Can I travel with pets in a taxi? Rules and a practical guide for dogs and cats

Yes, in general you can travel with pets in a taxi, but with an important caveat: except for assistance dogs (guide dogs and other dogs that accompany people with disabilities), which must be accepted, the decision to accept a dog, a cat or any other pet is normally up to the driver. That is why the way to avoid problems is to say that you are travelling with your pet when you order the taxi, giving its size and whether it is in a carrier, and to have it well prepared: cats and small animals in a closed carrier, dogs on a harness and short lead, and a blanket to protect the seat.

Taxi regulations in Madrid are set by the City Council through its bylaw, and the specific conditions may be updated. Below we explain the situation in general terms and then how to prepare your animal for the journey, including if you are going to the airport.

Assistance dogs are not pets in legal terms: they are essential support for their user's independence. The law recognises their right of access to public transport, taxis included, and the driver cannot refuse to take them because they are dogs. Usually the dog travels at its user's feet, in the back.

• The dog must be identified as an assistance dog, with the relevant accreditation.
• Its presence should not involve any additional charge for the animal.
• If you also need help getting in or a vehicle with more space, see our information on adapted taxis for people with disabilities.

For dogs, cats, rabbits or pet birds there is, as a general rule, no equivalent obligation to carry them. The taxi driver can accept or refuse the animal, just as a shop can decide whether to allow dogs. In practice, more and more drivers accept them, especially when the animal is well prepared.

Common reasons for not accepting an animal

• Allergies of the driver or of the next customers: this is the clearest and most reasonable reason.
• Size: a large dog without adequate space can be uncomfortable or unsafe.
• Hygiene: a wet or muddy animal, or no protection for the seat.
• Behaviour: an animal that is nervous, loose or likely to distract the driver.

When the animal travels in its carrier, clean and calm, it is much more likely that the driver will have no objection.

The key moment is the booking. If you hail a taxi in the street with a large dog, the driver decides there and then; if you mention it beforehand, you know where you stand.

1. Say that you are travelling with an animal in the comments of your airport taxi booking, or ask on WhatsApp or by phone on 911 76 00 81.
2. Describe the animal: species, approximate size and whether it is in a carrier.
3. Also mention what takes up space: a large carrier, a bed or a sack of food count as luggage. If several of you are also travelling with suitcases, you may need a 7-seater taxi.
4. Wait for confirmation before considering the journey settled.

A few minutes of preparation avoid most problems and make it easier for the driver to welcome the animal.

Before leaving home

• A walk beforehand: let the dog relieve itself just before getting in.
• A light meal: many animals get carsick, so it is best not to give them a big meal shortly before. If your pet often gets carsick, consult your vet.
• Cleanliness: a dry, brushed animal sheds less hair and is better received.

Cats and small pets: in a closed carrier

For cats, small dogs, rabbits or birds, a closed carrier is the best option: it stops the animal escaping when the door is opened, hiding under the pedals or leaving hair on the upholstery. Place it on the back seat or on the floor behind the front seats, where it will not slide about if the car brakes sharply; if it is on the seat, you can thread the seat belt through the handle or frame to secure it. Put a towel or a puppy pad inside and do not open it during the journey, even if the animal miaows or cries.

Medium-sized and large dogs: harness, lead and blanket

• In the back, on the seat or on the floor depending on its size and what the driver says. Never loose or in the front seat.
• A harness and short lead, better than a collar. There are harnesses with a clip for the car seat belt that limit its movement.
• A blanket or waterproof cover, put in place before the dog gets in.
• A muzzle where applicable: dogs considered potentially dangerous must comply with what the animal regulations require.

During the journey and on arrival

Talk to it calmly, do not give it food and do not let it stick its head out of the window. If you notice it is getting carsick (drooling a lot, yawning or getting restless), tell the driver: a little fresh air and smoother driving usually help. When you arrive, wait for the car to stop completely before letting the dog out, gather up the blanket and bags and check there is no hair left on the seat: it is a gesture that helps the next pet to be welcome too.

If your pet is flying with you, the taxi is the easy part of the trip. The most demanding part is the airline: each airline decides whether the animal travels in the cabin or in the hold, the maximum size and weight of the carrier and the health documents required. Check those conditions before booking the flight and bring the animal to the airport already inside the carrier you are going to use on the plane, so there are no changes at the terminal.

A rigid carrier for the hold takes up almost as much space as a large suitcase: mention it when booking along with the rest of your luggage, and have a look at how luggage in the taxi is organised if you are heavily loaded. Leave with time to spare: 2 hours ahead for European flights and 3 for international ones, and a little more if you have to check in the animal. In these tips for a good flight you will find more ideas for the day of your flight.

On your return, if you land with your pet, book a pickup at the terminal with your flight number and say in the comments which animal you have and the size of the carrier.

If it is a pet and not an assistance dog, the driver's refusal is, in general, legitimate, especially if they cite allergies, lack of space or lack of protection for the vehicle. The practical thing is to ask for another taxi, preferably by booking and mentioning the animal. If the driver refuses an assistance dog, the situation is different: note down the licence, the registration, the time and the place, and file a complaint with Madrid City Council. We tell you more about other reasons for refusal in why a taxi driver may refuse to take you.