In recent years, Madrid has seen a significant rise in the number of illegal dog hotels. Demand for pet care services is increasing, and with it, more people are trying to profit from the business while ignoring laws and regulations. Many such establishments are located in regular apartments, operating without permits or even basic facilities for animal care.
Owners of these ‘shelters’ actively promote their services on social media, attracting customers with low prices. However, behind these appealing offers often lie dangerous conditions for the animals. In the past three years, Madrid’s municipal police have identified at least fifteen such locations. In one recent case, in the Hortaleza district, seven dogs were found in a mere 70-square-meter apartment, all in extremely poor condition. The responsible parties have already been fined €5,000, but repeated violations could increase the penalty tenfold.
Experts note that the number of unregistered dog ‘sitters’ in the capital could reach five thousand. The problem becomes especially acute during holiday periods, when official hotels are overcrowded and pet owners look for alternatives. Many entrust their pets to strangers found via apps or ads, without considering the potential consequences. As a result, there has been an increase in missing dogs and complaints of mistreatment.
The situation is worsened by the fact that the legal pet care market cannot cope with the influx of clients, while oversight of private initiatives is practically nonexistent. Authorities warn that by leaving their pet in a questionable place, owners risk not only the health but also the life of their beloved animal. In the near future, inspections are expected to become stricter and fines for violators will be increased in an effort to curb the spread of illegal animal boarding facilities in Madrid.
