{"id":8767,"date":"2023-06-05T19:17:57","date_gmt":"2023-06-05T18:17:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/?p=8767"},"modified":"2023-06-05T19:19:43","modified_gmt":"2023-06-05T18:19:43","slug":"public-transport-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/public-transport-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"How to travel on public transport with your dog"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Exploring new sights and smells is something many dogs thrive on. Being able to leave the car behind can have its advantages, especially if you don\u2019t drive or live in a larger city. So\u2026 how to travel on public transport with your dog? Now that\u2019s the question! Here\u2019s our full guide to car-free travel with your pup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which public transport accepts dogs?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Can dogs go on buses? Can I take my dog on a train? You might be surprised to learn that dogs are usually allowed on public transport in the United Kingdom, although the regulations depend on the local authorities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a handy breakdown of your available options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trains<\/td>Usually accept dogs, max 2 per passenger. Must be on a lead for the duration of your journey.<\/td><\/tr>
Coaches<\/td>Usually don’t accept dogs, except service dogs.<\/td><\/tr>
Buses<\/td>Usually accept dogs at the driver’s discretion.<\/td><\/tr>
Taxis \/ ridesharing<\/td>Sometimes accept dogs.Check the provider’s website, and book ahead to check they allow dogs and if there\u2019s an extra charge, so you don\u2019t get any surprises.Some apps let you choose a dog-friendly vehicle. Tip: Brush hairy dogs beforehand so they leave as little hair as possible behind. Having a blanket for them to sit on is a good idea.<\/em>  <\/td><\/tr>
London Underground<\/td>Dogs are permitted and need to be carried on escalators. Or use the lift or stairs. Tip: always use the wider accessible gates to enter and exit, giving your dog time and space to get through. <\/em><\/td><\/tr>
City tram services<\/td>Varies per city, so it\u2019s best to check the local authority or transport network\u2019s website ahead of travel.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Always check with local authorities or service providers before travelling in case of changes.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

All aboard! Or is it?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Public transport isn\u2019t for every dog, or person for that matter. It can be crowded, noisy and hectic. So think about your dog\u2019s personality and whether they might enjoy this new experience or not. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if your dog is travel-savvy, there are times when it\u2019s still best to avoid public transport, such as travelling home from the vets after an operation or when it\u2019s really hot.  <\/p>\n\n\n

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How to introduce your dog to travel on a bus or train<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

First things first. Your dog will need to get used to the noise. Buses and trains are big, noisy things, so introduce your dog slowly to help desensitise them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It might take a couple of days or even weeks – slow and steady wins the race. Here\u2019s how to take it at their pace:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting familiar with the bus<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

The goal here is small, successful steps. So maybe start by picking out a local bus and hang around nearby with your dog – at a comfortable distance so they can observe the sights and sounds. Reward your dog with a tasty treat<\/a> every time a bus passes, arrives, opens it’s door. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the next few weeks, you could build up to standing closer, repeating until your dog is happy to wait at the bus stop with everyone else. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re lucky, a dog-loving bus driver might even let you board an empty bus while it\u2019s waiting at the station. You can explain you\u2019d like to practise getting in and out of the doors and walking down the bus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top tip – keep an eye on your dog in these sessions. If they seem at all stressed or nervous go back a few steps. Don\u2019t be afraid to take your time – better to go slow.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introducing your dog to trains<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Take a similar approach here – start by simply rewarding your dog for calm behaviour outside the train station, then move inside, waiting till your dog is settled among all the new sights and sounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then you can move onto the platform, rewarding them every time there\u2019s a noise (an announcement, a train braking etc). Eventually, you could build up to riding for one stop – treating your dog regularly as they travel with some very tasty treats<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip: You can find train station sounds online and play them quietly at home to introduce your dog to these new noises. Gradually increase the volume to a realistic level over time.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you start regularly taking your dog on public transport, be sure to start with short journeys (15-20 minutes max is ideal) to fun places, like the beach or a new park. This way they\u2019ll create positive associations with this exciting new way of getting around.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Before you set off<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Factor in time to walk your dog briefly before you travel, perhaps for a longer walk if it\u2019s a very long journey. This means they\u2019ll have a chance to go to the toilet and burn off any excess energy if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To avoid travel sickness<\/a>, especially if you\u2019re taking a taxi or ridesharing vehicle, it\u2019s best to feed your dog at least 30 minutes (ideally longer) before you leave home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allow plenty of time for travelling on public transport with your dog. Avoid that last-minute sprint for the bus, so they have time to take in their surroundings calmly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to take with you<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few things to help keep your journey on track:<\/p>\n\n\n\n