It was reported that Spain made a big move in 2022 that pet lovers everywhere can appreciate. The country officially changed its laws so animals are no longer treated like objects, and this shift is already changing how courts handle everything from divorces to debt disputes. It sounds simple, but the impact is huge. They are now legally viewed as sentient beings with needs, feelings, and a place in the family.
According to the report, this wasn’t a quick decision. Animal groups had been pushing for years to update the Spanish Civil Code, which had treated animals the same as televisions or couches. Even though other laws in Spain and across Europe already recognized animals as sentient, the Civil Code lagged behind. When Congress finally approved the reform in December 2021 and it took effect in early 2022, it brought the country’s legal system more in line with how people actually treat their animals.
Once the reform was published in the Official State Gazette, it became fully active. It is no secret that. Spain has high pet ownership and around 30,000 married couples with pets get divorced each year. Now judges have to look at what’s best for the animal.
Pets in divorce court
Under the new rules, pets are treated with the same seriousness as other family members when couples go their separate ways. Judges must look at the living situation, financial stability, daily routine, and even the presence of kids. Since kids often have a strong bond with pets, courts may lean toward the partner who has primary custody of the children.
This idea played out even before the law took effect. A judge in Madrid granted joint custody of a dog to an unmarried couple that had broken up. The dog now spends a month with each person, and both are legally responsible for care. Cases like this used to be unusual. Now they’re expected.
It was also reported that the law also prevents couples from selling the animal during a divorce unless both partners agree. Joint custody can be denied when there’s evidence of domestic violence, animal abuse or threats against the pet.
A shift in animal care
Lawyers who work in animal rights call the reform a major step, and many Spaniards agree. Some believe it will help reduce the number of abandoned animals, which is around 200,000 a year. With pets now recognized as family instead of property, people may think twice before giving them up.
Spain still has disagreements around issues like bullfighting, but this change shows that attitudes toward animals are shifting. Pets have always felt like part of the family. Now the law finally says the same thing.
Enter Bantay and Mingming
We asked some people here in Manila what they think about the Spanish law… and here is what they say.
Paper law?
Ok on paper but I just came from Barcelona and I got to talk with an animal welfare group in Spain- there is still a lot of uncared for cats and dogs and a lot of abandoned ones in the outskirts of the city.
So I guess good on paper ito, but in real life practice, it all boils down to how law will be enforced.
Anna Cabrera, executive director, Philippine Animal Welfare Society (Paws) at Espai de Gats in Barcelona
A deep connection
This would be great for people who have no experience in having a deep connection with others who get to choose who to call family. Sometimes our pets are our only window to that kind of depth. We all need a semblance of having a family so legalizing it is something to pursue.
Cat mom Armi Millari with Michael (passed away in 2024)
No law needed
Recognizing pets as legal family members acknowledges what many of us already live every day — pets contribute profoundly to emotional well-being, mental health and family life. They are companions, sources of comfort, and in many cases, emotional support systems. This kind of legislation promotes more responsible pet ownership and reinforces compassion as part of public policy. Z and I are devoted pet lovers and firsthand witnesses to how deeply animals enrich daily life. Our giant poodles and other furkids are very much part of our family. Caring for pets teaches empathy, routine, and unconditional love—values that align closely with holistic wellness.
Dr. Aivee Teo
Cause for celebration
Just read an overview of the law since there’s not much available comprehensive materials yet but as an animal welfare group in the Philippines, we celebrate this big win for animals and especially animal welfare advocates and rescuers in Spain and can only hope and wish we will one day get to this point here in the Philippines.
Anyone who has ever had a pet will agree with us that they are really sentient beings. As rescuers who have dealt with pet surrenders, we really have seen how affected these animals are after they are surrendered. Despite them being abandoned by their owners, many remain loyal and find ways to go back home.
Also, with the overwhelming number of abandoned pets and surrendered pets, this law will definitely help prevent more homelessness and pet abandonment.
As a NGO here in the Philippines, we already take into consideration possibilities of break ups of couples so upon interview, we already ask adopters who will be responsible for our rescue should that happen in the future. Many don’t really think about this, even the welfare of pets should their owners die, that’s why many end up becoming strays or being surrendered to shelters or pounds. So we are definitely happy with this milestone in Spain. Pets will always be family and family means no one gets left behind.
Malou Perez, founder, Pawssion Foundation