Pets - Shops

The sale of puppies in shops is legal in all autonomous regions. In 2015 a total of 3,192 pet shops were registered.   

The region with the highest number of pet shops is Catalonia with 871, followed by Andalusia with 535 and Madrid with 419. Among the regions with the lowest number of pet shops are Navarra with 6, La Rioja with 13 and Cantabria with 40. (Source: Magrama)

Nowadays many of the animals being sold in pet shops come from Puppy Mills, puppy factories located in Eastern European countries such as Czech Republic or Slovakia, which produce puppies on an industrial scale at low cost and usually collapse the market of the local legal breeders.

According to a 2013 study by The kennel Club, the English organisation that has established breeding standards and carries out inspections, 1 in 5 puppies bought online or in pet shops will require veterinary care or it will die before it reaches 6 months of age. Lastly, 1 in 5 animals bought in pet shops will catch parvovirus.

At the state level

• Together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment we are collaborating on an action plan to promote a more respectful coexistence with dogs and cats and good practice in their trade.

In Catalonia

• We apply to town councils and/or agents of authority for inspections in pet shops.
• We lodge official complaints against pet shops and breeders breaking the law in Catalonia.
• We are putting pressure on the lawmakers in order to achieve a ban on the trading of animals.

• Adopt instead of buying. There are many advantages and you would be setting an example to others.
• Tell people what you know. Many of the animals being sold on the internet or in pet shops are either sick, have genetic problems or are from an illegal source. By buying them you are indirectly helping to perpetuate a very serious problem. Always offer alternatives and information without judging others.
• If you have already bought an animal and you are just finding out about this now, please check that all the paperwork is authentic and in order. Ask for the certificate of origin of the animal.
• Make sure that the animal you are given has been correctly identified (with a microchip and correctly registered).
• If you perceive irregularities or you see puppies in a store which are in ill health report it.