The reality of tourism pet-friendly in Spain is about to take a giant step for dogs and their owners. And it is that renfe is going to launch a pilot test so that travelers can move with dogs of up to 40 kilos on some trains on the Madrid-Barcelona AVE route. Although, for now, the test leaves out the largest dogs (such as Mastiffs, Great Danes or St. Bernards), if it works well, it will arrive next year to other high-speed routes. Great news for all mothers and fathers of medium and large hairy without their own car.
Currently, traveling with your dog and not dying trying is possible if it weighs 10 kilos or less, or you have a car. If this is not the case, you depend almost exclusively on someone who does have a ride. Whether it’s a friend, family member or using car sharing apps like BlaBlaCar or Amovens. It is true that we also have the plane but any owner knows that it is preferable to avoid the bad drink of the hold whenever possible.
How will dogs over 10 kilos travel by train?
In that context, there are many dog owners who dreamed of the day Renfe announced something like this. Above all, because it is something that is already done in the rest of Europe. Some countries allocate a wagon to be pet-friendlyothers admit that those who are large go in a carrier and in others the dogs go with the person.
Each country does it in a different way and the Spanish public company intends to carry it out in the following way:
It will be allowed one large dog per traveler (up to 40 kilos), with a maximum of two large dogs per train. These will always travel in car number seven and in a fixed space of two specific places, attached to where the user travels.
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. Regarding the departure of the train, whoever travels with a dog you can leave at the same time as the rest of the passengers.
On board the train, the pet must travel with a non-extensible leash (maximum of two meters) that allows the dog to be tied to the footrest or the seat, since the dog will not travel in a carrier. However, the animal must carry muzzle throughout the journey and the mat kit plus seat cover must be placed previously collected at the station, at the Renfe Service Center.
The animal feed brand Nestlé Purina also collaborates in the test, which has advised Renfe and will distribute to travelers this cover and cushion kit specially designed for pets, a Purina snack and a travel guide. In it they recommend that each canid bring your own blanket and toy without soundavoid feeding it in the three hours prior to the trip or walking it for a long time to relax.
In addition, Renfe will apply cleaning and hygiene protocols so that the presence of pets does not pose a problem for other travelers. All ground service personnel and on board trains will also be instructed in this matter.
Once the pilot is over, will start next September 13ey will last three months, it will be evaluated if it can be definitively established in this and other high-speed routes.
What about small dogs?
None of the above will apply to small dogs, which will continue to be regulated by the same regulations currently in force. This says that each traveler can take a pet (either dogs, cats, ferrets and non-poultry) on AVE and Long Distance trains. that do not weigh more than 10 kilos and always travel inside their cage or carrier. These must go in the user’s lap or feet so as not to occupy another seat. Pets are not allowed on trips with a combined train plus bus ticket. And guide and assistance dogs always travel free without weight or transport limitations.
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