New regulations for traveling with dogs in Spain: Renfe allows dogs up to 40 kg on all its trains
- Vet. Tek. Deniz Utku TAMAY
- 1 hour ago
- 12 min read
New regulations for traveling with dogs in Spain: Renfe allows dogs up to 40 kg on all its trains
Traveling by train with a medium or large dog has just become much easier in Spain. Since July 21, 2026, Renfe has allowed dogs weighing between 10 and 40 kg to accompany their owners on virtually its entire rail network, including AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Euromed, Intercity, Avant, and Media Distancia services.
Until now, this option was limited to certain high-speed trains and corridors. The expansion represents a significant change for families who avoided trains because their dogs couldn't travel in a standard carrier.
The new service allows pets to travel with their owners in a car marked as “pet friendly.” However, there are requirements related to the ticket, weight, documentation, use of a leash and muzzle, seating within the carriage, and the dog's behavior during the journey.
There are also exceptions: certain dogs and some types of trains are not allowed on this service. Therefore, before buying a ticket, it is essential to check the specific conditions of the journey and prepare your pet accordingly.
What has changed for traveling with dogs on trains in Spain?
The main change is the expansion of the service for dogs weighing between 10 and 40 kg to practically the entire Renfe national network. The measure affects both long-distance commercial services and certain public services.
BIRD
Avlo
Alvia
Euromed
Intercity
Avant
Medium Distance
Previously, dogs of this size could only travel on certain AVE high-speed trains and on specific routes, such as Madrid–Barcelona, Madrid–Málaga, Madrid–Valencia, Madrid–Alicante, and Madrid–Granada. This forced many owners to use their own cars or find alternative transportation when traveling with a large dog.
With the new system, dogs can board the train at any intermediate stop along the route, not just at the starting station. This change significantly increases the number of available routes and makes travel between smaller cities easier.
The animal does not have to remain inside a carrier. It travels in an interior seat by the window, next to its owner. During the booking process, the system automatically assigns two adjacent seats: one for the passenger and another to ensure adequate space for the dog.
Since when does Renfe allow dogs up to 40 kg to travel on board?
The extension came into effect on July 21, 2026 , coinciding with World Dog Day. From that date, owners can purchase the supplement for dogs up to 40 kg on compatible journeys, available on the Renfe website, mobile app, and sales channels.
The choice of this date aims to highlight the role dogs play in millions of homes and to move towards a more inclusive mobility model. For many families, a dog is not simply a pet, but another member of the household who also participates in vacations, moves, and family visits.
Renfe began testing this model in September 2022 on some high-speed routes. After progressively expanding the available corridors, the company decided to extend it to most of its national network in 2026 .
Trains that allow dogs without carriers are identified by a paw print symbol during the booking process. The presence of this symbol is important, as there are specific services and situations where carriers are not available.
Therefore, although the new policy has been in effect since July 21, owners should check each journey before purchasing a ticket. It's not advisable to go directly to the station assuming there will be a space available, as only two large dogs are allowed on each train and reservations can fill up quickly.
Which Renfe trains allow dogs weighing up to 40 kg to travel on?
Dogs weighing between 10 and 40 kg can travel without a carrier on most commercial and public service trains operated by Renfe. The extension includes the following trains:
Renfe service | Does it accept dogs up to 40 kg? | General conditions |
BIRD | Yeah | Owner's ticket plus dog accessory |
Avlo | Yeah | Available on trains identified as compatible |
Alvia | Yeah | Assigned space in the "pet friendly" car |
Euromed | Yeah | Subject to availability and prior booking |
Intercity | Yeah | Maximum of two large dogs per train |
Avant | Yeah | The applicable service fee applies. |
Medium Distance | Yeah | Available on enabled routes and trains |
When searching for a trip on the Renfe website or app, compatible trains are identified by a paw print symbol. This indicates that it is possible to add the accessory for a dog weighing up to 40 kg.
