Weather and seasons in Madrid
Madrid has hot, dry summers — July and August often pass 35°C and pavements stay hot into the evening — and cold, sunny winters with frosty mornings. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for long walks.
Planning around the seasons
In summer, walk very early or late at night, as many Madrileños do, carry water and avoid hot pavements in the afternoon.
Watch for pine processionary caterpillars in late winter and spring in parks with pines — they are dangerous for dogs that sniff or lick them.
Homes, buildings and access
Many buildings have a portero or concierge and community rules (comunidad de vecinos) that may cover pets in shared areas. Tell your provider about door codes, the portero’s hours and where keys are left.
Local rules worth knowing
In Spain dogs must be microchipped and registered; in Madrid that means the regional pet register. Breeds classed as potentially dangerous (PPP) need a licence and must be leashed and muzzled in public. Spain’s national animal-welfare law adds further obligations — check what currently applies to you.
Getting around Madrid with a pet
Metro de Madrid admits dogs under specific conditions (on a lead, muzzled and at certain times or in certain carriages); buses have their own rules. A pet taxi is the simplest way to reach the vet, a groomer or Barajas.
Pet care in Madrid — FAQ
Does OnlyPaw work in Madrid?
Yes. OnlyPaw is available worldwide, including Madrid. Because it's a marketplace, the providers you can book depend on who has been approved near your address — the app shows who's available before you pay.
How much does pet care cost in Madrid?
Providers in Madrid set their own prices, so you see each provider's rate in the app before you book. At checkout OnlyPaw adds a service fee of 10% of the service price, with a minimum of USD 2 and a maximum of USD 20 (or the equivalent in your local currency), shown before you pay. Your payment is held and only released to the provider after the service is completed.
When is it too hot to walk my dog in Madrid?
In July and August the middle of the day is usually too hot for pavements. Walk early in the morning or late in the evening, keep it short and carry water. You can book early or late slots on OnlyPaw.
What are processionary caterpillars?
Pine processionary caterpillars appear on pine trees in late winter and spring. Their hairs can cause severe reactions if a dog sniffs or licks them — keep away from the lines they form on the ground and see a vet straight away if there is contact.
How are providers vetted?
Every provider submits a government ID and a selfie, passes a knowledge test with a 70% pass mark and uploads service-specific documents — home photos for sitting and boarding, driving licence and vehicle registration for pet taxi, certificates for grooming and training — before the OnlyPaw team approves them.
What happens in an emergency?
Every active booking has an SOS button in the app. It alerts the other party and the OnlyPaw team straight away. If your pet needs urgent medical care, contact a vet or emergency clinic first.
