?imgeng=/w_auto,140/h_53 "svg-icon"){kind=logo}
Questions
- Can you Take Dogs on Trains?
- Dogs on the Eurostar
- The Rules for Travelling with Dogs on Trains
- Top Tips for Taking a Dog on Train for First Time
Travelling with a dog can be stressful to begin with but going on public transport can be even more worrisome. Our dogs are our pride and joy and taking them with us is a natural desire instead of leaving them home alone.
Dogs on trains aren’t the most common sight, but even if you don’t have anything planned right now, taking them on short journeys to make it possible in the future is a great idea familiarise them with the new surroundings.
Can you Take Dogs on Trains?
Dogs are welcome to join their owner on most trains. If you’re travelling on a train line, you’re not familiar with, it’s best to check their individual website before onboarding your pooch.
)
While most train lines allow for pets to travel, they are well within their right to refuse an animal so make sure you know the rules before you consider going anywhere.
Can you Take a Dog on the Tube?
Owners are allowed to take their dog on the London Underground. To take your dog on the tube they must be well behaved and for your dog’s benefit, they should be confident enough to deal with the crowds. The tube can get quite busy which can be overwhelming for dogs if they’re not used to it.
Dogs should also be carried on the escalators to avoid hurting their feet. The ridged metal may not bother us when we wear shoes, but dogs can sustain injuries from standing on them. Not to mention navigating stepping on and off the escalators so owners are required to pick them up or have them in a bag to carry them.
Dogs on the Eurostar
Dogs are not allowed to travel on the Eurostar. The only exception to this is certified assistance dogs and guide dogs. To travel on the Eurostar, you will need all the appropriate paperwork to show proof that they’re qualified to work and need to accompany their owner. They will also need a passport for crossing any borders.
Any other pets are also prohibited from travelling on the Eurostar.
)
The Rules for Travelling with Dogs on Trains
When you’re taking dogs on trains, there are a few general rules that are uniform across all rail companies.
They will all require pets to be kept in carriers or on dog leads, so they are under control for the entire journey and not free to wander or bother anyone else. They need to be comfortable around strangers and other dogs as they may be sitting close to people, they don’t know or other doggy passengers.
)
Dogs are not allowed on seats. Every seat is available to paying customers so if your dog was to take up a seat then they should in theory pay the same charge as you to travel! People travelling after you could have allergies so it’s common courtesy not to allow your pets to sit on the seats.
Top Tips for Taking a Dog on Train for First Time
Before you consider taking your pooch on train journeys, you should first make sure they are comfortable, especially if you plan on going on any lengthy trips. Starting out with short trips, ideally during quiet times is the best way to start a positive association with train travel.
More tips to consider are:
Start their introduction to trains as young as possible.
Trial environmental conditioning - let them understand the new smells and noises of a train station.
Reward their good behaviour with dog treats – Reinforcing when they’re calm will help them to learn the right behaviour on the train and it will encourage them to enjoy the experience.
Having a train seat with a space next to it will allow your dog to lay comfortably beside you.
If they suffer with travel sickness – make sure they’ve taken their anti-sickness tablets.
Signs of an Unhappy Pup on the Train
Understanding dog body language is an important part of making sure your pup is happy with travelling. Signs that your dog is feeling anxious include:
Whale eyes (showing the whites of their eyes)
Raised hackles.
Avoiding eye contact
Prolonged yawns
Pacing
Panting Excessively
Chewing the lead as stress buster
Paw Raise
Pinned ears
)
If they’re showing any signs of shying away and getting stressed then you may have gone a little bit too quickly for your pooch. You can keep them distracted for the rest of the journey with treats and lots of comfort but then scale back your travel until you can get them more confident with the environment.
For everything you need to get your beloved pet ready for a train journey and all your other doggy essentials, look at our wide range online and in-store.