The service allows passengers to board the train from an intermediate stop. For example, the owner doesn't necessarily have to start the journey at the first station on the route. This modification offers greater flexibility and facilitates access from cities located between the train's origin and final destination.
However, the phrase “all trains” does not mean the service is available without exception. Dogs of this size are not permitted on connecting trains, services with scheduled alternative transport plans, certain synergized seats, or trains that do not allow reservation of a specific seat.
Availability also depends on the number of dogs already registered for that trip. Renfe only allows two dogs weighing between 10 and 40 kg per train , located in the pet-friendly carriage. Even if there are seats available for passengers, the dog option may appear unavailable if those two seats have already been reserved.
Before paying, the owner must check that the paw print symbol appears next to the selected train and that the system allows adding the carrier. If this option does not appear, the dog will not be able to travel without a carrier on that specific service.
How much does it cost to travel on Renfe with a dog weighing between 10 and 40 kg?
The owner must purchase their regular ticket and add a specific supplement for the dog . On major commercial services, the price of the supplement is 40 euros per journey .
This amount applies to:
BIRD
Avlo
Alvia
Euromed
Intercity
For Avant and Media Distancia services, the established fare for each service type applies. As conditions may vary depending on the route, it is advisable to check the exact price during the booking process.
The dog add-on does not replace the owner's ticket. To complete the booking, both items must be purchased in the same transaction. The system will automatically assign two adjacent seats: the owner will occupy the aisle seat, and the dog will remain in the window seat.
Although the system reserves two seats, the €40 fee is a travel supplement for the animal, not a standard passenger ticket. The dog must remain in its assigned seat and cannot move freely in the aisles or change carriages during the journey.
The service can be purchased through:
The Renfe website
The official mobile app
Authorized travel agencies
Agencies and physical points of sale
Certain virtual sales channels
After making the booking, Renfe sends the owner an email reminder approximately 24 hours before departure. This message includes the access conditions and key recommendations for traveling with the animal.
Due to the limit of two large dogs per train, it's advisable to book in advance. Waiting until the last minute may mean the owner misses out on the extra charge, even if tickets are still available for passengers.
How do I buy a ticket to travel with a large dog?
Reservations must be made before boarding the train. Simply purchasing a ticket for the owner and showing up at the station with the animal is not sufficient, as dogs weighing between 10 and 40 kg require a specific supplement and spaces are limited.
The general purchasing process is as follows:
Select the origin, destination, and date of travel.
Check that the chosen train displays the symbol of a footprint.
Choose the owner's ticket.
Add the supplement for dogs between 10 and 40 kg .
Review the specific conditions of the route.
Complete the payment and save the booking documentation.
The paw print symbol indicates which services allow dogs to travel without a carrier. If this option is not displayed during the booking process, it may mean that the train does not allow large dogs, that the designated pet spaces are already occupied, or that the service falls under one of the established exceptions.
When the add-on is added, the system automatically assigns two adjacent seats. The owner should not separate these seats or unilaterally change their location, as the layout is designed to keep the dog with its owner and minimize inconvenience to other passengers.
Reservations can be made through the website, mobile app, travel agencies, and authorized points of sale. However, buying online makes it easier to check availability and allows you to carefully review the applicable rules before making payment.
It's also advisable to arrive at the station well in advance. Traveling with a large dog requires more time to go through security, present the necessary documents, receive the required kit, and settle the animal in comfortably.
Where should the dog stay during the journey?
The dog must travel in the car marked as “pet friendly”, in the interior seat by the window and next to its owner. It cannot roam freely in the aisle, occupy any available seat, or change cars during the journey.
The standard seating arrangement places the owner in the adjacent seat and reserves the interior space for the animal. Renfe provides a protective seat cover and a mat that must be placed in the area designated for the dog. At the end of the journey, the owner is responsible for removing both items according to the instructions provided.
