Can you take dogs on a bus? Are dogs allowed?

We continually strive to be a one-stop-shop for all your doggy questions, our next one is a question from Susan, 36, from Lincolnshire who asks “Can you take a dog on buses? I can’t drive and I want to visit some dog parks a bit further out from where I live, a taxi won’t take me but will my local bus provider?”

This is a great question which won’t just affect Susan so we thought we’d do the research and find you the answer so that you and your pooch can have great days out knowing which bus routes and operators are dog friendly.

Dogs (adults and puppies) are allowed on all buses except National Express in the United Kingdom. They’re even allowed on TfL. Although, dogs and their owners are subjected to some restrictions on bus at the company and the driver’s behest.

It’s noteworthy that National Express does allow assistance dogs trained by the Member Organization of Assistance Dogs (UK) only if the dog carries the relevant identity card.

Which buses can dogs take in the UK? – A Deeper Look

We’ve taken a look at the information the various bus providers have in regards to these factors

• Can guide dogs ride the bus
• Can regular dogs ride the bus
• Is there a charge for taking dogs on buses
• Can dogs take the bus with restrictions
• Are all dogs banned from the bus

Arriva

Arriva’s policy is fairly straightforward and is partly dog positive. There is no charge for taking dogs on buses with Arriva and that includes assistance and regular dogs. However, allowing dogs to take an Arriva bus is at the absolute discretion of the driver which means that if the bus is packed or the driver simply doesn’t allow dogs then your journey could end there.

You should consider calling the local Arriva office and asking the driver on the day if they’d take your dog to save some time.

Stagecoach

Stagecoach allows guide dogs and assistance dogs to take the bus at any time, non-assistance and guide dogs are allowed to ride the bus at the absolute discretion of the bus driver.

You should consider calling the local Arriva office and asking the driver on the day if they’d take your dog to save some time.

First Bus (England and Scotland)

First Bus allow assistance and guide dogs to take the bus free of charge. Regular dogs are allowed to take the First bus at the driver’s discretion so long as they are on a lead at all times and muzzled if they are likely to be dangerous.

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Mega Bus

Mega Bus have a stricter policy and only allows guidance and assistive dogs on their journeys. These dogs should wear their harness or identification jacket when travelling so that passengers recognise the type of dog.

The SPT has given much clearer guidelines than most when it comes to whether or not can dogs take buses. Guide and assistance dogs are allowed unrestricted but other dogs are at the discretion of the driver on that journey. They may allow one dog per deck (dog must be on the upper deck), but they are not allowed on long-distance motorway type journeys.

National Express

The National Express dog policy is to allow guide and assistance dogs only on their journeys. They do not offer any more information than that but if you do take your guide dog on a National Express bus then take their harness and/or identification jacket with you as a precaution.

Go-Ahead

The Go-Ahead group do not have clear guidelines online for their bus dog policy. What we have definitely found is that they do allow guide and assistance dogs on their coaches but there is no mention of regular dogs. As a large operator, we have made the assumption that they do not allow regular dogs on; at best at the driver’s discretion.

Translink

Translink has really given their dog policy some thought and it can be very confusing, let’s take a look:

• Other than guide/assistance pets, access with Translink is at the discretion of the driver
• Pets are allowed free of charge
• Only guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed before 09:30 am.
• Only one pet at a time
• Pets must be small enough to be kept under the seat, around the feet of the owner and provide no obstruction
• All pets taking the bus must be clean, trimmed and on a leash at all times
• All pets must be on the floor
• Dogs deemed dangerous are not allowed at any time

We really appreciate Translink’s effort here, despite looking as if they are being strict they are in fact being very clear which leaves less confusion for dog owners wanting to take a bus. Other bus operators take note!

What to consider before taking your dog on a bus?

We have yet to see any bus operator that does not allow guide dogs or assistive dogs on their journeys, if you have one of these types of dogs do not worry whether your dog can take the bus.

However, if you have a ‘normal’ dog this is where it gets tricky; not all operators allow them on and when they do there are some restrictions to consider please refer to the section specifically relating to that operator for detailed information.

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The biggest factor for most operators is the ‘driver’s discretion’ which means that they can make a personal judgement whether they think your dog is likely to cause discomfort or even danger to other passengers. Our advice from JugDog is:

• Make sure your dog is on a good quality leash and has a strong harness.
• If your dog is not well behaved around people, abort the mission.
• If you have a nervous dog then don’t, then don’t try for everyone’s sake.
• Make sure your dog is clean and presentable.
• If you have a medium or larger breed consider a different method of travel.
• Consider adding a muzzle to your dog.
• Have treats at hand to keep your dog’s attention.
• If you have very small dogs such as ‘toy’ breed consider a pet carrier or dog crate.
• Many people will wrongly assume a ‘pitbull’ type dog is dangerous, assume they will say no if you have one of these breeds.
• If it’s a long journey ahead remember to make sure your dog is well fed (wet and dry dog food) and watered.
• If it’s a hot day, consider not making the journey at all.
• Bring tough toys they can chew on quietly and in without moving around (not balls or toys like that).