By Adam Woodward

Copyright euroweeklynews

In a surprise move aimed at easing everyday expenses and promoting well-being, Andalusia’s regional government has introduced two attractive and innovative tax deductions for anyone who has a pet or goes to a gym as part of its seventh package of fiscal reductions.

Announced recently by regional President Juanma Moreno and Economy Minister Carolina España, the tax discounts offer deductions for veterinary costs, and gym membership fees, which will potentially benefit over a million residents and cost the regional budget around €48 million annually.

The initiatives, which will take effect from January 1, 2026, and be applicable in the 2026 tax return (including some eligible 2025 expenses), show the regional government’s commitment to supporting family life and public health. With Andalusia’s budget exceeding €50 billion, the deductions represent a modest yet targeted effort to put more money back in taxpayers’ pockets, totalling in the region of €55 million with the latest package, while addressing common household priorities.

Tail-wagging tax relief for those with pets in Andalucia

For the estimated two million Andalusian households with pets, ranging from the two million registered dogs and 250,000 cats to birds, big lizards, and more, the new pet deduction could mean up to €100 in annual savings. Owners can claim 30 per cent off qualifying veterinary expenses, capped at that amount, for the first year after acquiring a pet.

The incentive doubles down for those who adopt from animal sanctuaries: if the animal comes from a shelter or rescue centre, the tax deduction extends to three years and so encourages responsible choices over purchases. A survey by Sanicat revealed a strong preference for adoption in Andalucia, with 64.4 per cent expressing the desire to give a second chance to abandoned or previously mistreated animals and 33.7 per cent hoping to play a part in curbing commercial breeding.

Special cases get even broader support. Guide and assistance dogs, for the visually impaired, diabetes monitoring, epilepsy detection, or aiding victims of gender-based violence, qualify for the full deduction for the animal’s lifetime, regardless of when acquired. President Moreno, a self-proclaimed animal lover who recently lost his own adopted dog, described pets as “fully-fledged family members deserving of our care.” The measure is expected to reach 182,000 households at a cost of €12 million, making Andalusia a Spanish pioneer alongside Murcia.

Sweating it out with savings: gym deductions for all in Andalucia

As an addition to the pet policy, those and their families who want to get in shape stand to gain from a 15 per cent deduction on gym membership fees, up to €100 per year per person, with no income cap to exclude middle- or low earners. Parents can claim for children’s sports subscriptions too, enabling even broader access to fitness.

At a press conference, Minister España stressed the health angle: “Physical exercise is key to preventing heart disease, diabetes, and mental health issues and benefits public health overall.” With 785,000 Andalusians already paying gym fees, the €36 million measure could encourage more to join, which is hoped will result in a fitter population amid rising healthcare costs.

Andalucia’s tax deductions for pets and gym membership for all

For expat residents in Andalusia, whether retirees in Costa del Sol villas, digital nomads in Malaga’s tech scene, or families in on the Costas, the deductions offer practical perks in a region where living costs are beginning to add up. Those considering pet adoption might offset vet bills from routine check-ups or vaccinations, especially as winter approaches and adoption drives ramp up. Gym deductions come in line with the Mediterranean lifestyle, for example, subsidising yoga classes or CrossFit for the more adventurous.

Critics from the opposition PSOE have labelled the announcements “electoralist” and skewed toward the wealthy, but officials counter that they’ve delivered six prior tax cuts without elections looming and that pets and fitness aren’t luxuries reserved for elites. As Moreno’s administration eyes the 2026 regional vote, the policies signal a voter-friendly strategy: affordable, inclusive, and tied to joys like furry companions and endorphin highs.

Full details will emerge in the 2026 budget, due for parliamentary debate by year-end. In the meantime, Andalusians are encouraged to keep 2026 receipts for vets and gyms, savings which could be just one tax declaration away.