The dog must be kept on a non-extendable leash of up to 1.5 meters. On board, the leash must be securely attached to the seat or the footrest in front of the vehicle, preventing the animal from reaching the aisle or approaching other passengers uncontrollably.
During boarding and disembarking, a muzzle is mandatory. Once the train doors have closed and the train has started moving, the owner may keep it on if they deem it necessary. This decision should be based on the animal's behavior, its stress level, and the safety of those nearby.
What documentation must the owner bring?
To travel with a dog weighing between 10 and 40 kg, the owner must be of legal age and carry:
Up-to-date vaccination record or European pet passport
Personal ticket and travel accessory for the dog
Declaration of responsibility requested by Renfe
Additional documentation required for potentially dangerous dogs, where applicable
The documents may be checked before boarding. If they are incomplete or do not match the booking, Renfe may prevent the animal from boarding.
Are muzzles and leashes mandatory on trains?
The dog must be kept on a non-extendable leash no longer than 1.5 meters. A muzzle is mandatory in the station and during boarding and disembarking.
Once the journey has begun, the owner may remove the leash if conditions permit, although it must be replaced when necessary. On board, the leash must remain secured to the seat or front footrest, and the dog must always remain in its designated space.
What should a travel cleaning kit include?
The owner must carry a kit to handle potential incidents during the trip. It must include:
Bed pad
Garbage bags
Hygienic wipes
Disinfectant and odor-control spray
Renfe also provides a seat cover and a dog mat on certain services.
Which dogs are not allowed to use this service?
They cannot travel using the option for dogs up to 40 kg:
Dogs of breeds considered potentially dangerous
Dogs under one year old
Females in heat
Animals without the required documentation or vaccinations
Dogs whose behavior could compromise the safety of the trip
These restrictions do not affect assistance dogs, which are governed by specific rules.
How many dogs weighing up to 40 kg can travel on each train?
Renfe allows a maximum of two dogs weighing between 10 and 40 kg per train . Both must travel in the carriage designated as "pet friendly" and have the corresponding accessory.
This limit applies even if seats are still available for passengers. Therefore, the add-on may appear sold out before regular tickets. Owners with a specific travel date should book in advance.
Each dog must travel accompanied by a responsible adult. The animal will remain in the interior seat by the window, while its owner will occupy the adjacent seat.
On which trains and in which situations is the service unavailable?
Although the measure covers virtually the entire national network, there are some exceptions. Dogs weighing up to 40 kg cannot use this service in:
Trains with connections between different services
Trains with alternative transport plans scheduled
Certain synergized positions
Services without reservation
Trains where both dog spaces are already occupied
During the booking process, compatible services are marked with a paw print symbol. If this symbol does not appear, the owner should not assume they can board the train with their dog.
Conditions may vary depending on the route and type of service. Therefore, it is advisable to review the information displayed during booking and contact Renfe directly if you have any questions before traveling.
How to prepare a dog for a long train journey?
Before the trip, the dog should be accustomed to the muzzle and leash, and to remaining calm in enclosed spaces. Practicing short journeys and teaching him to lie down on a mat can reduce stress.
On the day of travel, it is recommended to:
Take him for a walk so he can relieve himself and release energy.
Avoid eating a large meal right before going out
Bring water and a portable container
Prepare the documentation and the cleaning kit
Arrive at the station with plenty of time.
Bring a blanket or familiar object that will help the dog relax.
If the animal has a history of anxiety, dizziness, or respiratory problems, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian before traveling. Sedatives should not be used without professional advice.
What to do if the dog gets stressed or carsick during the journey?
Stress can manifest as excessive panting, trembling, drooling, restlessness, barking, or attempts to escape. Dizziness can also cause nausea, vomiting, and lethargy.
If these signs appear, the owner should keep the dog in its designated space, offer small amounts of water, and reduce stimulation. Speaking calmly to the dog and using a familiar blanket can help.
