The Call for Canine Companions on AVE Trains in Northern Spain
“Our dogs are family. They are not an extra suitcase; they are an essential part of the trip.” This sentiment resonates with many travelers in northern Spain, as highlighted by Isa Díaz Yusta, who has gathered more than 5,000 signatures for a petition on Change.org. The crux of the issue lies with Spain’s rail operator, Renfe, which restricts the travel of dogs over 10 kg on routes to Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country.
The Growing Demand for Pet-Friendly Travel
The current restrictions have opened a wound in northern Spain, where the love for dogs is profound. Users like Arancha Gómez and Laura Serena have also launched petitions advocating for greater access to train travel with pets. Gómez calls for dogs to be allowed on all Renfe lines, while Serena’s petition has garnered over 26,000 signatures.
Many residents depend on public transportation to visit family or go to work and often face the dilemma of leaving their pets behind. One frustrated traveler lamented, “I don’t have a driving license, so I depend entirely on public transportation. Renfe only allows traveling with dogs weighing more than 10 kg on four routes. FOUR!”
Current Pet Travel Regulations
As it stands, Renfe allows dogs over 10 kg only on specific AVE routes, including:
- Madrid-Barcelona
- Madrid-Zaragoza
- Madrid-Alicante
- Madrid-Valencia
- Madrid-Seville
- Madrid-Málaga
- Madrid-Granada
Dogs weighing less than 10 kg can travel on all AVE, long-distance, and AVLO trains, but they must remain confined to carriers that fit specific dimensions. Additionally, for a fee of 35 euros, small dogs can travel in designated areas without being in a carrier.
For dogs over 10 kg, certain protocols must be followed. Owners must complete a liability waiver, and the pet will occupy an adjacent seat—one cannot choose which seat that will be. A travel kit provided by Renfe contains a seat cover and mat, along with strict guidelines: dogs must be leashed (up to 1.5 meters long) and muzzled.
Frustrations with the Current System
Asturians are increasingly vocal about their frustration with these rules, especially given that the AVE service opened in 2023—after 20 years of construction and an investment of 4,000 million euros. Those in the north feel that such limitations do not reflect the evolving demands of travel in modern society.
Even on routes that permit pet travel, complications arise. The process of booking tickets can be cumbersome. As noted in Pipperontour, the allowance for pets often only appears at the final stage of the ticket purchase, leaving travelers in a bind. Moreover, Renfe’s listings of train frequencies that allow large dogs are reportedly not always up to date.
The Regional Context
It’s worth noting that Gijón is one of the cities in Spain with the highest number of registered dogs, and Asturias has the highest dog-per-capita ratio in the country. This cultural context underlines the push for change in Renfe’s policies. The travel needs of individuals with pets have not been adequately met, prompting them to take action.
Conclusion
The future of pet-friendly travel in Spain hangs in the balance as advocates continue to rally for change. Freeing the AVE from its current constraints could benefit not only those in the north but also serve as a step towards a more inclusive travel experience. As Europe moves forward in accommodating four-legged companions, the call for Renfe to adapt its policies becomes increasingly critical. After two decades of construction, travelers simply want to take their best friends along for the ride.