Basics with dogs
Dogs are generally welcome if you want to take them to a restaurant, as long as you sit outside. It is advisable to inquire before entering the restaurant. Normally, upon arrival, a water bowl is offered to the dog first before serving the guests.
In Spain as well, dogs are considered loyal companions of humans. However, during holiday seasons, some public beaches may not allow dogs. During the pre- or post-season, people are generally more tolerant. As long as the dog does not run over other people’s towels but stays with its owners and keeps to the side of the bay, it is usually not a problem to take the dog to regular beaches.
- Pit bull type dogs must always be leashed and wear a muzzle!
- All dog breeds must be leashed while walking. A muzzle is only required for dogs of the pit bull type breeds. It is important to know that Spaniards generally do not leash their dogs. However, of the dogs we have encountered here in the village until today – and we have been living here for more than 13 years now – 99.5% have all been peaceful!
- Dogs must be securely restrained in the car. The new animal protection law prohibits leaving dogs alone in the car in the summer heat. If this still happens, the police may break the side window due to a report to “free” the dog.
Important: If possible, avoid the midday sun and strenuous activities with your dog and always offer your dog plenty of water!
Even the road surface can sometimes become unbearably hot for dogs, so the outdoors is preferable.
Are there street dogs in the city?
There are no stray dogs in our town. According to the new Animal Protection Act, all dogs must be chipped. However, if a dog escapes, it can be caught and handed in to the police. The police or the vet called can then read the chip and identify the owner. The deliberate abandonment of dogs can lead to a fine of up to €25,000.
Are there street cats in the city?
With the support of the city council, various feeding centres for cats have been set up in L’Escala. Food is distributed daily by an animal welfare organisation that depends exclusively on donations. Some of the food is sponsored by the city. Most of the free-roaming cats in L’Escala have a triangle symbol on one of their ears, which indicates that they have been neutered. This enables the city to effectively control the entire cat population. The cats play an important role in ensuring that no pests can gain a foothold in L’Escala.
The dog toilet
It is important to pick up your dog’s droppings when you go for a walk together and dispose of them properly. Use plastic bags to collect the faeces. Dog faeces are not only unattractive to look at, they are also harmful to the environment. Nobody likes stepping in dog faeces, and proper disposal is not only good for cleanliness but also for the environment. On average, it takes nine weeks for dog faeces to decompose, so it’s important to dispose of it responsibly.
The Rec de Moli dog beach
The first beach of Empuries – the Rec de Moli beach – after the Olympic statue, is the dog beach of L’Escala. It is a wide beach with fine sand and shallow water where you will be happy to be seen with your dog. From here you can also take a walk through the dunes to Sant Marti. You can visit this beach with your family, by bike or on the little tourist train.
Are dogs allowed on the bus or train or on the boat
All dogs must be kept on a lead and wear a muzzle on the bus (with the exception of dogs in a transport box). A ticket costing €0.30 must be purchased for dogs boarding the vehicle.
Small dogs in a transport box or suitable bag and guide dogs for the blind can travel on the bus free of charge.
Dogs are transported at half price on public transport.
On trains, dogs may only be transported in baskets or cages in the luggage compartment.
You can take your dog on a lead on the excursion boats.
Activities with your dog
The town offers countless opportunities for sporting activities with your family and your dog or simply for enjoying the sunshine. There are culturally worthwhile destinations, such as the local archaeological excavations or the historic old town of Girona, where scenes for “Game of Thrones” were filmed.
Dog tax in Catalonia - Spain
One major difference to Germany is that dog owners in Spain do not have to pay dog tax or take out dog liability insurance. The only exceptions are dogs that are categorised as potentially dangerous by the dog ownership regulations – all fighting dogs.
Which dog breed is number 1 in popularity in Spain / Catalonia?
1st place: Is the Labrador – a family dog with a heart
Thanks to its all-rounder character, it is not only one of the best-known dog breeds, but also one of the most popular dog breeds suitable for beginners. Not only does it hold first place worldwide, it is also the most popular dog breed.