Feeding the animal during a motion sickness episode or allowing it to walk around the train car is not recommended. If the animal experiences difficulty breathing, fainting, repeated vomiting, or severe anxiety, train staff should be notified and veterinary attention sought as soon as possible.
Can dogs under 10 kg also travel?
Yes. Dogs and other pets up to 10 kg can travel on Renfe, but they must remain inside a cage or carrier no larger than 60 × 35 × 35 cm . Only one pet per person is allowed, and the animal does not occupy a seat.
On AVE, Avlo, and Long Distance trains, the pet ticket generally costs €10, although it may be included with certain Premium fares. On Avant and Medium Distance trains, it costs 25% of the standard fare.
These conditions also apply to cats, ferrets, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, and non-farm birds.
What happens to assistance dogs?
Guide and assistance dogs can travel free of charge on all Renfe services. They are not subject to weight limits and do not need to use a carrier.
Assistance dogs still in training are also welcome. In these cases, they must wear a visible badge, and the person in charge of training must provide proof of their professional status.
These rules are separate from the new service for dogs weighing between 10 and 40 kg. Therefore, the capacity limits, the €40 surcharge, and the weight restrictions do not apply to assistance dogs.
Does this new measure make Renfe a more "pet friendly" company?
The expansion significantly facilitates travel with medium and large dogs. Until now, many families couldn't use the train because their pets exceeded the 10 kg weight limit allowed for travel in carriers.
Renfe has thus become the only rail operator in Spain that allows dogs weighing up to 40 kg to travel on virtually its entire network. However, the limit of two large dogs per train and the €40 surcharge may still make accessing the service difficult.
The measure represents an important step forward, but its effectiveness will depend on a gradual increase in the number of spaces and the maintenance of suitable conditions for the animals' well-being. Traveling with dogs on trains in Spain
Frequently asked questions about traveling with dogs on Renfe
Can a 35 kg dog travel without a carrier?
Yes. Dogs between 10 and 40 kg can travel without a carrier on compatible services, provided they have a ticket and meet the requirements.
How much does a ticket cost for a large dog?
On AVE, Avlo and Long Distance trains, the supplement costs 40 euros per journey. On Avant and Medium Distance trains, it is equivalent to a ticket with a standard fare.
How many large dogs can travel on the same train?
Renfe allows a maximum of two dogs weighing between 10 and 40 kg per train and one per owner.
Does the dog need to wear a muzzle throughout the trip?
You must keep your dog on at the station and during boarding and disembarking. Once the journey has begun, your dog can travel without a muzzle, but must remain tied to its seat.
Can the dog get on the seat?
On long-distance services, passengers travel in the space assigned to them next to their seat. On Avant and Media Distancia services, passengers cannot climb onto the seat and must remain on the floor.
Can I buy the accessory on the same day?
The extra charge for dogs up to 40 kg must be purchased no later than 24 hours before departure. Advance booking is recommended due to limited availability.
Do small dogs also need a ticket?
Yes. Animals up to 10 kg need a pet ticket, except for certain fare exceptions and services where they travel free of charge.
Do assistance dogs pay the €40 supplement?
No. Guide and assistance dogs travel free and are not subject to weight or carrier restrictions.
Official sources
The information in this article has been verified exclusively with official sources. Accessed July 22, 2026.
Fountain | Open link |
Renfe — Statement regarding dogs up to 40 kg | |
Renfe — Conditions for traveling with pets | |
Renfe — Recommendations and obligations for dogs up to 40 kg | |
Renfe — Regulations and transport conditions | |
Official State Gazette (BOE) — Royal Decree 409/2025 on assistance dogs |
Important editorial note: The admission of dogs up to 40 kg does not stem from a new Spanish law. It is a modification of Renfe's transport conditions applicable from July 21, 2026. Royal Decree 409/2025 is cited only because it regulates assistance dogs.
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