Marbella for pets lovers

 

During the early morning and late afternoon hours, the streets, beach promenades and parks of Marbella fill with happy dog owners enjoying walks with their little darlings. There are more than 50.000 registered pets in the municipality of Marbella and over 85% of them are dogs. The Costa del Sol is synonymous for a unique beachside quality of life and boasts amazing outdoor spaces, shopping and accommodation, venues and services, available not only for man but also for man´s best friend.

RULES & LAWS

Whether you are planning to become a resident or to visit the Costa del Sol and want to enjoy the company of your “best friend” here are the rules and laws you should probably know about with regard to pets in Andalucia. Be aware that rules can slightly differ in each municipality. The following rules apply for the Marbella municipality:

• All dogs, cats, ferrets and horses must be registered with a microchip, as well as a passport and vaccination. In public areas, all dogs must wear a collar and lead, and have to be accompanied by their owner or caretaker who should have that pets passport on him at all times. Dogs are only allowed off lead in the dog parks and on dog friendly beaches.
• Potentially dangerous dog breeds must have a license and registration certificate from the town hall, as well as a liability insurance for at least 175.000€ and in public places wear a muzzle, with a lead no longer than 2 meters. Dogs over 20 kg must also wear a muzzle.

VETS

Each veterinary clinic can help guide you through the rules and assist you with regard to micro-chipping, pet passports and vaccinations. There are plenty of vets on the Costa del Sol, however Marbella Unique Properties would like to recommend two in particular, where they speak various languages and offer a friendly and personalized service. Pointer Clinic, a veterinary clinic with branches in Marbella and Estepona, and over 25 years of experience, they speak Spanish, English, Dutch, Swedish, German and French. Another good clinic is “Zarpas y Bigotes”, located on Marbellas Golden Mile providing a full range of services for dogs and cats, from diagnostics, internal medicine to ophthalmology and surgery.

GROOMING

Most of the clinics offer a pet grooming parlor, you can also opt for a freelance groomer or a comfortable mobile grooming service with a van that comes right to your front door. Algalia – The veterinary consulting and canine hairdresser is excellently located, in El Corte Inglés shopping mall right in the heart of Puerto Banús.

BEACHES AND PARKS

In June 2017 the first two beaches for dogs opened in the Marbella area. About 250 linear meters of coastline in the area of El Pinillo in Marbella and Ventura del Mar in Puerto Banús were enabled for dogs and their owners use. The city council of Marbella is working on improving quality standards by installing fountains and showers on both beaches and are planning to install play areas and shade. The municipality of Marbella offers 20.000 square meters of impressive park areas for dogs. The first two areas, in “Parque Nagueles” on the Golden Mile (the biggest dog park in Andalucía) and in “Parque de Los Tres Jardines” in San Pedro town were open in 2013. By the end of 2016 four more dog areas were open in Las Chapas, on “Calle Palencia” in San Pedro town, on “Bulevar Ashmawi” and in “Parque de la Represa”, Marbella town.

SHOPPING

Some veterinary clinics have their own shops offering products mostly for dogs and cats, but if you look for a wider product choice you can try “Mascota Planet” shop in San Pedro town, offering “all you need” for your dog, pet, parrot, turtle etc… Another excellent option is “Fred and Rita” pet shop in el Corte Inglés in Puerto Banús, right next to canine hairdresser. They sell everything from food right through to accessories, beds and toys.

ANIMAL CHARITY

If you are not a pet owner yet, but you love animals and would like to get involved in volunteering activities or you are considering adopting a pet, there are various charities in Marbella which deserve to be considered. Triple A in Marbella, an officially registered non-profit animal charity association are dedicated to taking care of the abandoned and abused animals and they offer various possibilities on how you can help: donations, sponsoring animals, involving children in virtual adoption, being a flight partner to help transport the adopted animals to their new life in foreign countries or being a dog walker (every Saturday from 9 am). Another charity organization on the Costa del Sol that operates a dog shelter is Adana in Estepona, a beautiful natural environment with many volunteering options.

PROPERTIES + PETS = FAMILY HOME

Marbella Unique Properties are happy to offer you the best selection of pet friendly properties available for long and or short term rental in the Marbella areas: