Dogs & Trains?

Question

I thinking of getting a great dane from southhampton, he's a big dog and i'd have to go on the train, does anyone know what the rulesare regarding this, ive seen dogs on trains before but is there a height limit, any help would be grateful.

Answer 1

There is no hight limit, but you do have to buy your dog a ticket, and the price depends on the train operating company.

Answer 2

I warn you this is a long post.

Basicly you can take up to two animals free of charge, anything other then a dog must be caged. Dogs must be on a lead at all times. If you dog gets annoying you can be asked to leave the train.

Here are the official rules.

Animals

11. You may take dogs and small animals with you into the passenger accommodation of trains. Animals, with the exception of blind or deaf persons’ assistance dogs at the discretion of the steward, may not be taken into buffet or restaurant cars. Animals are not generally allowed in sleeper compartments, however dogs may be conveyed in sleeper cabins with the permission of the Train Company. You should apply for such permission at least 48 hours before you travel.

12. Except for dogs, animals must be conveyed in a fully enclosed basket or pet carrier designed for this purpose with dimensions not exceeding 85 x 60 x 60cm. Baskets and pet carriers must be large enough to allow the animal to stand and lie down in comfort. Animals which are too large for a basket or pet carrier with dimensions 85 x 60 x 60 cm may not be conveyed by train.

13. Two animals may accompany you on trains free of charge.

14. A fee not exceeding half the adult fare for your journey is charged for each additional animal in excess of a passenger’s free allowance.

15. An animal may be conveyed in a train’s luggage van, if one is available. A dog should be muzzled and its lead securely fastened as directed by Train Company staff. Baskets and pet carriers must be secure. Dogs and any baskets or pet carriers must be clearly labelled with your name, address and destination station. Staff will not hand over animals until you have proved ownership.

16. Dogs must be kept on a lead throughout your journey; other animals must not be taken out of their baskets or pet carriers. If your dog or other animal causes a nuisance or inconvenience to other passengers you may be asked to remove it from a train or railway premises by the Train Company or Rail Service Company staff.

Answer 3

there should be no problem as long as it doesnt go on the seats....stand in the door way and you should be fine

Answer 4

As a gaurd and supervisor, I would say that as long as the train is not busy, there is space and they are not on the seat, under proper restraint and control then there should be no problem, if however the train is busy, the dog sits on a seat then a child fare charge would be made.  Ultimatley it comes down to the on train staff, driver and guard as to if the feel it is wise for your pet to be conveyed, always check before boarding where possible and just act sensibly.

Answer 5

Should be OK but if its a busy train you willl not be popular and might have to travel in the brake van as you wil be taking up a lot of space.

Answer 6

Hmmm, if it was me, i would get dark glasses, a white cane and a short leash.