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Date Published: 31/03/2026

Alicante's pet population booms with nearly half a million registered dogs and cats

A 14% rise in a year sees furry friends become more popular than ever across the province

Pet ownership is clearly on the rise in Alicante province, with the latest figures showing a total of 487,587 registered dogs and cats. That's a healthy 14% jump in just one year, bringing the numbers ever closer to half a million animal companions sharing homes with families across the area. With roughly one pet for every four people, it's no surprise that pets have become such an important part of daily life here.

Alicante city is out in front when it comes to new registrations, with 7,924 animals added to the list in 2025. Close behind are Elche on 4,954 and Torrevieja with 2,880. The top ten also includes Orihuela, San Vicente del Raspeig, Alcoy, Benidorm, Dénia, Xàbia and La Vila Joiosa, showing just how much pet love there is right across our communities.

Dogs still hold the top spot as the favourite choice, now totalling 387,248 after 28,467 new registrations last year. You'll find more than 330 breeds in the mix, though the largest group is our friendly mixed-breeds who bring so much joy to homes every day.

But it's cats that have really stolen the show this time around. Their numbers shot up by an impressive 37.05% with 23,409 new feline friends registered, taking the total to 96,247. Whether it's their quiet nature or their easy-going company, more people than ever are choosing cats as their perfect housemate.

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The registry goes beyond just dogs and cats too. There are 1,455 potentially dangerous dogs listed, plus some more unusual pets like a boa constrictor among 537 reptiles, 158 families with pet pigs, and 18 goats. On the equine side, 8,604 animals are registered, mainly horses at 7,081 and donkeys at 1,273. Mules number 215, including 14 hinnies (the offspring of a male horse and female donkey) and there are even 21 zebras adding a touch of the exotic.

All these animals are microchipped and registered as required by Spanish law, helping to keep track of lost pets, ensure their welfare and support public health. It's a great sign of how responsibly we're all looking after our four-legged family members here in Alicante.

You might also be interested in: Taking a pet to Spain: Rules and costs for bringing a dog or cat to Spain

Images: digital representations

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