Your pet in the car: what the rules say and how to travel safely
A loose dog in the car is a danger to everyone and can cost you a fine. What the Reglamento General de Circulación (General Traffic Regulations) says and the safest ways to carry it.
The rule
The driver must position any animals they carry properly so that they do not interfere with driving (art. 18 of the Reglamento General de Circulación, the General Traffic Regulations). It does not say how, but a loose animal moving around the car or sitting on the driver breaks the rule.
Ley 7/2023 (the Animal Welfare Act) adds two bans: leaving it alone in a closed car if its life is at risk (art. 24.2.d) and tying it to a moving motor vehicle (art. 27.f).
How to carry it
- A carrier, on the floor behind the front seats or well secured in the boot. It is the safest option for cats, small dogs and small mammals.
- A safety harness clipped to the seat belt. Never to the collar: if you brake hard, the jolt goes to the neck.
- A dog guard or divider net if it travels in the boot of a large car.
- On long journeys, stop every two hours or so so it can drink, do its business and stretch its legs.
The heat
In the sun, a closed car turns into an oven in a few minutes, even if you leave the window slightly open. If you travel with your pet in summer, plan so you never have to leave it inside, not even for a moment.