Searching for a lost pet with a drone in Spain
In Spain the EU open-category rules apply to every flight, whatever its purpose. The exemptions for search and rescue cover only public services, not private searches. Over towns, beaches and parks you must notify the Ministry of the Interior 5 days ahead, which rules out most urgent searches in built-up areas.
| Aviation authority | Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea (AESA) |
|---|---|
| Registration | Register as an operator if the drone weighs 250 g or more, or less if it has a camera (unless it is a toy). One number for all your drones, shown on each one and valid in every EASA country. Free, on AESA's e-office. Register. |
| Test or certificate | EU A1/A3 online training and exam, free on AESA's website (in Spanish). |
| Maximum height | 120 m (400 ft) above the ground. |
| Line of sight | Always in sight with your own eyes. An observer standing next to you may help. |
| Night flights | Allowed with a green flashing light on the drone. |
| Remote ID | Required on class C1, C2 and C3 drones; not on C0 drones or drones without a class mark. |
| No-fly zones | ENAIRE Drones |
| Controlled airspace | Near airports and in controlled airspace you may fly without coordination only in sight, up to 60 m and outside aerodrome zones; otherwise coordinate with ENAIRE through its PLANEA app. |
What matters for a search in Spain
- Urban areas (towns, built-up areas, parks, beaches): notify the Ministry of the Interior at least 5 calendar days before flying (Royal Decree 517/2024, article 40).
- In urban areas, no flying over buildings, homes, patios or gardens.
- Liability insurance is required in A2; A1, and A3 under 20 kg, are exempt.
- Protected natural areas need prior coordination with the body that manages them.
Before every search flight
- Check the no-fly zones for the exact area in ENAIRE Drones.
- Ask the landowner if you take off from private land.
- Keep the drone in sight and below the height limit, away from people, roads and buildings.
- Let the owner of the animal know you are flying, and where.
Official sources
- www.seguridadaerea.gob.es/es/ambitos/drones/tienes-un-uas-dron
- www.seguridadaerea.gob.es/es/ambitos/drones/registro-de-operador-de-drones-uas
- www.seguridadaerea.gob.es/es/ambitos/drones/normativa-de-uas-drones
- www.seguridadaerea.gob.es/es/ambitos/drones/zonas-geograficas-de-uas
- www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2024-11377
A summary to help you prepare a search, not legal advice. The official sources have the final word.
Reviewed on October 22, 2026.
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