HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

Spain's state-run rail network, Renfe, has introduced new pet-friendly measures that will delight pet owners across the country. Starting from June 19th on the Madrid-Alicante line and June 26th on the Madrid-Valencia line, dogs weighing up to 40kg will now be allowed on high-speed AVE train services. This expansion follows the existing dog-friendly policy on the Madrid-Zaragoza-Barcelona and Madrid-Málaga routes.

Renfe's initiative, known as the 'Big Pet Project,' which began in September last year, has already facilitated the travel of 800 large dogs on their AVE services, particularly during weekends and holiday periods. But the good news doesn't stop at dogs. Renfe is also extending the pet-friendly policy to include guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits, enabling their owners to bring them on board as well.

To ensure a smooth and comfortable journey, Renfe provides a travel kit that includes a seat cover and a mat for the floor. Passengers must collect the kit at least 40 minutes before boarding. Additionally, Renfe recommends bringing a blanket and a silent toy to keep the pets entertained without disturbing fellow travellers. It is also advisable not to feed the dog before the journey to prevent potential motion sickness.

The new pet-friendly services on the AVE trains will offer convenient options for travellers.

The AVE service between Madrid Chamartín-Clara Campoamor and Alacant will operate four daily services, while the Madrid Chamartín-Clara Campoamor to Valencia Joaquín Sorolla route will have one daily service from Monday to Friday and another on Sundays.

The travel conditions for pets on these new routes will mirror those on the existing routes. Passengers are allowed to bring one large dog per person, with a maximum of two large dogs permitted per train. The dogs must be accommodated in a fixed space comprising two designated seats in a single car.

Renfe's statement emphasised that there is no limit on the number of small pets weighing less than 10kg that can travel in a carrier. Furthermore, the inclusion of guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits in the pet-friendly policy reflects Renfe's strong commitment to facilitating pet travel.

For other long-distance services in Spain, passengers can travel with small pets such as dogs, cats, ferrets, and non-poultry birds weighing less than 10kg. These pets must be transported in carriers or cages not exceeding the dimensions of 60x35x35cm.

For services that permit larger dogs without a carrier, a fee of 35 euros must be paid per pet, with a maximum of one pet allowed per person. However, if travelling with a Premium ticket, the pet ticket is provided free of charge. For passengers with a basic ticket, a fee of 10 euros is required for pets travelling in a carrier. On Media Distancia and Avant trains, the cost of the pet ticket is 25 percent of the total fare.

Sources

https://www.thelocal.es/20230615/spain-to-allow-large-dogs-on-high-speed-train-services-between-madrid-alicante-and-valencia
https://www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/informacion-util/pets