Dog Lending in Spain: What It Is and How It Works

Dog lending is an increasingly popular practice in Spain: an owner leaves their dog in the temporary care of another trusted person, at no cost and with no change of ownership. It's not a sale, it's not an adoption, and it's not a professional care service. It's simply sharing your dog temporarily with someone who loves animals just as much as you do.

The idea comes from a real need: not every owner has family or friends available when they need help with their dog. And not everyone can afford between 25 and 45 euros per night at a dog kennel, or the per-booking fees of commercial marketplaces (here's our honest comparison of dog-sitting platforms). Dog lending in Spain fills that gap by connecting owners with people — called borrowers — who want to spend time with dogs.

In other words: it's like asking a trusted neighbour for a favour, but with a platform that keeps messages, reviews and bookings in one place.

Why Would Someone Lend Their Dog?

There are many reasons why an owner might look for someone to care for their dog temporarily:

• Travel and holidays — Easter, summer, long weekends... you can't always take your dog with you.
• Work commitments — Long working hours, business trips, or shift changes that make daily care difficult.
• Personal situations — A house move, a hospital stay, or any unexpected event that prevents you from caring for your dog for a few days.
• Socialisation — Some owners want their dog to interact with other people and environments to improve their wellbeing.

The key is finding someone trustworthy who will treat your dog as their own. And that's where the concept of a borrower comes in.

Why Would Someone Borrow a Dog?

On the other side are people who want the company of a dog without owning one:

• Dog lovers who can't have one — Small flats, incompatible schedules, or rental restrictions.
• Families who want to try before adopting — Spending time with a dog helps you understand whether you're ready for the commitment.
• Elderly people or those living alone — A dog's company improves emotional wellbeing and daily routine (here's how a dog can help with loneliness).
• Athletes and active people — Running, walking, or hiking with a dog is much better with company.

Did you know? Studies show that spending time with dogs reduces cortisol levels and increases oxytocin. You don't need to be an owner to enjoy those benefits.

How Dog Lending Works on Guauly

Borrowing a dog or lending yours is straightforward with Guauly. Here's how it works, step by step:

Step 1: Create Your Profile

Sign up for free and create your profile. If you're an owner, add your dog with their characteristics, routines, and needs. If you're a borrower, complete your profile with your dog experience and availability.

Step 2: Search and Connect

Owners can search for borrowers in their city. Borrowers can browse dog profiles near them. Filter by location, dog size, and availability.

Step 3: Meet Beforehand

Chat through the internal messaging system and arrange a pre-meeting. Let the borrower and your dog get to know each other in a relaxed setting. A walk together is usually the best test.

Step 4: Enjoy the Experience

Once you're both comfortable, the lending can begin. Share routines, food, medication, and emergency contacts. Keep in touch throughout the stay.

Is It Safe to Lend or Borrow a Dog?

It's the most important question, and the short answer is: yes, if you take the right precautions.

At Guauly, we take safety seriously:

• Payment held on pro stays — when you book a pro sitter, the money only reaches them after the stay, and you can report a problem before it does.
• Reviews and ratings — Read experiences from other owners before choosing a borrower.
• Secure messaging — Communicate through the platform without sharing personal details.
• Pre-meeting — We always recommend a trial walk before the first stay.
• Microchip and documentation — Make sure your dog has their microchip updated and wears an ID tag on their collar.

Guauly Tip: Start with a short walk or an afternoon together before leaving your dog for a longer stay. Trust is built step by step.

Dog Lending vs Dog Kennel vs Paid Dog Sitter

Not sure which option is best for your dog? Here's a quick comparison:

Find Borrowers in Your City

Dog lending works best when you find someone close to you. Guauly is available in major cities across Spain:

• Dog sitters in Madrid — the largest borrower community in Spain
• Dog sitters in Barcelona — dog lovers near you
• Dog sitters in Valencia — the community grows every day
• Dog sitters in Seville — borrowers ready to care for your dog

Can't find your city? Browse all available borrowers and find someone near you.

Get Started Today on Guauly

Dog lending isn't a trend — it's the way communities have always cared for animals. Neighbours lending a hand, friends taking turns, people who adore dogs and want to spend time with them. Guauly simply makes that process safe, easy, and accessible for everyone.

You don't need to spend money or rely on family and friends being available. There are people in your city who would love to look after your dog — all you need to do is take the first step.

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Find someone who wants to care for your dog and join Spain's largest dog lending community.