Renfe opens all trains to dogs weighing up to 40 kg

Renfe has just introduced a major change for pet owners across Spain. From July 21, travellers can take dogs up to 40 kg on virtually every service, including AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Euromed, Intercity, Avant and Media-Distancia routes.

Dogs travel next to owners on special seats

Passengers have to book a ticket plus a supplement for their dog. The animal sits in the window seat beside its owner. Rules require a non-extendable lead of 1.5 metres and a muzzle in stations plus during boarding and alighting. Owners must bring vaccination records or a pet passport, plus, very importantly, a cleaning kit. These will be checked by ticket collectors before boarding.

Lo anuncié hace meses y hoy lo cumplimos. Las mascotas son familia, y ya pueden ocupar un hueco a nuestro lado en el tren.

En todos los trenes de @Renfe desde el 21 de julio y para perros de hasta 40kg. pic.twitter.com/ioUKHTJqJM

— Óscar Puente (@oscar_puente_) July 17, 2026

Staff hand out seat covers and mats on many services. Each train accepts a maximum of two large dogs in one specially signed carriage. Exclusions apply to dogs under one year old, females in season, or those from potentially dangerous breeds.

Expansion builds on earlier limited trials

This update extends a service that began in 2022 on selected high-speed routes only. Earlier coverage in Euro Weekly News explained initial options for large dogs on certain AVE trains.

Some passengers raise concerns over dogs in shared spaces

Not everyone welcomes extra animals in public transport or in many other public areas. Companies in Spain, such as El Corte Inglés, introduced a policy towards greater tolerance of dogs several years ago. Critics worry about allergies, pests, fear of larger dogs, or potential mess and noise during long journeys. Other travellers mention discomfort sharing confined train carriages with pets, especially on crowded services or hot summer days. Similar complaints have appeared in forums and social media whenever transport firms expand pet access.

Practical details for travellers

Bookings open via the Renfe website, app or agencies. A doggie footprint icon shows which services accept larger pets. Owners receive a reminder email 24 hours before departure. Supplements cost €40 on most long-distance trains, while regional services use standard fares.

Pet owners should arrive early at stations to complete checks. This change of policy makes Spain one of the most accommodating countries in Europe for travelling with bigger dogs by rail. Full rules appear on the official Renfe site.