How to check whether an animal shelter is registered

1. 1. Ask for the full name and the tax ID

   A registered association has an exact registered name, a tax ID (CIF) and a registration number. Ask for them in writing: it is a normal request and a registered organisation can give them quickly.

2. 2. Look at the right register

   Some regions publish their register of associations as open data and the check can be automatic. Elsewhere we give you the official link and the steps to search yourself.

3. 3. What not finding it means

   Not appearing in a register with a given data date allows no conclusion about the organisation: it may be registered under another name or in another register, or the copy may predate its registration. You can ask for its registration number.

4. 4. What no register says

   Legal existence says nothing about how an organisation cares for animals. Establishment authorisations and welfare inspections are a different matter and are not public across Spain.

Asking is not distrusting. An organisation that looks after its animals well usually answers this in a minute, and sometimes appreciates it.