Taking your dog in the car in Spain comes with a newfound legal responsibility.

Since the introduction of Spain’s Animal Welfare Law (Ley 7/2023), drivers face stricter rules when travelling with pets, with fines possible if animals are put at risk or allowed to interfere with driving.

The legislation reflects a broader shift as pets are now legally recognised as sentient members of the household, not just cargo.

Welfare comes first

Under the law, animals must be transported in conditions that meet their physiological and behavioural needs.

That means ensuring proper ventilation, temperature control and overall comfort throughout the journey.

Air conditioning is therefore essential in summer, for example, to keep animals within a safe temperature range.

Drivers are also expected to plan longer journeys properly, including regular stops for water, food and rest.

Leaving pets in cars

One of the biggest risks is leaving animals inside parked vehicles.

Spanish law is explicit, saying that pets must not be left in enclosed vehicles if conditions could endanger their lives. Even mild temperatures outside can quickly become dangerous inside a car.

In more serious cases, this can be classified as a ‘serious offence’, particularly if animals are repeatedly left in unsafe environments such as cars, balconies or storage areas.

How your pet must travel in the car

Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT, also requires that animals are properly restrained so they do not distract the driver or move freely around the vehicle.

There are three main compliant options.

For larger dogs, a certified safety harness attached to the seatbelt is recommended. This must be a crash-tested car harness and not a standard walking harness.

For smaller animals, a transport carrier is the safest option. Crucially, it should be placed on the floor of the vehicle, not on a seat, to reduce risk in the event of sudden braking.

Another option is a physical divider, typically used in the boot area, which prevents the animal from entering the passenger space.

If your dog is loose in the car, overheating, or left unattended in dangerous conditions, you could be breaking the law, risking fines.