The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) in Spain has established clear guidelines to ensure the safety of passengers and pets when travelling in vehicles. The regulations in force aim to prevent distractions and ensure the welfare of animals, but there is still no specific approval for restraint systems.
Basic principles
Spanish legislation, reinforced by the Animal Welfare Act adopted in 2023, stipulates that pets must travel in such a way that they do not interfere with driving or compromise the safety of the occupants. This means that animals cannot travel freely in the passenger compartment or boot, as in the event of a head-on collision at 50 km/h, their weight is multiplied by 35. For example, a 20 kg dog could hit with a force equivalent to more than 700 kg, which represents a serious risk to all occupants of the vehicle.
The responsibility lies with the owner, who must ensure the animal’s well-being and safety. However, two years after this law came into force, there is still no official certification for dog restraint systems, which makes it difficult to choose effective systems.
Recommended restraint systems
Although there is still no mandatory certification, the DGT and road safety experts recommend choosing systems that have proven their effectiveness in laboratory and crash tests. These systems must be adapted to the size and weight of the animal in order to minimise injuries in the event of an accident.
Transport cages
Transport cages are a safe option if they are designed to withstand impact and are properly secured to the vehicle. They can be made of materials such as aluminium or viscoelastic foam, and some models have even been tested for side impact. To secure them, use:
- The seat belt.
- The Isofix system.
- The Top Tether (third Isofix anchorage point).
It is advisable to place them perpendicular to the direction of travel, especially for animals weighing less than 9 kg, whose necks would not withstand whiplash if they were travelling with a harness. Avoid placing the transport cage on the floor between the seats, as this area is vulnerable to impact and could break, allowing the animal to collide with metal structures.
For large dogs (over 55 kg), a transport cage in the boot is the only viable option, as no harness can restrain them in the back seats.
Harnesses
Harnesses that attach directly to the seatbelt, without additional extensions or buckles, have performed well in crash tests by preventing the animal from being thrown forward. They can be used on the back seats or, in exceptional cases, in the boot with Top Tether anchors. It is essential to avoid walking harnesses, as they are not designed to withstand road impacts.
Systems not recommended
Some common products do not guarantee safety and should be avoided:
- Pet seats: these are not restraint devices on their own. They can only be considered if used in conjunction with a tested harness, but “box” type models prevent direct connections to the seatbelt without extensions, reducing their effectiveness.
- Leashes and collars: These accessories, whether attached to the headrest or seat belt with adapters, fail crash tests. Their materials and rings cannot withstand tension, which can cause serious injury to the animal and fail to restrain it.
Practical tips for safe travel
- Choose products that have passed crash tests, even if they are more expensive.
- Keep in mind that developments in pet safety are inspired by child restraint systems (CRS) and that future regulations are likely to include specific dummies and stricter rules, similar to those applied to children.
In summary, Spanish regulations emphasise risk prevention, transferring responsibility to the owner until official approval is in place. By following these guidelines, it is possible to significantly reduce the dangers associated with travelling with pets.