adoption papers and collar tags etc.) should be organized. Organize and keep all documents on hand in case they are ever needed.

People voice their opinions: A surprising controversial measure for public health

Although the new measure is aimed at improving public health and walking spaces, it has caused a surprising level of controversy. This is especially true in Costa del Sol. The new rule is favored by some, while it’s criticized by others.

One Facebook user wrote: “I don’t spend money on that nonsense because I pick up my dogs’ poo.”

When they do this with human excrement, and all the litter left behind […] That’s when I do that with my dog. I will continue to pick up after my dogs until then. If they want to fine me, they can build a dog park in Estepona, as there are only three.

There were users who agreed to continue cleaning up after pets but declared outright that the animals would not be registered. “Let us also analyze the saliva left behind by people on cans bottles and cigarette butts. Urine […] They have lost their ability to steal our money. “I always clean up after my pets, but I won’t do that nonsense.”

Others consider it to be a positive thing for local communities. They point out that the area is full of dog excrement from irresponsible owners. One user from the Costa del Sol writes: “The police station and its garden are filled with dog poo.” They removed all signs that were forbidden. “We have to deal with odor.”

“If it’s not something you want to do, then don’t get a pet!” Another user is adamantly in favor.

It doesn’t matter if you are for or against the measure. Or unsure, it is clear that Spain is preparing to adopt the regulation more widely. And the better informed the public, the less likely they are to be hit with a hefty fine.

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