If you are a biker or use a motorcycle regularly and also have a dog, you have probably wondered if you could take your best friend with you when you travel. But, what does Spanish law say about it? Is it legal to travel with a dog on a motorcycle? It is safe? How should it be done correctly?
In this article on our site we will explain how to travel with a dog on a motorcycle, taking into account the Spanish legislation of the year 2018 and explaining how the process should be so that your dog enjoys the trip as much as you do. Keep reading and discover how to take your dog on a motorcycle!
Is it legal to take a dog on a motorcycle?
Currently it is not possible to find any specific specification in the BOE about how pets should be transported correctly, however, if we review the Traffic and Road Safety Code [1] we find some specifications that we can take into account:
Article 17. Control of the vehicle or animals
- Drivers must be able to control their vehicles or animals at all times. When approaching other road users, they must take the necessary precautions for their safety, especially in the case of children, the elderly, the blind or other people who are manifestly disabled (article 11.1 of the articulated text).
- It is forbidden for drivers of horses, cattle and animal-drawn cargo vehicles to run along the road in the vicinity of others of the same species or people who are on foot, as well as abandon their driving, letting them walk freely along the road or stop on it.
Article 18. Other obligations of the driver
The driver of a vehicle is obliged to maintain his own freedom of movement, the necessary field of vision and permanent attention to driving, which guarantee his own safety, that of the rest of the occupants of the vehicle and that of other road users. For these purposes, you must take special care to maintain the proper position and that the rest of the passengers maintain it, and the proper placement of the objects or animals transported so that there is no interference between the driver and any of them (article 11.2 of the articulated text). The use by the driver with the vehicle in motion of devices such as screens with internet access, television monitors and video or DVD players is considered incompatible with the mandatory permanent attention to driving. For these purposes, the use of monitors that are in view of the driver and whose use is necessary for the vision of access or descent of pedestrians or for vision in vehicles with rear maneuvering camera, as well as the GPS device are excepted
Given that there is no regulation that prohibits driving with a dog on a motorcycle and, as long as the regulations indicated by the General Directorate of Traffic are complied with, it is assumed that yes it is possible to travel with a dog on a motorcycle Below we will explain the necessary accessories to transport your dog safely.
Accessories for transporting dogs on motorcycles
There are various accessories that we can consider buying when traveling with a dog on a motorcycle, however, the most important is undoubtedly a safe and comfortable carrier In the market we will find various options to choose from, such as a backpack, a motorcycle trunk or a carrier, although it should be noted that most accessories for transporting dogs are limited in terms of to size, for this reason, if your dog is medium or large, you may not be able to travel with your dog on a motorcycle. In most cases, the models are usually recommended for dogs weighing a maximum of approximately 10 kilograms.
Other accessories that we can use:
- Dog Helmet: There are many brands that manufacture helmets for dogs. In addition to preventing further damage in the event of an accident, the helmet also protects the dog's ears, which are especially sensitive to drafts. We recommend looking for a rigid helmet, which adapts to the shape of your dog's ears and contains foam for greater protection.
- Goggles for dogs: they are very flexible and adapt to the morphological characteristics of the dog, while protecting their eyes from insects, dirt, etc Some even include an anti-fog option.
- Dog Clothes: Although it is not always necessary to keep a dog warm, in some cases it may be advisable, especially if the temperatures they are low and we watch our dog shiver or curl up with the intention of retaining heat. Bringing clothes for dogs is always a good option.
- Water, food and prizes: It is important to bring a portable water bowl for dogs, as well as some food and some prizes for if at any time we need to capture your attention or reward you.
Now you know the basic accessories to know how to travel safely with your dog on a motorcycle, however, there are some details that you should not overlook, such as stops, documentation and many other details to consider, read on!
How to travel with my dog on a motorcycle?
Before starting to make trips it will be essential to get our dog used to the carrier. We will use rewards to reinforce the fact of approaching, entering and staying inside, making sure that the dog positively associates with the carrier to go inside voluntarily. We should never force him to enter, it should be a gradual process that can last between one and two weeks.
Once the dog is able to enter a carrier and stay inside without obvious symptoms of stress or anxiety, we are ready to start making short trips that will prepare him for a future longer trip. Don't forget to keep reinforcing calm behavior, even with your voice.
Once on the road, we must remember the importance of making small stopswhere the dog can drink water, relieve himself, stretch your legs and relax. We recommend traveling stages of between 1 and 2 hours maximum, leaving between 15 and 20 minutes of rest between them. We also advise you to drive in a relaxed way.
Documentation required to travel with a dog
Whenever we travel with our dog, whether we are talking about a long trip or moving within a city or town, we must carry all its documentation with us. For this reason, we remind you of the documents required to transport pets:
- Microchip
- Census card
- He alth card
In addition, potentially dangerous dogs listed by law or by a veterinarian must also have civil liability insurance andadministrative license owner.
