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Large dogs can now travel on more trains across Spain from July 21
Dogs weighing up to 40kg will be allowed on most Renfe services, giving pet owners far more flexibility when travelling around Spain
Travelling around Spain with a larger dog is about to become a lot simpler thanks to a major change being introduced by Renfe this summer.
From Tuesday July 21, the rail operator will allow dogs weighing up to 40kg on virtually all of its commercial and public service trains, opening up far more routes and travel times for pet owners across the country.
The new rules will apply to AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Intercity, Euromed, Avant and Media Distancia services. Until now, larger dogs were only permitted on a limited number of trains and specific routes, often forcing owners to plan journeys around restricted schedules.
Renfe first launched its large dog travel scheme in September 2022 on routes linking Madrid with Barcelona, Zaragoza and Málaga. The programme was later expanded to include Valencia, Alicante and Granada, but places remained scarce and passengers could only board at the train's starting station.
Under the new system, owners will be able to join the train at intermediate stops along the route, making journeys much more practical. Each service will have a dedicated pet-friendly carriage, with space for up to two dogs weighing a maximum of 40kg each.
When passengers book a place for their dog, two adjacent seats will automatically be assigned. The owner will sit in the aisle seat, with the dog occupying the seat beside the window.
Dogs travelling under the scheme won't need to remain inside a carrier, but there are still several conditions. Animals must be kept on a non-extendable lead no longer than 1.5 metres and must wear a muzzle in stations and during boarding and disembarking.
Owners will also need to carry proof of up-to-date vaccinations or a valid European pet passport. In addition, passengers must bring a cleaning kit containing absorbent pads, wipes, waste bags and a suitable disinfectant and odour-control product.
Passengers travelling on AVE, Alvia, Avlo, Euromed, Intercity and Avant services will receive a complimentary travel pack at the station, including a seat cover and pet mat. Renfe explained that owners will be responsible for fitting and removing these items during the journey.
The scheme does come with some restrictions, however. Dogs under one year old won't be allowed to travel, nor will animals classified as potentially dangerous breeds or females in heat. The service also won't be available on journeys that require connections or on certain services affected by alternative transport arrangements.
The cost of bringing a dog on AVE, Alvia, Intercity, Euromed and Avlo trains will be €40 per journey. On Avant and Media Distancia services, standard fares will apply.
Bookings can be made through Renfe's website, mobile app and authorised travel agencies. Passengers will receive an email 24 hours before departure containing travel advice and the conditions of carriage.
Although trains that accept larger dogs are marked with a paw print symbol during the booking process, availability could still be an issue. With only two spaces available per train, owners may discover that all places have already been taken even if the service itself allows dogs.
Renfe pointed out that the expansion is part of its ongoing partnership with pet food company Purina, which has been working with the railway operator since 2022 to improve travel conditions for larger dogs. The company supplies the travel mats and seat covers provided to passengers and advises on animal welfare and behaviour.
Address
Paraje El Espinar, Fuente Alamo Murcia, Mobile: +34 676 39 44 31
Mountain View Kennels, Dog kennels and cattery offering short and long-term stays near Fuente Álamo. Nucleus Zoological Licence Holders ES300210440037. Dog training grooming services and a private pet villa.
Open for business as usual. Training advice, classes, grooming services still given. Collection and delivery service available.
Do you need your dog exercised? Large exercise paddock complete with pick up and drop off if required.
Mountain View Kennels is an established family-run business in the countryside just outside Fuente Álamo, and is a fully Registered Zoological Nucleus kennels and cattery for pets operating in the south-west of Murcia since 2005.
In addition, owner Gill Lovegrove 
is a specialist dog trainer and behaviourist, and offers her services either on the premises or through home visits to all owners of troublesome pets.
The key to the success of Mountain View Kennels is that each boarder is viewed as another family pet in the extensive grounds and pens: dogs are not only housed and fed, they are also walked, and offered cuddles, toys and the chance to play. During the day they are free to roam around the eight main play areas equipped with trees, tunnels, toys and shelters, but they always have the option of returning to their own large play area or kennel.
In total there are 20 individual kennels, all fully tiled and with large runs, and each is spacious enough for four large dogs (or a family group) if required although they are also available to individual pets: dogs belonging to different owners are not housed together.
At the disposal of cats are eight individual catteries offering upstairs and downstairs accommodation and outside runs.
Owners are asked to bring their own food and treats to ensure all pets remain comfortable and avoid digestive upset. Mountain View are happy to administer any medication needed.
It is essential for all pets to be fully vaccinated on arrival at the clinic (as well as wormed and protected against fleas), and vaccination records are kept on the premises during the pets’ stay, not only in case there is an inspection but also in case the need for veterinary treatment arises (two local vets in Fuente Álamo are on 24—hour call).
In order to make life as easy as possible for owners as they plan a trip away, the Mountain View Kennels and Cattery is only 10 minutes from Region of Murcia International Airport in Corvera.
Gill and the rest of the staff are very knowledgeable about all breeds of dog, and work tirelessly with local charities and animal foundations to help treat, care for and re-house lost and abandoned dogs. This caring attitude is one of the reasons for prices being kept as competitive as possible, including as they do two meals a day and not specifying any minimum or maximum length of stay.
Training services are also offered. Put all of these ingredients together, along with the reassurance given by the fully legal and licensed status of the company, and the result is a successful business which is built on reputation and customers who repeat year after year, fully satisfied with the complete, professional and caring service provided. Testimony to this is that the boarders at the kennels are not only from the area close to Fuente Álamo but also from places such as Alhama, Librilla, Caravaca de la Cruz, Mula, Bullas and La Azohía!
