Do you have to travel, but don’t want to leave your pet at home alone? No problem, in some cases it is possible to travel with pets by bus!
Travelling with pets by bus: rules and conditions
Transport conditions for animals vary from company to company. For safety reasons and general transport regulations, some bus services – especially international ones – do not allow the transport of four-legged friends. However, some make an exception for guide dogs and for assistance to the disabled. In this case they often travel free of charge with their owner (of course this may vary from one company to another).
On domestic journeys, the rules are slightly more pet-friendly.
However, some bus companies accept small animals because they take up less space and do not obstruct the exit and security areas.
Contact the bus company before traveling
We advise you to check the pet transport conditions of the company you wish to travel with to see if you can take your pet with you and to clarify any doubts.
Some companies have a limit on the number of animals transported or an obligation for the animal to occupy a seat next to its owner. Some others require the owner to buy the bus ticket for the animal. Other companies, on the other hand, do not have this rule and allow the animal to sit on the owner’s lap (in the carrier).
Which bus companies accept pets on board?
Using our search engine, you can check whether the bus company allows the transport of pets. In addition, we will inform you whether the transport will be subject to additional charges or not. Here is a small list with further information on the companies.
➠National Express
Only assistance dogs are allowed on National Express services.
➠Megabus
Also Megabus allows only trained assistance dogs.
➠Arriva
On Arriva buses dogs are allowed on the bus at the discretion of the bus driver (other than guide dogs which can travel at any time). Other small pets can be taken on the bus if they are secured in a suitable cage or box and can be stowed safely in the luggage pen or sat on your lap.
➠Stagecoach
Pets, such as a dog or cat can travel on Stagecoach buses. However, it’s at the driver’s discretion, the driver will consider things like if there is already another pet on the bus when making their decision.
Our tips for travelling with petsA smooth journey starts with good planning! For this reason, we would like to share with you some tips to have a nice and peaceful trip with your pet.🐱Carry a pet carrier to transport your pet comfortably; the carrier is available in different sizes, shapes, colours and materials. To accustom the animal, it is important to introduce the carrier into its daily life before the trip. Therefore, take a few walks with the animal in the carrier and leave it for a while so that it gets used to it. This way, the animal will become familiar with the crate on the journey. 🐾Play a little to tire your pet out before the trip will help it sleep during the journey. 🐶Take advantage of stops to let him do his business, give him water and stretch his paws. 🐾Take his passport and an up-to-date vaccine list with you; |
We wish you a happy journey with your pet!🐶🐱
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