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Travelling around Spain with a larger dog is about to become a lot simpler thanks to a major change being introduced by Renfe this summer.

 

From Tuesday July 21, the rail operator will allow dogs weighing up to 40kg on virtually all of its commercial and public service trains, opening up far more routes and travel times for pet owners across the country.

 

The new rules will apply to AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Intercity, Euromed, Avant and Media Distancia services. Until now, larger dogs were only permitted on a limited number of trains and specific routes, often forcing owners to plan journeys around restricted schedules.

 

Renfe first launched its large dog travel scheme in September 2022 on routes linking Madrid with Barcelona, Zaragoza and Málaga. The programme was later expanded to include Valencia, Alicante and Granada, but places remained scarce and passengers could only board at the train's starting station.

 

Under the new system, owners will be able to join the train at intermediate stops along the route, making journeys much more practical. Each service will have a dedicated pet-friendly carriage, with space for up to two dogs weighing a maximum of 40kg each.

 

When passengers book a place for their dog, two adjacent seats will automatically be assigned. The owner will sit in the aisle seat, with the dog occupying the seat beside the window.

 

Dogs travelling under the scheme won't need to remain inside a carrier, but there are still several conditions. Animals must be kept on a non-extendable lead no longer than 1.5 metres and must wear a muzzle in stations and during boarding and disembarking.

 

Owners will also need to carry proof of up-to-date vaccinations or a valid European pet passport. In addition, passengers must bring a cleaning kit containing absorbent pads, wipes, waste bags and a suitable disinfectant and odour-control product.

 

Passengers travelling on AVE, Alvia, Avlo, Euromed, Intercity and Avant services will receive a complimentary travel pack at the station, including a seat cover and pet mat. Renfe explained that owners will be responsible for fitting and removing these items during the journey.

 

The scheme does come with some restrictions, however. Dogs under one year old won't be allowed to travel, nor will animals classified as potentially dangerous breeds or females in heat. The service also won't be available on journeys that require connections or on certain services affected by alternative transport arrangements.

 

The cost of bringing a dog on AVE, Alvia, Intercity, Euromed and Avlo trains will be €40 per journey. On Avant and Media Distancia services, standard fares will apply.

 

Bookings can be made through Renfe's website, mobile app and authorised travel agencies. Passengers will receive an email 24 hours before departure containing travel advice and the conditions of carriage.

 

Although trains that accept larger dogs are marked with a paw print symbol during the booking process, availability could still be an issue. With only two spaces available per train, owners may discover that all places have already been taken even if the service itself allows dogs.

 

Renfe pointed out that the expansion is part of its ongoing partnership with pet food company Purina, which has been working with the railway operator since 2022 to improve travel conditions for larger dogs. The company supplies the travel mats and seat covers provided to passengers and advises on animal welfare and behaviour.