Licence and registration for a potentially dangerous dog (PPP)

A potentially dangerous dog (PPP) is one that the law considers capable of causing harm due to its characteristics or behaviour. The current framework as of 17 July 2026 is Ley 50/1999 (the Spanish Potentially Dangerous Animals Act) and its Real Decreto 287/2002, which remain fully in force for PPPs.

A dog is a PPP in 3 ways. First, by breed: the 8 breeds in Annex I of RD 287/2002 and their crosses (pit bull terrier, staffordshire bull terrier, american staffordshire terrier, rottweiler, dogo argentino, fila brasileiro, tosa inu and akita inu). Second, by physical characteristics in Annex II (strong musculature, weight over 20 kg, solid chest, etc.). Third, by behaviour: any dog that has shown marked aggressiveness or been involved in attacks, following a declaration by the competent authority.

Therefore, a mixed breed or an unlisted breed can also be a PPP if it meets the characteristics of Annex II or is declared aggressive. Every PPP must be identified with a microchip.

Anyone who owns or walks a potentially dangerous dog on public roads needs the licence. It is issued by the town hall of the municipality where the owner resides.

The requirements under article 3 of RD 287/2002 are: being of legal age; not having been convicted of homicide, assault, torture, crimes against freedom, moral integrity, sexual freedom or public health, nor for association with an armed gang or drug trafficking, nor being judicially deprived of the right to own animals; not having been penalised for serious or very serious infringements of Ley 50/1999; having physical capacity and psychological aptitude; and having civil liability insurance for third-party damage.

The minimum state insurance coverage is €120,000, but some autonomous communities require a higher amount (Andalusia, for example, requires €175,000). Managora checks the correct amount for your region and municipality.

To apply for the licence you must provide: an identity document (DNI, passport or NIE, the identification number for foreigners in Spain); a physical capacity and psychological aptitude certificate issued by an authorised medical centre (the same ones that examine drivers); a criminal record certificate, requested using modelo 790 código 006 from the Ministry of Justice (a self-assessment form to pay the tasa, or official fee); proof of not having been penalised for serious or very serious infringements; and the civil liability insurance policy.

The physical capacity and psychological aptitude certificate is valid for 1 year from its issuance, according to article 7 of RD 287/2002, so it is advisable to gather all documentation within the same timeframe.

Managora takes care of requesting the criminal record certificate, coordinating the physical and psychological examination, contracting the insurance with the correct coverage and submitting the application to your town hall. You can see the updated service cost on the procedure page.

Obtaining the licence and registering the animal are 2 different steps. Once the licence is granted, the owner must enrol the dog in the Municipal Registry of Potentially Dangerous Animals at their town hall.

RD 287/2002 does not set a single state deadline for this initial registration: it is determined by the municipal by-law, and it is usually required within 15 days after obtaining the licence. Any subsequent variation in the licence details must also be communicated to the town hall, within the period established by the municipal by-law (usually 15 days); RD 287/2002 does not set a strict state deadline for this.

The registration records the animal, its microchip, its owner and the insurance. Managora submits the registration application and provides you with the registration certificate, which is one of the documents you must carry with you on public roads.

In public places and spaces, the PPP must wear a muzzle appropriate for its breed type and be led with a non-extendable chain or leash of less than 2 metres. You cannot walk more than 1 potentially dangerous dog per person. Some autonomous communities tighten these measures (Andalusia limits the leash to 1 metre).

Whoever walks the animal must carry the administrative licence and the registration certificate from the Municipal Registry. On an estate or plot of land, the PPP must be tied up unless there is a suitable enclosed area. The loss or theft of the animal must be reported to the Municipal Registry within a maximum period of 48 hours.

Penalties under Ley 50/1999 range from €150.25 (minor) to €15,025.30 (very serious). Having a PPP without a licence is a very serious infringement; walking it without a muzzle or the regulatory leash, or not enrolling it in the registry, is a serious infringement. The penalty may be accompanied by the confiscation of the animal and the withdrawal or suspension of the licence.

Ley 7/2023 (the Spanish Animal Welfare Act), of 28 March, has been in force since 29 September 2023. It introduces mandatory civil liability insurance for all dogs and a training course for their ownership.

As of 17 July 2026, both measures depend on pending regulatory development, so they are not generally enforceable. Meanwhile, potentially dangerous dogs continue to be governed by Ley 50/1999 and RD 287/2002, with a minimum insurance of €120,000.

There is also a draft of a new Real Decreto that proposes to stop classifying PPPs solely by breed and replace it with an aptitude test at 12 months of age, with an insurance of €100,000. It is only a draft and is not in force. Managora monitors these changes and notifies you if they affect you.