Bus journeys - can I take my dog?

downshifter

I can't wait to get my free bus pass so I can visit all the places I never could afford to go to before, but as it's a million years (well nearly!) since I last used a bus I wondered if I can take my dog with me? Is that allowed? And how much would she cost?

She's used to coming everywhere with me at the moment, even to work, and love her company. I'm hoping I can still do this when I use buses more instead of the car.

Thanks for any advice

DS

Mojisola

I don't know about the buses - I think that different companies may have different rules so it would be worth checking locally. As well as the buses, make sure your dog will be welcome at the places you want to visit. Apart from guide dogs, few places allow dogs in.

downshifter

Mojisola wrote: »

I don't know about the buses - I think that different companies may have different rules so it would be worth checking locally. As well as the buses, make sure your dog will be welcome at the places you want to visit. Apart from guide dogs, few places allow dogs in.

Thank you, yes a useful warning. I hadn't thought of that but I was really thinking of dog walking places, out in the countryside or by the sea or even just wandering round a new town. I'd go to stately homes or churches by myself and I don't do shops/ restaurants etc.

I was hoping there would a an overall agreement but I can see I will have to plan a bit more carefully and ring all the companies I would want to use on that particular day.

Thanks again

TravellingAbuela

The bus company in my area has scrapped dog fares altogether and "dogs are allowed on board at the discretion of the driver". I haven't seen one refused admittance yet though! Prior to this Dog Day Tickets were available at something like 50p. As Mojisola says, though, you would be wise to check with the various bus companies you intend to use. Enjoy your trips both of you!

scotsbob

When you take your dog on the bus just wear a pair of dark glasses.
Trust me on this one, no driver will question you or prevent you boarding.

cbrown372

generally the only restriction is if there is already another dog on the bus, usually they only allow one.

Norma_Desmond

At the risk of being unpopular can I just say that I've always found dogs on buses a nuisance - one was once sick on a bus I was on, and what about people with allergies?
Our local company is just about to ban them because they've had so many complaints.
Sorry if this offends - I'm not implying your dog is badly behaved etc., but not everyone's a dog lover and feels comfortable around them.

downshifter

Norma_Desmond wrote: »

At the risk of being unpopular can I just say that I've always found dogs on buses a nuisance - one was once sick on a bus I was on, and what about people with allergies?
Our local company is just about to ban them because they've had so many complaints.
Sorry if this offends - I'm not implying your dog is badly behaved etc., but not everyone's a dog lover and feels comfortable around them.

I understand how you feel, however I've been on a bus where a grown man was sick, (actually now I think of it, more than once), - to say nothing of babies and children! There are so many allergies around in the world these days (I don't remember anyone ever using that word when I was young) that I don't think you could ever keep away from every possible allergen.

Where do you live Norma? I just wondered so I know which bus company to avoid when I'm on my travels with my dog. Oh dear, I thought this was going to be such fun for both of us - seems it's not that straightforward.

bungle4x4

it sounds like a lovely thing to do mate, for you and the dog, good luck with it i say.

lynzpower

If you are in London, they can definately be taken on the bus- our jazzie loves her little journeys. Shes only a small dog though ( ageing JRT) and she sits on the knee of which of us happens to be sat next to the window- she jsut adores it. She is welcomed everywhere, she is an idling old lady dog now, and adores being cuted at by strangers. We take her on the tube ( any time but rush hour is fine, watch the escalators) and trains. Alas, shes not allowed on the coach. Looking forward to this summer as we are getting her prepped for her passport and we will take her on the ferry ( again allowed) to somewhere in Europe :cool:

geri1965_2

Dogs are allowed on buses here and it's free. I assumed this was the case everywhere.