Tourism and Pets - Pet Travel by Bus
Some bus companies in Spain allow travel with pets, with requirements varying from one company to the next. Some companies have dedicated, ventilated areas for animals. Others allow animals to be carried.
The company Alsa, for example, only allows one dog or cat per bus and they must always travel in the luggage compartment. On the other hand, its premium fleet of buses have special compartments which are air-conditioned for traveling with animals. The company Avanzabus has the same conditions: travel in the luggage compartment or travel in better conditions in another fleet of buses. It is advisable to check directly with each of the companies and choose from the available options. The cost can also vary, from free of charge to a small fee and other more expensive options.
Generally speaking, the conditions for traveling by bus with animals are as follows:
- If dogs or cats are traveling in the luggage compartment, they must travel in special carriers or cages, provided by the passenger, and they must be suitable for this purpose.
- Animal transport is always the sole responsibility of the family members, who will be traveling on the same bus as the animal.
- The passenger traveling must report to board, accompanied by the animal, in advance (ideally at least 15 minutes in advance), and must personally load the animal in the cage as instructed by the driver. The animal must be in good physical, hygienic and psychological condition to travel.
- The animal must also be unloaded by the passenger traveling, making sure that there is no one nearby to prevent any uncomfortable or dangerous situations which could affect the rest of the passengers..
