Since 2nd January 2025, the Spanish government has been enforcing the Royal Decree 666/2023, which governs the sale and dispensing of veterinary medicines. This regulation has had a big impact on us, as it limits how quickly and efficiently vets can prescribe treatment for different illnesses. It's part of a European directive that all member states must implement by 2030, but Spain has decided to enforce it strictly and urgently.

We as vets are now unable to use the most effective treatment as we did before, which will cause a greater delay in the animal's improvement, as well as an extra expense for the owner and the consequent frustration for the veterinarian. We can't give animals treatment for more than a couple of days, so owners must get their medication from pharmacies, which can lead to supply issues, delays, and higher prices because the pharmacies are giving out more tablets than they're supposed to.

The various veterinary organisations are fighting to try to change the aspects of this law that most restrict our freedom when treating your pets. This is why we ask you to be very patient and understanding. From now on when you come to our clinic, we are no longer able to provide you with medication as before, as our hands are totally tied, and we must follow a strict prescription chain, or face disproportionate fines ranging from 600€ to 1,2000,000€. Veterinarians in Spain must now enter all antibiotic prescriptions into Presvet, a new digital registration system. This platform is designed to monitor antibiotic use in animals and reduce resistance. While acknowledging the need to limit antibiotics, we as veterinarians argue that the measure complicates our work and could put animal lives at risk.

If you have any further questions about this, please ask us – we'll be happy to explain. Thanks so much for your patience while we get used to this new system!