Travelling with Your Dog in Summer 2026: Complete Guide (Car, AVE, Plane and Hotel) | MálagaPets
How to Travel with Your Dog in Summer: Complete Guide 2026 (Car, AVE, Plane and Hotel)
pet-friendly-guides
Updated 2026 guide for travelling with your dog in summer to Málaga: current AVE, Renfe and airline regulations, pet-friendly hotels, mandatory documentation and practical tips in line with the Animal Welfare Act.
Are you planning to spend summer 2026 in Málaga with your dog? Worried about how to travel by AVE, plane or car with your pet? With the rise of pet-friendly tourism on the Costa del Sol and animal welfare regulations, more and more families are choosing Málaga as their summer destination alongside their furry companions.
In this complete guide you will find everything you need to travel with your dog in summer 2026: updated regulations in line with Animal Welfare Act 7/2023, Renfe and airline requirements, mandatory documentation, the best pet-friendly hotels in Málaga and specialist dog boarding services.
Whether you travel from Madrid by AVE, fly from Barcelona or drive from anywhere in Spain, here you will find all the practical, legally up-to-date information so that you and your dog can enjoy an unforgettable summer holiday in Málaga in 2026.
📋 In this Guide
Mandatory Documentation
Travelling by Car
Travelling by AVE/Renfe
Travelling by Plane
Pet-Friendly Hotels
Dog Hotel
Things to Do with Your Dog
Frequently Asked Questions
📄 Mandatory Documentation for Travelling with Your Dog
Essential Documents
1. Identification Microchip
Compulsory by law since 2016
Must be registered in the REIAC (Spanish Animal Identification Register)
IMPORTANT: Verify that your contact details are up to date before travelling
Photograph the health record and microchip certificate
Save PDFs on your phone (Google Drive, Dropbox)
Keep your regular vet's contact details handy
Some hotels and transport providers accept digital documentation, but always carry the originals
That feeling of freedom that only a road trip can give. Dog adventures on the road!
🚗 Travelling by Car with Your Dog in Summer
The car is the most flexible way to travel with your dog, but you must comply with road safety regulations and take extra precautions because of the heat.
DGT Regulations: Mandatory Restraint Systems for Animals
Your dog must always travel secured inside the vehicle. Regulations require that you use approved restraint systems (such as carriers, safety harnesses or dividing nets) that prevent the animal from interfering with driving or being thrown forward in the event of sudden braking.
🚨 Important: If a traffic officer stops you and your pet is not properly restrained, you may face financial penalties and loss of driving licence points. Complying with these regulations guarantees the safety of all occupants and your pet.
Animal Welfare Act 7/2023 on the Protection of Animal Rights and Welfare states:
It is forbidden to leave the dog alone in the car during the journey (Art. 24.d and Art. 60.2)
It is advisable to stop every 2 hours for exercise, water and toilet breaks
🌡️ SUMMER DANGER — Heatstroke: Never leave your dog alone in the car, even for a few minutes with the windows slightly open. In summer the inside of a vehicle can exceed 50 °C in just a few minutes and cause fatal heatstroke. Drive with the air conditioning on, avoid the hottest hours of the day (12:00–18:00) and always keep fresh water to hand.
Approved Systems
1. Anti-jerk Safety Harness — comfortable and breathable
For AVE, Long Distance, Avlo, Avant and Medium Distance:
Maximum weight: 10 kg (pet + carrier combined)
Carrier dimensions: 60 x 35 x 35 cm (maximum)
Must remain INSIDE the carrier throughout the journey
Carrier fully closed
Location: overhead luggage rack or under the seat
Maximum: 1 pet per person
Does NOT occupy a passenger seat
For Medium Distance Narrow Gauge:
No weight limit (dogs, cats and birds)
Does NOT require a carrier (may travel on lead)
Dogs must wear a muzzle
Travels FREE of charge
Price by Train Type and Ticket:
AVE / Long Distance:
Premium ticket: Pet FREE ✨
Basic or Elige ticket: €10
AVE Bono: 25% of Standard seat price
⚠️ International AVE (Spain–France): NOT free with Premium
Avlo:
€10 (fixed price)
Medium Distance and Avant:
25% of the standard fare for your ticket
Example: €20 ticket → pet €5
Medium Distance Narrow Gauge:
FREE 🎉 (no carrier required; muzzle and lead required)
Cercanías (all of Spain):
FREE 🎉 (no weight limit; muzzle and lead required; no carrier)
2️⃣ Medium/Large Dogs (up to 40 kg WITHOUT carrier)
Permitted on: Specific AVE trains on the following routes:
Madrid – Málaga ⭐ (ideal for your summer trip!)
