The coastal city of Marbella, on Spain’s Costa del Sol, is preparing to host a landmark event for pet owners and animal lovers. On December 12, 2025, the city will hold its first-ever congress dedicated specifically to promoting responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and harmonious coexistence between people and companion animals under the banner “Marbella Pet Friendly.”

Organized through a collaboration between the municipal authorities, namely the city’s Health Department, and the local association Marbella Canina, the congress will take place at 19:00 in the Gregorio García Guerrero Hall at the Adolfo Suárez Conference and Exhibition Centre. Attendance is free, though it requires prior online registration. The launch of this congress represents what local councilors describe as a milestone moment for the city.

As put by the councillor in charge of health and consumer affairs, the event reflects “a growing interest in pet well-being and community coexistence.” Sergio Moya, president of Marbella Canina and co-organizer of the event, emphasised that this is just the beginning of a broader “Pet Friendly” initiative that the city wants to build.

What the congress will offer: practical advice and real-world guidance

The congress will feature three expert-led talks — designed to cover key areas of pet ownership, from emergencies to everyday behaviour, and from human–animal relationships to regulatory responsibilities. The planned sessions are:

1. First-aid and pet emergencies: A veterinarian from local Artemis Clinic will address how to act in urgent situations involving pets. This talk aims to equip owners with the know-how to respond effectively if their animal becomes injured, ill, or otherwise in distress, practical guidance that can make a difference in critical moments.
2. Dog–owner relationship and behaviour: Sergio Moya will lead a session titled “The formula for a balanced dog and a happy owner,” focused on training techniques, prevention and resolution of behavioural problems, and ways to strengthen communication and mutual understanding between pets and families. For many pet owners, behavioural issues are among the greatest challenges — and this session promises actionable, experience-based advice.
3. Urban coexistence, regulations, and public responsibility: A representative from the Local Police’s canine unit will present under the heading “Your Dog and You.” This talk will cover rules around responsible pet ownership in urban spaces: proper use of muzzles, rules for pets in shared environments, guidance for potentially dangerous breeds, and obligatory practices such as waste collection.

Interestingly, the registration form for the congress includes a section where owners can flag specific behavioural issues with their animals. This allows the organisers to tailor some of the content to real community needs, making the event more useful and relevant.

The congress emerges at a time when the municipality appears to be rethinking how pets fit into urban life. The move to host a “Pet Friendly” congress reflects broader ambitions to make Marbella more accommodating to pets, both for residents and visitors.

According to municipal sources, the city council has approved measures to “develop strategies aimed at making Marbella a place welcoming to pets,” as part of the shift towards a more pet-friendly identity. As of now, municipality registries indicate there are over 40,500 registered pets in Marbella, more than 32,000 dogs and some 8,400 cats.

This push resonates with a wider trend across Spanish cities, where local authorities and communities are increasingly adopting regulations, services, and infrastructure to ensure that pet ownership does not come at the expense of cleanliness, public safety, or neighbourly harmony. The “Pet Friendly” label goes beyond just allowing pets in hotels or restaurants, it envisions a city where animals and people can coexist comfortably, with shared respect and responsibility.

Marbella, like many towns in the region, has in recent years tightened rules around pet ownership, notably regarding waste and public cleanliness. For example, dog owners may face significant fines if they fail to clean up after their pets. Authorities have emphasised that leaving dog mess on public streets presents a public health hazard: it can contribute to the spread of diseases transmissible to humans, including serious conditions.

Local ordinances in similar municipalities, and in parts of the Costa del Sol region, sometimes require dog owners to carry bags for waste, ensure their pets are leashed, and, for certain breeds or heavier animals, use a muzzle. Dog owners may also be required to vaccinate and register their pets. These regulations aim to balance pet-friendly policies with public health, safety, and cleanliness standards.

In addition, some municipalities in Spain have begun implementing measures like mandatory DNA registration for dogs, so that in cases of improper waste disposal authorities can identify the responsible animal (and owner). While such a scheme has not yet been introduced in Marbella, it forms part of the broader trend pushing for more responsible, traceable pet ownership across Spain.

Thus, the “Marbella Pet Friendly” congress can be seen also as a response to these evolving demands, giving owners not just warnings and regulations, but also support, information, and tools to comply responsibly.

For residents of Marbella, whether long-time locals, recent expats, or seasonal visitors, this congress represents a significant opportunity. It offers access to professional knowledge and practical advice, free of charge, in areas that are often confusing or overlooked: emergency pet care, behavioural training, and municipal regulations.

For dog owners who may be uncertain about local rules, about leashes, muzzles, waste disposal, or breed-specific restrictions, the congress offers clarity and guidance. For families struggling with behavioural problems in their pets, or simply wanting to foster a healthier, happier relationship, the training advice may make a real difference.

More broadly, for the community as a whole, this initiative signals a shift: a city increasingly embracing pets as part of its social fabric, but one that expects owners to respect public spaces and comply with rules. If successful, this can lead to a cleaner, more harmonious environment for all, humans and animals alike.

Organisers behind the congress say this is only the beginning. The event is intended to launch a long-term “Marbella Pet Friendly” project that may include additional training sessions, educational videos, social media awareness campaigns, and perhaps expanded infrastructure and public services for pets.

If this project develops fully, it could see Marbella evolve into one of the more animal-welcoming cities on the Costa del Sol, setting a model for responsible pet ownership, balanced coexistence, and community welfare.

For now, the December 12 congress stands as a public invitation: for pet owners, to take ownership, not just of their animals, but of their responsibilities; for the city, to lead by example; and for the community, to embrace coexistence.

Whether you are a Marbella resident, a frequent visitor, or simply curious about how cities adapt to growing pet populations, this is an initiative worth watching.