All the things I wish I knew before I got my first ever puppy!
I recently saw a rather humorous post on Facebook about dogs and the New York subway. Basically the MTA (Metro Transit Authority) banned dogs that could not be carried in some kind of dog carrier or bag...cue a lot of creative New Yorkers. I have to say I never thought I'd see a fully grown husky or german shepherd been carried around in a large tote bag, but apparently it can be done!
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Anyway, it got me wondering what the rules were in the UK about dogs and public transport so I did some digging- we're actually a lot more tolerant than I thought we would be! Obviously the rules below do not apply to Guide Dogs. By law guide dogs are allowed on all modes of transport and it is an offence to deny them entry- and rightly so!
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Please take into account that different transport companies have different rules, and although these were correct at time of writing, it is always worth double checking the terms of carriage before booking any relevant tickets!
THE UNDERGROUND
Dogs are allowed on the underground as long as they are carried up escalators.
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I can understand the logic, escalators can be dangerous for humans at the best of times, let alone a dog, add into the equation the mixing of large crowds and dogs and it could be a recipe for disaster. Unfortunately though, unless you're strong and/or can find a savvy way of carrying your dog, it's probably going to rule out a lot of breeds. Cooper is just over 20kg currently at 5 months old, for me lifting him into the car is awkward enough, let alone trying to scoop him up in a station to carry him up/down a potentially very long escalator.
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You're not at a complete loss if you have a larger breed dog though. If your dog is active and able to do stairs, that's one option, or alternatively, if you go on the TFL website you can plan a route with stations that have lifts.
TRAINS
Generally you can take up to 2 dogs with you, free of charge, on the train.
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Different companies stipulate different rules, and as the UK train network is operated by various different companies it's worth checking before you travel. The general gist I've found across companies is that if they are allowed, they must be kept on a lead or in a pet carrier/bag, they must not cause an inconvenience to anyone and they must not go on the seats.
BUSES
Definitely check with your individual bus company on this one! The overriding saying seems to be 'at the drivers discretion' and 'well behaved', so nothing set in stone if you're planning a day out around on the bus, all it would take is one bus driver who doesn't like the look of your dog and you'll be walking home!
COACHES
You may prove me wrong and find an exception, but most coach companies will not accept dogs on board.
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I guess it's logical as space on coaches tends to be a lot more regimented and limited than buses, and as having your dog on the seat is a big no-no, there's not really anywhere else that's safe to put them.
TAXIS
Again, this is one to take up with whoever you book the taxi through, and I would imagine would also depend on the driver, if they own their own vehicle they might be less keen to take a furry companion in the back. I know I wouldn't take a dog in my car- at least not without seat covers!
RULES OF BEHAVIOUR
Common sense to most people, although completely oblivious to others. Remember that there is much more to consider other than 'am I ALLOWED to take my dog.'
If you've read my article on dog laws in the UK (link below), you will know that you are responsible for your dog at all times in public, so before you put your dog in a potentially stressful situation, ask yourself a few questions...
Will my dog be comfortable on public transport?
Will my dog be able to cope with the physical demands, i.e. stairs, ticket barriers etc.
Is my dog well behaved enough to go on public transport?
Can my dog sit/lay down for a substantial period of time without disturbing others?
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For me personally, I'd rather be sat next to a dog than a person on public transport any day of the week, but if you encounter someone who either doesn't like dogs, or is scared of dogs, your dog's behaviour could cause a problem.
