FOR many traveling on a train or the tube is a regular occurrence.
But can you take your four-legged friend along with you when using either method of public transport? Here's everything you need to know.
Are dogs allowed on trains?
Dogs are allowed to travel on board any train in the UK provided that they aren’t causing other passengers any issues or endangering them.
While dogs are allowed to travel on trains, certain service providers have set rules that must be followed to ensure the safety and comfort of all those on board.
For example, National Rail allows owners to bring up to two animals with them when traveling at no extra cost - but they must abide by the rules.
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These include:
- Keep your dog on a lead or in a pet carrier – whichever you and your furry friend prefer
- Pet carriers must be rigid and not open, to prevent escape
- Your pet must also be able to stand and lie down comfortably inside the carrier
- Animals are not allowed on seats
- Animals aren’t allowed in restaurant cars except for assistance dogs
Assistance dogs always ride for free and no cleaning charge will be applied, no matter which train company you travel with.
Are dogs allowed on the London Underground?
Dog owners will be pleased to know that the TfL is dog-friendly.
Therefore, you can bring your furry friend along with you when traveling on all London buses, trains, tubes and trams for free.
Dogs must be kept on a lead or in a crate/carrier when traveling on board.
It is also important to remember that station staff can refuse you entry if your dog is misbehaving.
Are dogs allowed on escalators?
According to the Blue Cross, there are important rules in place regrading dogs using escalators.
They explain: ''Dogs, unless trained as an assistance dog, are not allowed on the escalator themselves; this can cause serious harm as they can get their fur, nails or skin caught in the moving staircases.''
If you are unable to take your dog on escalators it is recommended to look for alternative transport routes with stairs or a lift.
What safety measures should I take before taking my dog on the train?
Before taking your pooch on a train journey, it's important to be aware of the safety guidelines in place.
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According to the Blue Cross, these include:
- Use the accessibility and mobility access gate when entering the station with your pet – this gives you more time and space to get through the ticket barriers
- Stay behind the yellow line on the platform
- Do not trespass on the tracks or any other part of the railway that is not available to passengers
- If you have an elderly dog, use lifts instead of stairs
- You must always ensure that you carry water for your dog on long train journeys
- Keep your dog separate from other pets you may see on transportation
- Ask people not to stroke your dog unless you know they are comfortable with this
- If your dog does have a fear of unfamiliar people then you should avoid the train
- Avoid travelling during rush hour
- If the train is too full wait for the next one
