Renfe opens all Spanish rail routes to dogs up to 40kg

Spain’s state-owned rail operator Renfe will now allow dogs weighing up to 40 kilos on all of its trains, ending a policy that restricted large animals to a handful of high-speed routes.

Under the expanded rules, large dogs can travel on AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Euromed, Intercity, Avant and Media Distancia services. Previously, animals weighing up to 40 kilos that were not in a special carrier were restricted to specific routes between Madrid and cities including Barcelona, Málaga, and Valencia. Passengers can now also board with their animals at any stop along a route rather than just the departure station.

The expansion comes with strict logistical constraints. Each train is limited to just two dogs in this weight class, confined to a designated pet-friendly carriage. Animals must sit by the window, wear a muzzle, and be kept on a non-extendable 1.5-metre leash. Certain dogs, including puppies under one year old, potentially dangerous breeds, and females in heat, remain entirely banned from the network.

The policy update is a direct response to a fundamental shift in Spanish household demographics. Official statistics show there are approximately 7.5 million dogs living in Spain, a figure that roughly equals the number of children under the age of 16. By systematically accommodating this massive pet population, Renfe is removing a major barrier to domestic travel that previously forced owners to drive or leave their animals behind.

Renfe is monetising the new access by charging a €40 fee to bring a large dog on high-speed AVE, Alvia, Intercity, Euromed and Avlo services, while Avant and Media Distancia routes require only the standard general fare. The booking infrastructure automatically assigns two adjacent seats and displays a paw print icon on tickets. The day before departure, the company sends an email reminding passengers of the travel conditions.

The company has also simplified the boarding documentation, though owners must still present a European pet passport or up-to-date vaccination records. Passengers are required to carry a specific cleaning kit containing an absorbent pad, wipes, bags, disinfectant and anti-odour spray, while most trains will provide a disposable seat cover and mat.

Breeds that typically exceed the 40-kilo limit, such as the English Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Great Dane and Irish Wolfhound, are still excluded. Additionally, the pet policy does not apply to connecting services or trains operating under scheduled alternative transport plans.