In recent years, awareness of animal welfare has grown significantly in Spain. One of the most important aspects is ensuring that our pets can accompany us on our travels, whether on urban public transport or on long road trips.
Since the Animal Welfare Law came into effect on September 29, animal rights in Spain are protected by new mandatory regulations. This law seeks to improve their well-being and promote respect for them, establishing that animals now have recognized rights. This implies that both owners and the regulations of various sectors, including transport, must adapt to these changes. According to Article 29 of Law 7/2023, public and private transport must allow access for companion animals as long as they do not pose a risk, and owners must comply with the hygienic and safety conditions established by the means of transport itself.
Below, we offer detailed information on the policies of different Spanish cities regarding the transport of pets on urban buses and tips for road trips, with the aim of fostering responsibility and preventing animal abandonment, especially during holidays.
Spanish cities and their policies for transporting pets on urban buses
Policies on pet access to urban buses vary considerably by city. Here we group the main cities according to whether they allow travel with a carrier or without a carrier, and those that allow travel with a leash and muzzle.
Cities where you can travel with pets without a carrier
Palma de Mallorca:
- Since January 17, 2022, EMT has allowed travel with dogs without the need for a special bag on all its routes. Dogs must be on a leash and wear a muzzle, and a ticket of €0.30 must be paid if they are not traveling in an approved transport basket. Small dogs in baskets or guide dogs travel for free. Passengers must board through the front door and position themselves in the central or rear platform of the bus, without occupying seats. The driver may deny access or ask the animal to leave the bus if it causes a disturbance or exhibits inappropriate behavior. Owners are responsible for controlling their animals and for any damage or necessary cleaning. EMT assumes no responsibility for losses or damages.
- EMT Website
Alcoi:
- Since September 2021, dogs have been allowed on buses as long as they are leashed and muzzled.
Barakaldo:
- Since June 2022, dogs weighing less than 8 kilos are allowed to be held without a muzzle, as long as they are leashed and under conditions that do not inconvenience other passengers.
Cartagena:
- Allows dogs with muzzles on buses, leashed to their accompanying person. Only one dog per bus is allowed, and they are not permitted during peak hours.
Donostia-San Sebastián:
- Dbus states that small dogs can travel in arms or in carriers. The person accompanying the animal must sit in one of the non-reserved seats, and the animal’s size must not exceed the width of the occupied seat. Disagreements between passengers will be resolved according to the driver’s discretion.
- Dbus Website
Fuengirola:
- Since 2014, dogs weighing up to 25 kilos have been allowed, leashed and muzzled. Half the ordinary ticket price is charged, and up to five animals per vehicle are admitted.
Irún:
- Since 2015, dogs have been allowed to travel leashed and muzzled, with requirements for health records and insurance. A maximum of two dogs per bus are allowed, and animals are not permitted on night services.
Jaén:
- Allows dogs up to 5 kilos in a carrier or larger dogs with a muzzle near a door.
- Dipujaen.es Website
Ourense:
- In Ourense, dogs can travel on buses as long as they wear a muzzle and are on a leash. The animal must remain seated under the seat or standing in a corner near its companion, without causing discomfort to other passengers. Additionally, it is necessary to have the permit provided by the City Council to use public transport.
Sant Cugat del Vallès:
- Dogs must be leashed, muzzled, and have up-to-date health documentation.
Valladolid:
- Since March 2023, dogs have been allowed to travel on a short leash and muzzled. Only one dog per vehicle is allowed, and the user must stand.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Arona, Granadilla de Abona, and San Cristóbal de La Laguna:
- Since June 2023, TITSA has allowed large dogs (over 10 kilos) if there is space for wheelchairs and it is not occupied. Small dogs must be in a carrier, and only one is allowed per person.
- TITSA Website
Cities where a carrier is required to travel with pets
- Bilbao:
- On Bilbobus, pets can only travel in carriers.
- Zaragoza:
- Zaragoza buses allow small dogs only in carriers.
- Málaga:
- EMT Málaga buses allow small pets in carriers.
- Murcia:
- TMurcia allows small pets in carriers.
- TMurcia Website
- Vigo:
- VITRASA allows the transport of small pets in carriers.
- VITRASA Website
- Alicante:
- TAM allows pet access in carriers.
- Granada:
- Transportes Rober allows small pets in carriers.
- Córdoba:
- AUCORSA allows the transport of small pets in carriers.
- Aucorsa Website
- Santander:
- TUS allows the transport of small pets in carriers.
- A Coruña:
- Tranvías Coruña buses allow the transport of small pets in carriers.
- VisitCoruña Website
- Santiago de Compostela:
- TUSSA allows the transport of small pets in carriers.
- Madrid:
- Dogs must travel on a leash and with a muzzle, lying down under the owner’s or companion’s seat at the front of the bus (between the front door and the central door). Access with dogs is allowed every day throughout the service, except on weekdays between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM and between 4:30 PM and 7:00 PM. Only one dog per vehicle is allowed, and access is subject to the bus occupancy according to the criteria of EMT staff.
- EMT Madrid Website
- Barcelona:
- At TMB, assistance dogs (identified with a badge and blue coat), those accompanying security personnel, and domestic animals traveling in carriers are allowed to travel without restrictions.
- TMB Website
- Valencia:
- To travel with your pet on EMT Valencia, it must be in a carrier up to 45x35x25 cm and be in perfect hygienic condition. You will need the EMT Pet card, but no additional ticket is charged. A maximum of three pets per bus are allowed, and you must enter through the front door. The driver or inspector may deny access or ask your pet to leave if it affects safety or health. You are responsible for any incident and must change seats if other passengers feel uncomfortable.
- EMT Valencia Website
- Sevilla:
- TUSSAM allows dogs in carriers if they are small. Guide dogs have no restrictions.
- TUSSAM Website
Tips for traveling by bus with pets
When planning a long road trip, taking your pet with you requires some special considerations to ensure their well-being and comfort. Here are some tips!
- Advance planning:
- Check with the bus company about their pet policy. Some have specific restrictions, and it’s best to be informed in advance.
- Secure carrier:
- Use a suitable carrier for your pet, with adequate ventilation and space. This will ensure their safety during the trip.
- Regular stops:
- Schedule frequent stops so your pet can stretch, drink water, and relieve themselves.
- Documentation and health:
- Carry your pet’s documentation, including their passport if necessary. Ensure they are up-to-date with their vaccinations and parasite treatments.
- Comfort and safety:
- Do not leave your pet alone on the bus during extended stops. Ensure the carrier is securely fastened and that the temperature inside the bus is adequate.
Traveling with your pet is not only possible but can also be a rewarding experience for both you and your companion animal. Pet abandonment is a serious problem that still persists. Every year, thousands of animals are abandoned due to lack of planning and the misconception that traveling with them is complicated. However, with the increasing adaptation of transport policies and the availability of information, there are no excuses for not including your four-legged friends in your travel plans.
By choosing to bring your pet with you, you demonstrate responsibility and commitment that helps reduce abandonment. Together, we can create a more conscious and respectful society towards animals.
What measures should the sector take to improve the lives of pets and their owners? What improvements could be made inside buses to enhance coexistence and safety for pets?
