Should Pets be allowed on Public Transit?

Question

Ottawa, Canada might allow this.

Answer 1

There are approximately 30 centres across the United States and about 15 or 16 major centres across Canada  that have some form of pets on public transit policy. There are many more in Europe.  Most include size limitations, a travel timeframe and mandatory hand-held crates, although Toronto and Calgary allow larger animals on leash.  

In 2001, Vancouver introduced a 6-month pilot project and folks with small fur-bearing animals or birds in hand-held crates were permitted to use the transit system during off –peak hours.  It worked so well that it was permanently implemented.  Reports from various other centres indicate that there have been no major problems with the policies they have, nor has there been an infiltration of animals on the transit systems.

Questions have been raised about allergies.  Reports suggest that the transfer of dander from pets in crates is very low and that pet owners who currently ride the buses transfer more dander from the clothes than what might be transferred from a small cat or dog in a crate.  Guide dogs and assistance dogs already travel the transit system and there seems to be few problems with allergy issues, or at least I have not heard of any.  

Clearly, there is no issue about bites or small pets in crates taking up an inordinate amount of room in a bus during off-peak hours.  

Many seniors, folks with disabilities and those in lower income brackets have pets, usually small, but often don’t have access to vehicles and need to rely on friends to get them to vet appointments, training classes, visitation programs, etc.  The cost of a cab is out of reach for many and drivers often refuse to take pets in their cabs.  There are pet taxis but they are not exactly inexpensive either.  

A limited policy whereby folks could take a small animal in a hand-held crate during off-peak hours is not breaking new ground, nor would it cause a great inconvenience to others.  The number of pets that would travel on the bus would be minimal and it would certainly help people who need it.

Answer 2

Sure why not

Answer 3

Only guide dogs for the blind or otherwise handicapped should be allowed. Public transportation is no place for ordinary house pets.

What if the animal decides to drop a load on a crowded bus and someone steps in it? How are standing passengers going to react to a dog sniffing their crotch? What if a dog feels threatened for some reason and snaps at one of the passengers?

Too many potential problems. Unless the animals are caged, they should be left at home.

Answer 4

Yes only oif the animal is caged up. The only animal allowed on a transit is a blind mans seeing eye dog which doesn't need to be confused with a domestic house pet.

If the law passes they must have all large dogs muzzled because if they bite someone, your in for a lawsuit.

Answer 5

I guess so, but why would you need to commute with your pet.

Answer 6

My primary concern would be with whether an owner can and will control their pets and the general health of the animal.  A diseased animal can spread illness quickly.  Also, I'd worry about animals that dump on the vehicle.  I'm pretty sure 75% of the folks who'd take their animal on public transit would land up walking away from any mess their pet made...

Answer 7

If the owner can keep the pet under control, I don't see what the problem is.  Of course, the transit employees should have the authority to remove problematic animals, and the owners should be responsible for anything the pet does.

Answer 8

I have sympathy for the blind and their guide dogs who are always well trained and no threat to others. Otherwise No

Ian M

Answer 9

SURE AS LONG AS YOU HAVE INSURANCE IF SOMETHING HAPPENS.