The number of animals in Spain has surged to reach 9 million in 2021, as confirmed by the National Association of Pet Food Manufacturers (Anfaac). This has led to more and more Spaniards traveling with their pets during the summer, but how can you take your pet in the car?
The Law on the Protection, Rights, and Welfare of Animals, recently approved in Congress last March, highlights that traveling with animals must ensure “the physiological and ethological needs of the animals” and that the means of transportation guarantee “road safety and the safety” of the animal throughout the journey.
On the other hand, from the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), they emphasize that Article 13 of the Law on Traffic, Circulation of Motor Vehicles, and Road Safety states “the driver must ensure that nothing obstructs or hinders their visibility. For this, they must ensure the proper placement of objects or animals being transported so that there is no interference between the driver and any of them.”
However, this law does not specify the elements with which the animal must be protected.
Therefore, the DGT has emphasized some specific solutions that may be helpful when transporting animals:
- Securely fasten the animal with harnesses, carriers, or cabin separators.
- Secure carrier in the rear of the vehicle.
- Place it in the cabin or in the rear seats if it is a small animal.
- Use quality devices.
- Make frequent stops.
- Do not place objects next to the animal.
- Stop every two hours so the pet can urinate, drink water, and walk.
- Monitor the high temperatures inside the car.
- Do not secure the animal only with its leash.
On the DGT website, more information related to restraint systems and certain brands recommended for animal transportation can be found.
