Overview

• The Royal Decree, approved May 27 by the Consejo de Ministros, replaces a 1983 law and recognizes assistance dogs and handlers as a single unit nationwide.
• It guarantees access to educational, cultural, sports and healthcare centers, retail establishments and collective transport networks, with exceptions for operating rooms and other high-hygiene areas.
• Assistance dogs can accompany owners into tourist accommodations, restaurants, museums, theaters, beaches and recreational areas, provided they stay out of pools and water parks.
• The regulation requires assistance dogs to be trained by officially accredited professionals and entitles them to rest and retirement at age 10 while retaining public access rights.
• The decree secures entry for assistance dogs in shelters and support centers for victims of gender and sexual violence and enshrines non-discrimination and welfare obligations for handlers and trainers.