Madrid – Barcelona (stopping at Zaragoza)
Madrid – Alicante
Madrid – València
Madrid – Zaragoza
Madrid – Granada
Madrid – Sevilla
Requirements and Conditions:
Maximum weight: 40 kg
Travels WITHOUT a carrier in the seat next to yours
Non-retractable lead, maximum 1.5 metres
Muzzle (compulsory at the station, boarding and alighting)
Pre-assigned seats (you cannot choose your seat)
Maximum: 1 large dog per person; maximum 2 per train
❌ Dogs under 12 months, bitches in heat and breeds classified as potentially dangerous (PPP) are NOT accepted
Mandatory documentation and procedures (don't forget!):
You must complete and sign the liability declaration (downloadable from renfe.com)
Third-party liability insurance for the dog in force
Up-to-date vaccination record
Arrive 40 minutes early at the Renfe Services Centre at the station with all documentation
Price and Ticket Type:
Compulsory ticket: Elige Estándar only (no other types)
Pet cost: €35 (extra on top of your ticket)
Indicative total: Your Elige Estándar ticket + €35
⚠️ VERY IMPORTANT IN SUMMER: The large-dog service (up to 40 kg) is only available on specific AVE trains marked with the Pet Friendly icon, and spaces are very limited (2 per train). In addition, during hot months some users report that the option does not appear for sale on certain routes. Before planning your summer trip, simulate the booking on renfe.com for your specific date and confirm that the "large dog" option is actually available on that train.
During the purchase, under "Personalise your journey"
Select "Pets"
Payment is automatic according to your ticket type
Option 2: Ticket Office
On the day of travel (subject to availability)
⚠️ Limited Spaces: On AVE and Long Distance trains there is a limited quota of pets per train (approx. 2–4 spaces). Book IMMEDIATELY when purchasing your ticket, especially during the peak summer season (July and August). If the train's pet quota is full, you will not be able to add yours even if there are human seats available.
Tips for Travelling by AVE in Summer 2026
Before the Journey (2–3 weeks beforehand):
Progressive acclimatisation to the carrier:
Days 1–3: Leave the carrier open with treats inside (5–10 min)
Days 4–7: Close the door briefly (15–20 min)
Days 8–14: Short walks with the carrier (30 min)
Day 15+: Simulate a car journey inside the carrier
Weigh your dog WITH the carrier: If it is near the limit (9–10 kg), consider:
A light diet (consult your vet)
Trimming the coat if it is a long-haired breed
Choosing a lighter carrier
On the Day of Travel:
⏰ 2 hours before departure:
Intensive walk of 30–45 min (your dog will be calmer)
Do NOT feed 3–4 hours before (prevents travel sickness and vomiting)
Offer water up to 1 hour before (then remove to avoid the need to urinate)
🚉 At the station:
Arrive 40–50 minutes early (security checks take longer with a pet)
Find a quiet area away from the crowds
Final walk before boarding
Offer water one last time
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my pet out of the carrier during the journey? ❌ NO. This is grounds for immediate penalty and removal from the train at the next stop without a refund.
What if my dog/cat barks or meows a lot? Staff may ask you to calm it down. In extreme cases, they could ask you to disembark at the next station. This is why prior acclimatisation is crucial.
Can I travel with 2 small pets? ❌ NO. Renfe allows a maximum of 1 pet per person on all its trains (AVE, Long Distance, Avlo, Medium Distance). If 2 people are travelling, each may bring 1 pet.
My cat weighs 4 kg but together with the carrier they weigh 11 kg — can I travel? ❌ NO on AVE/Long Distance. The 10 kg limit includes the pet + carrier. Options: choose a lighter carrier or travel by car.
Do I need a carrier on Cercanías too? NO. On Cercanías pets travel free with a muzzle (dogs) and lead, with no carrier required.
Does this apply to ferrets, rabbits and hamsters? ✅ YES. All small companion animals are permitted.
Destination: new adventures. Flying with your dog is possible if you know each airline's regulations
✈️ Flying to Málaga with Your Dog
Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is the 4th busiest airport in Spain and has good facilities for pets.
💡 Airline conditions (weight, dimensions and prices) change frequently. Always confirm the details on the airline's official website before buying your ticket.
Airlines Operating in Málaga
🟢 ALLOW DOGS IN THE CABIN
1. Iberia / Iberia Express
Maximum weight: 8 kg (dog + carrier)
Dimensions: 45 x 35 x 25 cm (sum of all three < 105 cm)
Carrier: Rigid or soft-sided
Indicative price: from €25–30 per leg (domestic flights)
Hold: allows up to 45 kg (including the animal's weight + container)
⚠️ Low-cost airlines: Ryanair does NOT accept pets (except certified assistance dogs). If you fly with them, you will need to make alternative arrangements for your dog.
