Dogs Allowed to Travel on Madrid Metro from Summer

Following an initiative already in place in Barcelona and other European cities including London, Lisbon, Brussels or Berlin, Cristina Cifuentes, President of the Region of Madrid, announced earlier this week that from the summer dogs will be permitted to travel on the Metro with their owner.

Up until now, only guide dogs, guide dogs in training and small-sized pets transported inside appropriate carriers have been allowed to travel using this mode of transport, provided that they are not dangerous or bother any other passengers because of their size, noise or smell.

Dog owners will be able to take their pet onto the Metro as soon as the law regarding rail travel has been modified and approved, which official sources say should take three to four months.

The animals will travel for free and must always be accompanied by their owner.

Additionally, there are a number of other rules and requisites attached to this new law, which are outlined below:

• Dogs must be identifiable via a microchip and be registered on the municipality’s register
• Dogs will only be allowed on the last wagon of each train
• Only one dog per owner is permitted
• Dogs must always be kept on a lead no longer than 50 cm
• They must wear a muzzle
• For security purposes, dogs won’t be allowed to use the mechanical escalators
• They will only be able to travel in off-peak hours

As soon as the new law is brought in, owners will only be able to travel with their dog at off-peak times. They will not be allowed on the Metro between the hours of 7.30am – 9.30am, 2pm – 4pm and 6pm – 8pm Monday to Friday. At the weekend and during the months of July and August, this will be relaxed slightly.

Source: www.abc.es, www.elmundo.es