Spain is the only country in Europe that does not allow pets weighing more than ten kilos to travel by train. Renfe has launched a three-month pilot test starting today, September 13, in which it will be allowed to travel with large dogs.
It’s about the project grand pet in which Purina and Renfe join forces, with which travelers will be able to take their pets weighing up to 40 kilos, a trial in the Madrid-Zaragoza-Barcelona line, but which could be extended to other high-speed routes.
Until now Renfe only allowed to be accompanied by small dogs of up to 10 kilos. But in these test months, you will be able to travel with large dogs, yes, depending on the size of your pet, certain rules must be met.
How to request the service?
The process to start the trip with your dog is very simple. The access controls at the station will be carried out together with the rest of the passengers on the train, although customers with large dogs may choose to wait on the platform to board until two minutes before departure. As for the departure of the train, those traveling with a dog will be able to leave at the same time as the rest of the passengers.
To request this service, during the ticket purchase process you must indicate the characteristics of the pet for the platform to accept it.
How to take your pet on the train
In this proposal, a series of new rules must be met. In addition, each passenger who requests this service will receive from Purina a cover and cushion kit specially designed for their pet, the list of recommendations and obligations, and a snack for the dog
- One large dog per passenger is allowed, with a maximum of two large dogs per train, in a single carriage and always in a fixed space with two specific seats.
- Your pet will have a determined fixed space of two places to travel and must use a muzzle and non-extensible leash of a maximum of a maximum of two meters, which allows the dog to be tied to the footrest or seat.
- Large dogs, unlike small ones (less than 10kg), should not go in a carrier.
- Once the pilot has finished, which will last three months, its performance will be analyzed and evaluated to decide whether to increase the number and size of the animals.
- The dog must use the muzzle throughout the journey and the mat and cover kit must be placed for the seat previously collected at the station, at the Renfe Service Center.
- Guide and assistance dogs always travel free without weight or transport limitations.
All these new regulations applied to this new service are not applicable to small dogs, which will continue to be regulated by the same regulations in force: each traveler can bring a pet (whether dogs, cats, ferrets and non-poultry) in AVE and Long Distance trains that do not weigh more than 10 kilos and always travel inside their cage or carrier.
As they cannot occupy another place, the canines, or animals mentioned, must go in the owner’s lap or feet.
Photos | Renfe, Unsplash