Mandatory Documentation
Domestic Flights (Spain):
Up-to-date vaccination record
Registered microchip
Valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before)
Veterinary certificate (48–72 h before): recommended
International Flights (EU):
European Pet Passport
Health certificate (max. 10 days)
ISO microchip
Anti-parasite treatment (depending on destination)
Check regulations for the destination country
Day of the Flight
⏰ Arrive 2–2.5 hours early
Before leaving home:
🚶 Intensive walk 45–60 min
🍖 NO food 4–6 h before (CRITICAL)
💧 Water up to 2 h before
At the airport:
Check in at the desk (present documentation)
Pay the pet supplement
Security check: take the dog out (on lead)
Boarding gate: find a quiet area, last water
During the flight:
Carrier under the seat in front
❌ Do NOT take your pet out
Speak softly to reassure it
Arrival in Málaga:
Dog exercise area: Outside Terminal T3, car park P1
Málaga's pet-friendly accommodation offer has grown exponentially. Here are some of the best hotels that accept dogs in Málaga, with up-to-date conditions.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Málaga City That We Recommend
Why choose it: Perfect if you want to combine the city with a walk along Muelle Uno. Your dog can enjoy the sea without having to take the car.
Checklist: What to Ask When Booking a Hotel
Before booking any hotel, confirm:
Do they accept dogs of my size? (exact weight)
Is there a supplement? How much?
Can I leave the dog alone in the room?
Are there nearby green areas for walks?
Do they have a relationship with local vets?
Can the dog access the restaurant/terrace?
Are there breed restrictions?
After the journey, what matters most: a welcoming place where your dog feels at home
🐕 Dog Hotel: Where to Leave Your Dog in Málaga
Do you need to leave your dog for a few hours or days during your stay in Málaga? Whether you have plans that are not pet-friendly (certain restaurants, museums) or you are going on an excursion without your dog, here is a great option.
🏆 DogCity Málaga
Location: Avenida Pintor Joaquín Sorolla 51
Contact: Check website for up-to-date phone number
Dog hotel — a nightly retreat with soft music, dimmable lighting and 24/7 carers
Grooming
Café with a calm, welcoming space where you relax… and so does your dog
Events such as talks, workshops, birthday parties and meet-ups that will set many tails wagging
DogCity is one of the most modern dog hotels in Málaga. It is not just a kennels: it is a resort for dogs with quality facilities.
🌞 Things to Do with Your Dog in Málaga in Summer
Málaga is an extraordinarily pet-friendly city. Here are the best activities you can enjoy with your pet.
Dog Beaches
Málaga enjoys sunny, warm summers that are ideal for travelling with your pet. Its dog beaches, pet-friendly terraces and seafront promenades make it a perfect destination to enjoy together. (Remember to avoid the hottest hours of the day and always bring water for your dog.)
8 official beaches where your dog is welcome:
Playa del Arroyo Totalán (Málaga city) – The closest
Castillo de Sohail (Fuengirola)
Torre del Mar (Vélez-Málaga)
Piedra Paloma (Casares)
El Pinillo (Marbella)
Ventura del Mar (Marbella)
Playa Torrox
Playa Las Arenas (Manilva)
💡 Dog beach designations can change each season by municipal ordinance. Confirm that the beach is still open to dogs before your visit.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Travelling with a Dog in Summer
Is it safe to travel with my dog in summer? Yes, provided you take the appropriate precautions. The biggest risk in summer is the heat and prolonged sun exposure. Málaga enjoys a warm, sunny climate during this period (28–35 °C), ideal for a pet holiday. Make sure your dog is accustomed to the mode of transport you choose, keep it well hydrated, avoid the hottest hours of the day and keep all documentation in order.
What should I do if my dog gets travel sick in the car or on the train? Consult your vet about anti-nausea medication before the trip. Some practical tips: do not feed it 3 hours before travelling, exercise it well so it is tired, maintain adequate ventilation in the car and stop every 2 hours. If it travels in a carrier on the train, get it used to the carrier gradually in the weeks beforehand.
Can I take my dog to restaurants in Málaga? Málaga is very pet-friendly, but it depends on the establishment. Outdoor terraces generally allow dogs. Indoors depends on each restaurant. Always call ahead to confirm. Remember: your dog must be calm and well-behaved.
What do I need to return home after the holiday? The same documentation as for the outward journey: up-to-date vaccination record, microchip, valid rabies vaccination. If you travelled by AVE or plane, keep the pet tickets. Some hotels provide certificates of stay that can be useful.
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