Dogs in cars in Spain?

Surfer
Surfer Club Member Posts: 1,303 ✭
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edited November 2016 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

I understand that dogs need to be restrained in vehicles while travelling in Spain.  As we have three Yorkshire terriers we are unsure about restraining them as their leads would tangle. We have an estate and the back seat is lowered. 

The dogs stay in the back and have a cushion to lie on which is behind the passenger seat and there is fold up "cover" which prevents them entering the front. 

We do have a large fold flat cage in which all three will fit, but are there any other suitable options that will comply with Spanish law?

Comments

  • Dawn F
    Dawn F Forum Participant Posts: 167
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    edited November 2016 #2

    Hi Surfer

    You may want to check the law here before you go to Spain, I think you will find they should be restrained in this country, doesn't have to be seat belts but they should not be allowed to roam in the car freely and it may invalidate your insurance should
    you have an accident. 

  • Surfer
    Surfer Club Member Posts: 1,303 ✭
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    edited November 2016 #3

    Hi Surfer

    You may want to check the law here before you go to Spain, I think you will find they should be restrained in this country, doesn't have to be seat belts but they should not be allowed to roam in the car freely and it may invalidate your insurance should
    you have an accident. 

    Thanks, but as per my post I am aware of the law.  My question is about restraining them in the car and the options for doing this.

    Not sure about how it would invalidate my insurance if the dogs were not restrained as my insurance is throuhg a British insurance company?  Could you please explain?  Thanks.

  • Kerry Watkins
    Kerry Watkins Forum Participant Posts: 325
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    edited November 2016 #4

    We have a Labradoodle and she is strapped in  the back seat by a strap Fitted to her harness and the baby restraint hook. She has room to lie on the back seat. If she were not restrained if we had to break hard she would be through the windscreen. We would
    not like her to be unrestrained as she could have an injury and possibly interfere with the driver 

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2016 #5

    As in this country (but judging by them hanging out the window not enforced), dogs travelling in a car must be kept away from the driver or restrained and that can be by leash, crate or dog guard. We use a dog guard when travelling here or abroad with her,
    and Spain is no different.

  • Surfer
    Surfer Club Member Posts: 1,303 ✭
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    edited November 2016 #6

    The issue is restraining 3 dogs without the leads becoming tangled.  The body height of the tallest one is only 8" and is below the height of the front seats.

    I am not sure if a dog barrier is acceptable in Spain as I have seen one like this one. 

    https://www.travall.co.uk/jeep/grand-cherokee-wk-2005-2010/travall-dog-guard-tdg1375

  • Philnffc
    Philnffc Forum Participant Posts: 317
    edited November 2016 #7

    Sorry for being a bit flippent with your post but it did make me smile, we live in a village in Spain and the norm with most Spaniards is to drive with their dogs on their laps with the dogs head stuck out of window or resting on the dashboard. Our neighbour
    is shocked we let our dogs into the house so there is probably no law for this that the local police would enforce.

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,198 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2016 #8

    Much safer to have your dog secure when travelling whatever it's size. Should there be an impact or heavy breaking anything unrestrained keeps travelling -a box of tissues can cause injury to people so think about ghetto dog as well as people in the vehicle

  • JimE
    JimE Club Member Posts: 353 ✭
    100 Comments Photogenic
    edited November 2016 #9

    We use one of
    these     when our dog travels in our car.  He's a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and is happy to sit on a seat cover strapped in.

    Perhaps you could use 3 of these straps for your dogs, each one plugged into a seat belt point on the back seat.  The strap isn't too long, so should keep the dogs from getting tangled.

  • Oldgirl and Staffy
    Oldgirl and Staffy Forum Participant Posts: 414
    edited November 2016 #10

    We were advised that legally dogs must be restrained in the car in Spain either by a harness or in a crate/behind a dog guard.  We were also told that if the police do decide to prosecute offenders there is an instant €400 fine so it is worthwhile investigating
    further to make sure you are within the law.

  • Surfer
    Surfer Club Member Posts: 1,303 ✭
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    edited November 2016 #11

    We were advised that legally dogs must be restrained in the car in Spain either by a harness or in a crate/behind a dog guard.  We were also told that if the police do decide to prosecute offenders there is an instant €400 fine so it is worthwhile investigating
    further to make sure you are within the law.

    Can you please advise who gave you the above information as it does seem that the law is not very clear as I have had conflicting advice even from people who liv ein Spain.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,395 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2016 #12

    >This< should answer your question.

    peedee

  • RochelleCC
    RochelleCC Forum Participant Posts: 337
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    edited November 2016 #13

    Due to the high volume of threads regarding travelling with dogs, I’ve opened up an advice thread where all hints and tips can be discussed in one place. You can find this thread >>
    here <<

    I’ll be closing this thread and redirecting the conversation to “Travelling abroad with dogs”

    Thanks

  • the scratcher
    the scratcher Forum Participant Posts: 12
    edited November 2016 #14

    I understand that dogs need to be restrained in vehicles while travelling in Spain.  As we have three Yorkshire terriers we are unsure about restraining them as their leads would tangle. We have an estate and the back seat is lowered. 

    The dogs stay in the back and have a cushion to lie on which is behind the passenger seat and there is fold up "cover" which prevents them entering the front. 

    We do have a large fold flat cage in which all three will fit, but are there any other suitable options that will comply with Spanish law?

    Write your comments here...When we travel with ours they always have there harness on, which is clipped to the seat belt. this keeps them safe and secure should the unthinkable occur whilst allowing them to be in the car on the back seat dog blankets etc
    placed for their comfort and seat protection.

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