Malaga pets almost double the number of children, new figures show The province of Malaga has 575,634 registered pets, around 447,000 dogs and 124,000 cats, almost twice the number of children. Malaga pets almost double the number of children, new figures show The province of Malaga now has 575,634 registered companion animals, including nearly 447,000 dogs and more than 124,000 cats, according to the latest provincial figures. The number is striking because it means pets in Malaga now almost double the number of children, continuing a trend that has been building for years across Spain. The country as a whole is home to more than 15 million registered pets, with dogs leading at around 7.5 million and cats at roughly 5.6 million. What the numbers say about the province The data points to a quiet but real shift in how households on the Costa del Sol live. Pets have moved from being a complement to family life to being, for many residents, the main companion at home. It also has a practical side. More pets means more demand for veterinary services, pet-friendly housing and green space. For the property market, pet friendly is no longer a niche selling point but an increasingly common requirement from buyers and tenants alike. A trend that shapes housing choices Owners of apartments and villas are responding. Buildings that accept pets rent faster in many coastal towns, and developments that include dog parks or shaded walking areas use them as marketing features. The figures also underline a demographic reality: with fewer children per household and an ageing resident population, the profile of the typical buyer and renter on the Costa del Sol is changing. Understanding that shift is becoming part of understanding the local market. Sources: provincial registry figures; national pet-ownership statistics; regional press.