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AndalucÃa sees record pet registrations as new tax break for owners comes into focus
More than 2.5 million animals now registered as 30 percent vet expense deduction prepares to take effect
As many residents begin preparing their paperwork for the next Spanish income tax campaign, attention is already turning to the deductions available for 2026. With key deadlines for the 2025 to 2026 tax return already outlined, a new figure has emerged that underlines just how relevant one particular tax break could be.According to the Central Registry System for Animal Protection, SICERPA, Andalucía recorded 2,537,713 registered pets in 2025. The total includes dogs, cats, ferrets, potentially dangerous dogs and other species, and marks a record for the region. The milestone comes in the same year that a new regional tax deduction linked to pet care was announced.
The proposal allows pet owners to deduct 30 percent of veterinary expenses, up to a maximum of €100, on their 2026 tax return. The aim is twofold. As officials explain, it is designed “to alleviate the costs of having a pet at home” while also promoting animal welfare and public health.
There are some important conditions. If an animal is purchased or given away, the deduction applies only in the first year. However, for pets adopted from a shelter, the benefit can be claimed for three consecutive years. In the case of guide dogs or animals linked to situations of gender-based violence, the deduction applies for the animal’s lifetime.
The rise in registrations also reflects stricter regulation. The 2023 animal welfare law created SICERPA, which includes five different registries, one specifically for companion animals such as dogs, cats and ferrets. In Andalucía, identification is already managed through RAIA, the Andalusian Registry of Companion Animal Identification.
By law, dogs, cats and ferrets must be individually identified before three months of age with a subcutaneous microchip. The procedure is carried out at a veterinary clinic and does not require sedation. It is accompanied by rabies vaccination, and the vet must complete an official identification certificate before registering the animal electronically.
The growing number of registered pets adds another layer to this year’s tax conversation. Alongside deductions for those living with senior relatives and savings available to homeowners, pet owners now have another potential way to reduce their bill while ensuring their animals are properly cared for.
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