Increasingly, pet owners want to take their furry friends along on their travels, but it’s not always an easy task. During the summer months you will probably want to travel with your dog all over Spain to make the most of your vacation.
However, transportation companies are working to adapt to the needs of their customers and offer options for traveling with dogs on planes and trains.
Renfe, for example, has launched a pilot project in collaboration with Purina that allows owners to travel with dogs up to 40 kilos on some AVE routes between the Northeast Corridor (Madrid – Barcelona) and Madrid – Malaga.
Initially planned for three months, the project has been extended until September due to its success and now routes between Madrid, Alicante and Valencia have been added.
Requirements to travel with your dog by train
Your dog must be at least one year old and not belong to any of the breeds listed as potentially dangerous, as they are not allowed to travel on board according to Renfe regulations.
Once you meet the requirements, you can purchase a ticket for your dog on the company’s website, choosing the dog-friendly option of the Standard ticket.
The price for taking your dog on the train is 35 euros. In addition, you must have liability insurance, which will be mandatory for all dogs as of September 29, according to the new Animal Welfare Act.
Traveling with your dog by train: tips and options for this summer
Renfe has also established some rules to follow before, during and after the trip with your dog, which you must take into account and comply with in detail.
These include keeping your pet’s vaccination record up to date, not leaving your pet unattended and arriving at the train at least 30 minutes before departure. You can find all the detailed rules on Renfe’s website.
While Renfe offers this option, there are other train companies that also allow travel with dogs, such as Ouigo and Avant, which accept dogs up to 10 kilos as long as they travel in a carrier. On the other hand, Avlo, a Renfe brand, does not admit pets of any size.
Traveling with your dog by train can be a wonderful experience if you meet the requirements and follow the company’s recommendations.
Enjoying a vacation in the company of your faithful friend is now easier than ever, so don’t hesitate to plan your train trip together this summer.
Just make sure you buy your furry friend’s ticket on time and comply with all the requirements to ensure a pleasant and safe trip.