You're certainly not alone. Many people who make Spain their home, whether permanently or for part of the year, decide the time is right to welcome a dog or cat into their lives. Thankfully, the Costa Blanca is home to some wonderful rescue organisations doing incredible work for abandoned and neglected animals.
Now that you've made the decision to buy a property in Spain and Hamiltons Real Estate has helped you find the perfect location and home, you may well start thinking about adding a pet to your household.
There is an abundance of animal rescue centres along the coast and inland, run almost entirely by volunteers. They work closely with local vets, rescue animals that have been found wandering alone and do everything they can to reunite lost pets with their owners. When that's not possible, they focus on finding them loving new homes, carrying out home checks beforehand to make sure the animals won't face further neglect or disappointment.
Absolutely.
These marvellous organisations don't just need adopters. If you aren't in a position to take on a pet yourself, there are plenty of other ways to get involved. Volunteers are always needed to walk dogs, clean kennels, groom animals, provide plenty of cuddles, help at fundraising events or even offer temporary foster homes until a permanent family comes along.
Whether you're a dog person or a cat person, there's bound to be a rescue centre not far away that would welcome your help.
Although Spain has strengthened its animal welfare laws in recent years, recognising pets as living beings rather than possessions and increasing the penalties for animal cruelty, rescue centres are still as busy as ever.
Most carry out veterinary health checks, ensure animals are vaccinated and, wherever possible, arrange for them to be spayed or neutered before they are rehomed. Many also spend countless hours trapping, neutering and caring for local feral cat colonies, helping to reduce unwanted litters in a humane way.
The small adoption fee charged by most rescue centres simply helps towards these costs. Everything else depends on donations, fundraising events such as quiz nights, auctions and live music evenings, together with the generosity of local people who regularly donate bedding, towels, food and other essentials.
Wherever you decide to make your home along this beautiful stretch of the Costa Blanca, you'll never be too far from a rescue organisation.
Between Benissa and Teulada you'll find PEPITO DOG SHELTER. PLUTO also covers the Benissa, Teulada and Moraira area, rescuing and protecting both cats and dogs. In Jávea, APASA has been helping abandoned dogs for many years, while inland behind Dénia, APROP cares for both dogs and cats. Their cats have even developed quite a following on social media, helping to shine a light on the charity's work.
If you're thinking about adopting, volunteering or simply making a donation, all of these organisations would be delighted to hear from you.
Once you've adopted your new companion, you'll want to make sure they stay happy and healthy.
Fortunately, there are excellent veterinary surgeries throughout the Costa Blanca, many with English-speaking staff, and treatment is often much more affordable than people expect.
Your vet will advise you on the vaccinations your pet should receive, particularly if they're likely to spend time outdoors or occasionally stay in kennels or catteries.
While requirements can vary slightly depending on where you live in Spain, dogs are generally vaccinated against:
Canine Parvovirus
Distemper
Polyvalent diseases
Rabies
Annual boosters are usually recommended.
Your vet may also advise vaccinations against Leishmaniasis, Leptospirosis, Canine Hepatitis, Lyme Disease and Kennel Cough, depending on your dog's lifestyle.
For cats, much depends on whether they're indoor or outdoor pets.
The core vaccinations usually include:
Feline Panleukopenia
Rhinotracheitis
Calicivirus
Outdoor cats generally require annual boosters, while rabies vaccination may be needed if your cat is staying in a cattery or travelling abroad.
It's also worth speaking to your vet about flea, tick and worming treatments. They can recommend products that are often more effective than those available over the counter.
Even in paradise, we all need to travel occasionally, whether it's to visit family, go on holiday or head back home for a while.
The good news is that there are some excellent kennels and catteries across the Costa Blanca.
If possible, visit before booking. A good boarding kennel will have no problem showing you around, explaining their routine and answering any questions you may have. Some also offer grooming, collection and delivery services, and discounts if you have more than one pet.
As always, ask around. Local recommendations are often the best way to find somewhere you'll feel happy leaving your pet.
One of the lovely things about living on the Costa Blanca is just how pet-friendly it is. From countryside walks to coastal paths, there's no shortage of places to enjoy with your four-legged friend.
At Hamiltons Real Estate, we know that moving home is about more than finding the right property. It's about creating the life you want to live, and for many people, that includes sharing it with a much-loved dog or cat.
Yes. Most rescue organisations are happy to rehome animals with foreign residents, provided you can offer a suitable home and meet their adoption requirements.
Adoption fees vary between charities but usually cover vaccinations, health checks, microchipping and neutering or spaying.
In most cases, yes. Rescue centres will usually ensure animals have received appropriate veterinary care before they are rehomed.
Very much so. The area has excellent veterinary care, plenty of outdoor space and a strong community of animal lovers, making it a wonderful place for pets and their owners alike.
Volunteering, fostering, donating supplies or helping with fundraising events are all valuable ways to support your local rescue organisation.
Updated from our original 2023 article by the team at Hamiltons Real Estate (previously known as Hamiltons of London) – July 2026.
