Things to know before taking your pet on public transport

by PDSA | 18 August 2022 #Lifestyle

Trains, buses, and taxis are great for getting people from A to B - but what about pets? Thankfully, public transport can still open up a world of adventure for you and your furry friend, as long as you’re well prepared and have checked if your pet will be welcome too.

Whether you’re using public transport for a day trip to the beach this summer or a special visit to catch up with friends, it’s good to know that, in most cases, your four-legged friend can come along too!

However, you must take all the necessary steps to ensure travelling on public transport remains safe and comfortable for you, your pet and fellow passengers.

Remember:

  • Public transport isn’t fun, safe, or appropriate for every pet and you should always consider your pet’s personality, needs, and welfare before travelling.
  • You must also think about other factors that could harm your pet whilst on the move, such as the weather - travelling in hot conditions, for example, could increase the risk of heatstroke.
  • Whilst on public transport, owners are responsible for keeping their pets under control at all times. Your pet should be well-behaved and listen to your commands - failure to do so may mean you could be asked to leave.
  • Registered Assistance Dogs are allowed on all modes of public transport, though you may need to show proof (i.e. Assistance Dogs UK ID book) so make sure you have this with you.
  • In public places, dogs need to wear a collar and identification tag at all times - in addition to any harness they may be wearing - and must be restrained with a suitable lead.
  • Small pets must be kept in a suitable carrier, the maximum size being 85x60x60cm. Any pet in a carrier should be able to lie down, sit or stand up comfortably.

Whether you and your pet are planning to catch a train, bus, or taxi for your next adventure, here are things you should know ahead of travel.

 

Travelling by train

If travelling by train, you can take your dog, cat, or small animal with you as long as they are well behaved and do not endanger other customers or staff. Across the UK, each passenger is entitled to travel with two pets free of charge. If you’re intending to travel with more than two pets, be prepared to pay an additional fee.

Unless in a suitably-sized pet carrier, all dogs must be kept on a lead for the duration of the train journey and whilst at any stations. Domestic cats, birds, and small animals must be kept in an enclosed cage or pet carrier that is safe, secure, and comfortable.

Regardless of whether your pet is on a lead or snuggled up in a cosy carrier, they must not occupy a seat - train seats are for passengers only.

Tips for taking your pet on a train

No matter the time of day, trains and stations are often busy places, especially during peak hours. For any pet, large crowds, small spaces, and sudden loud noises can be overwhelming, so you need to ease them into this new environment slowly. Ideally, it’s a good idea to introduce your dog to trains when they’re still young, as part of their socialisation.

Before committing to any long train rides, you could take your pet on a shorter, quieter journey so you can see how they react to different surroundings. Be patient; allow plenty of time to arrive at the station and avoid rushing from one area to the next so your pet can get used to all the new sights and sounds.

No matter the length of the journey, take plenty of food and water with you to keep your pet happy, hydrated, and well-fed. You should also take food and water for yourself too, as pets are not allowed in dining carts and can’t be left unattended.

For our four-legged friends, having treats close to hand is a great way to reward calm behaviour. Dog owners should also plan regular station breaks in advance to give their precious pooch the opportunity to stretch their legs and go to the toilet. If you plan to get off the train at any point on your journey, you should make sure you have a ticket that allows you to do this.

 

Travelling by bus

Generally, only one dog, domestic cat, or small pet is allowed on a bus at any one time, though this is always at the discretion of the bus driver. Usually, the driver will consider how busy the bus is or whether there are already pets on board when deciding whether your four-legged friend can travel. You should always be prepared to wait for the next bus if the driver refuses entry.

Tips for taking your pet on a bus

When on the bus, your pet (or their carrier) must not block the gangway (the passage between rows of seats) or take up any seats. You should be aware of your fellow passengers; for example, keep dogs on a lead at all times and don’t allow them to invade other people’s space - not everyone is a pet lover!

Buses can quickly fill with lots of unfamiliar people and this type of environment can cause your pet distress. To prevent this, you should avoid travelling on busy routes during peak times, e.g. rush hour. Monitor your pet closely for the duration of the journey and look out for any signs of anxiety or concern, including the common signs of stress in dogs (freezing, barking or cowering). If your dog displays any of these behaviours, you should exit the bus at the earliest opportunity and take them to a quiet area to calm them down.

Because of the confined spaces on a bus, you may need to consider a different method of travel if you have a medium or large breed of dog.

 

Travelling by taxi

There is no set rule when it comes to taxis and whether you can travel with your pet or not is down to the taxi company and/or the driver. To avoid confusion, you should always call the taxi company ahead of time to check whether they’re pet-friendly. Most taxi companies will use specific cars or send drivers who are comfortable with transporting pets, so it’s important you book your trip with enough notice. Some taxi companies allow you to request a ‘pet-friendly’ car when booking through their app.

At the time of booking, you should also ask if there is an extra charge you need to know about to avoid any unexpected fees at the end of your journey.

Tips for taking your pet in a taxi

All pet owners know how easy it is for pet hair to spread! Before getting in the vehicle, you should give your pet a good brush to avoid leaving any fur behind at the end of your ride. It’s also a good idea to take a large blanket for your four-legged friend to sit on; some taxi drivers may already have a blanket available for you to use but not all, so it’s always best to come prepared. You should also make sure your pet has been to the toilet and is clean before travelling - nobody likes muddy footprints!

When travelling in a car, it’s important to know how to keep your pet and all passengers safe at all times. For in-depth guidance and advice, read more about safe car travel for pets.

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