Rail operator Renfe is expanding its pet policy to allow dogs weighing up to 40 kilogrammes on all of its trains from tomorrow, 21st July. This major update opens up commercial, medium-distance and Avant services to larger dogs across virtually the entire rail network, broadening an initiative that was previously limited to specific lines, including the corridor between Madrid and Alicante.
Passengers will be able to travel with their dogs without using a carrier. Instead, animals will occupy the interior window seat directly next to their owners in a designated “pet friendly” carriage. Each train will accommodate a maximum of two large dogs per journey. Notably, travellers do not need to start their journey at the main station in Alicante; they can board with their pets from any intermediate stop located in the province along the designated routes.
When booking tickets via the Renfe website or mobile application, a distinct paw print symbol will indicate which services accept large pets. Owners must purchase their own ticket and pay an additional charge for the animal. This supplement costs 40 euro on AVE, Alvia, Intercity, Euromed and Avlo services, while standard fares apply on Avant and Media Distancia trains. The ticketing system automatically books two adjacent seats to accommodate the pairing.
The day before departure, passengers will receive an email detailing specific travel rules and recommendations. Dogs must wear a muzzle inside stations, during boarding and while leaving the train, and they must remain on a non-extendable leash no longer than 1.5 metres. Owners are required to present official documentation, such as an up-to-date vaccination record or a European pet passport, and carry a cleaning kit with absorbent pads, bags, wipes, disinfectant and odour-eliminating products. Renfe will provide a seat cover and a mat at the station access point.
Certain exclusions remain in place under the new programme. The service is unavailable for dogs under one year old, females in heat and breeds classified as potentially dangerous. It is also excluded from routes requiring connections, trains affected by alternative transport plans and synergised seats sold at Avant or Media Distancia rates on commercial services. Renfe continues its partnership with Purina, which began in 2022, to supply pet care kits and offer guidance on animal welfare.
