Now that you’ve decided to buy a property in Spain and live here either permanently or semi-permanently, Hamiltons Real Estate (formerly Hamiltons of London) will help you search for the perfect location and home. As you settle into your new lifestyle on the Costa Blanca North, you may also start thinking about adding a pet to your household.
Animal welfare is taken seriously throughout the Marina Alta, with many dedicated volunteers working tirelessly to rescue, care for and rehome abandoned cats and dogs. Whether you are looking for a property for sale in Moraira, a villa in Benissa, an apartment in Calpe or a country home in the Jalón Valley, you'll find a welcoming community of animal lovers and rescue organisations nearby.
Once you have found a house to buy in Moraira, you will become aware of the abundance of animal rescue centres along the coast and inland. These centres are run by volunteers who liaise with local veterinary practices, rescue animals that have been found abandoned or wandering alone, and organise the capture, sterilisation and care of feral cat colonies.
They work hard to reunite lost pets with their owners and find loving new homes for animals whose previous owners cannot be traced. Before any adoption takes place, they carry out home checks to ensure every animal is going to a safe, caring environment where it will receive the love and attention it deserves.
Once you have settled into the villa for sale in Moraira that you have chosen, is this something that you may also wish to do? These marvellous organisations do not only need adopters; if you are not currently able to adopt a pet of your own, they are constantly looking for volunteers to walk dogs, clean kennels and catteries, groom, cuddle nervous animals, help with fundraising and provide temporary foster homes for cats and dogs.
Whether you are a dog or cat person, there will almost certainly be a rescue centre within easy reach of your new home on the Costa Blanca North that would welcome your interest and support.
Spain has strengthened its animal welfare legislation in recent years, recognising pets as sentient living beings rather than possessions. The updated Animal Welfare Law has introduced greater responsibilities for pet owners and increased penalties for neglect, abandonment and abuse.
Although these changes represent a significant step forward, they have not reduced the demand placed on rescue organisations. Shelters throughout the Costa Blanca continue to operate at or near capacity and rely heavily on volunteers, donations and responsible adoptions. Anyone buying a villa for sale in Spain has the opportunity to support these remarkable charities, whether through volunteering, donating or offering a forever home.
When you buy a house in Spain and move in, you may decide that the time is right to adopt a pet. Rescue centres take great care to match each family with the healthiest and most suitable companion for their lifestyle and home.
Before adoption, animals are typically given veterinary examinations and, wherever appropriate, are vaccinated, microchipped, treated for parasites and neutered or spayed. Rescue organisations also carry out home visits and provide ongoing advice to help new owners settle their pets into family life.
A modest adoption fee is normally charged to help cover veterinary expenses. Beyond this, rescue centres rely on fundraising events such as charity auctions, live music evenings, quiz nights and generous donations from local residents. Bedding, towels, food and pet accessories are always gratefully received.
Here are some of the rescue organisations serving the Marina Alta. Wherever you choose to buy a home on the Costa Blanca, one of these charities is likely to be nearby.
If you’ve found a home to buy in Spain and have adopted your new companion, you will naturally want to keep them safe and healthy. Fortunately, there are excellent veterinary surgeries throughout the Costa Blanca North, many of which have multilingual staff, with services costing considerably less than in many other European countries.
Spanish law requires dogs, and in many cases cats, to be microchipped and correctly registered. Regular vaccinations, parasite prevention and routine health checks are essential, particularly if your pet spends time outdoors or may need to stay in kennels or a cattery while you travel. Your local vet will advise you on the vaccination schedule and any legal requirements that apply.
You have now found your dream Mediterranean villa for sale on the Costa Blanca and adopted your new pet. However, you may still need to travel occasionally for work, to visit family and friends or simply enjoy a holiday elsewhere. When that happens, you'll want the reassurance that your furry family member is being well cared for.
There are some excellent kennels, catteries and pet-sitting services throughout the Marina Alta. It is always worth visiting a boarding facility before making a booking. Well-run establishments will be happy to show you around, explain their routines and discuss your pet's individual needs. Many also provide grooming, collection and delivery services, while discounts are often available for households with more than one pet.
As with many things when moving to Spain, local recommendations are invaluable. Don't hesitate to ask neighbours, friends or the team at Hamiltons Real Estate, who are all passionate animal lovers and happy to share their own experiences of trusted local pet services.
Yes. Most rescue organisations are happy to adopt animals to both Spanish residents and international buyers, provided you can offer a safe and suitable home. A home visit and adoption agreement are usually required.
Most charities ask for an adoption donation rather than charging for the animal itself. This normally helps cover vaccinations, microchipping, sterilisation, veterinary treatment and passport preparation where applicable.
Yes. Dogs must be microchipped, and regional regulations may also require cats to be identified. Your veterinary practice can advise on the latest legal requirements for your area.
Contact a local veterinary practice, your town hall (Ayuntamiento), the Local Police or one of the nearby rescue organisations. Many animals are microchipped, allowing owners to be contacted quickly.
Yes. The Costa Blanca North has numerous veterinary clinics where English is spoken, making it easier for international residents to access routine healthcare and emergency treatment for their pets.
In most cases, yes. The requirements depend on the country you are moving from, but pets generally need a valid microchip, up-to-date vaccinations and the appropriate travel documentation. Your vet and the relevant authorities can advise before you travel.
Updated in July 2026 by the team at Hamiltons Real Estate.
