The majority of the time, pet-owners are not constantly worrying about pet traveling with their animals out of state or cross-country, since these moves are not always a common occurrence. Of greater concern is often the means to get around with their pets in the town they live in on a day-to-day basis. Its not always easy to determine if a certain rail, taxi, or bus line will allow such travel, and, if so, what restrictions might apply. Below is a list of various services and restrictions regarding public transportation in various U.S. cities. Keep in mind that this is by no means a complete catalog of each cityҒs public transit services and it is recommended to check for updates and new information on a regular basis.
In addition, it is important to note that service animals, regardless of policy, must be allowed to ride on trains, buses, and/or taxis, although they are typically required to rest at their owners feet during pet travel. There is normally no additional charge for these animals unless the owner has more than one, in which case, a charge might be imposed on all but the initial service animal. Keep in mind that therapy dogs, comfort and support animals, and companion dogs are not classified as service animals.
CALIFORNIA
San Diego Җ Buses and light rail services allow small dogs in enclosed carriers to travel in the owners lap. Excessive noise or odor may result in refusal.
San Francisco Җ Cable cars, trolley buses, and historic streetcars allow both small and large dogs on the Municipal Railway from 9am to 3pm and 7pm to 5am on weekdays and all day on the weekends. There is a charge per dog that is equivalent to that of a normal passenger. Dogs must be muzzled and on a short leash or in a travel carrier. Dogs are also allowed on the Blue & Gold Fleet Ferry if leashed.
COLORADO
Denver Buses and light rail services allow small dogs in hard-sided travel carriers.
FLORIDA
Orlando ֖ Buses allow small dogs in enclosed carriers to travel in the owners lap.
GEORGIA
Atlanta Җ Buses and trains allow small dogs in enclosed carriers to travel in the owners lap.
ILLINOIS
Chicago Җ Buses and trains allow small dogs in enclosed carriers to travel in the owners lap.
MASSACHUSETTS
Boston Җ The Boston T (subway) allows both small and large dogs. Small dogs must travel in a carrier, while larger dogs must be leashed, controlled, and transported during off-peak hours.
Nantucket Shuttle services allow both small and large dogs. Dogs must be leased, clean, and well-behaved. No animals are permitted to take a seat.
NEW YORK
New York City ֖ The Long Island Railroad, Long Island Bus, and New York City Transit buses and subways all allow small dogs traveling in enclosed carriers in the owners lap. The Metro-North Railroad allows small dogs in a carrier or on a leash.
NEW JERSEY
Hoboken Җ NJ Transit Rail and Buses allow small dogs in carriers and small dogs are also allowed on the light rail.
TEXAS
Dallas Buses and light rail services allow small dogs in carriers.
VIRGINIA
Richmond ֖ Buses allow small dogs in carriers.
WASHINGTON
Seattle Street cars and buses allow both small and large dogs. Small dogs that can travel in the owner֒s lap ride for free. Otherwise, the dog is charged the equivalent of a normal passenger. If a dog is too large to ride under the seat, it is up to the drivers discretion as to whether it is allowed to board. Only one large dog is allowed per bus.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Washington, D.C. Җ Buses and trains allow small dogs in carriers and these dogs must not be allowed out of said carriers at any time during travel.
In addition, it is important to note that service animals, regardless of policy, must be allowed to ride on trains, buses, and/or taxis, although they are typically required to rest at their owners feet during pet travel. There is normally no additional charge for these animals unless the owner has more than one, in which case, a charge might be imposed on all but the initial service animal. Keep in mind that therapy dogs, comfort and support animals, and companion dogs are not classified as service animals.
CALIFORNIA
San Diego Җ Buses and light rail services allow small dogs in enclosed carriers to travel in the owners lap. Excessive noise or odor may result in refusal.
San Francisco Җ Cable cars, trolley buses, and historic streetcars allow both small and large dogs on the Municipal Railway from 9am to 3pm and 7pm to 5am on weekdays and all day on the weekends. There is a charge per dog that is equivalent to that of a normal passenger. Dogs must be muzzled and on a short leash or in a travel carrier. Dogs are also allowed on the Blue & Gold Fleet Ferry if leashed.
COLORADO
Denver Buses and light rail services allow small dogs in hard-sided travel carriers.
FLORIDA
Orlando ֖ Buses allow small dogs in enclosed carriers to travel in the owners lap.
GEORGIA
Atlanta Җ Buses and trains allow small dogs in enclosed carriers to travel in the owners lap.
ILLINOIS
Chicago Җ Buses and trains allow small dogs in enclosed carriers to travel in the owners lap.
MASSACHUSETTS
Boston Җ The Boston T (subway) allows both small and large dogs. Small dogs must travel in a carrier, while larger dogs must be leashed, controlled, and transported during off-peak hours.
Nantucket Shuttle services allow both small and large dogs. Dogs must be leased, clean, and well-behaved. No animals are permitted to take a seat.
NEW YORK
New York City ֖ The Long Island Railroad, Long Island Bus, and New York City Transit buses and subways all allow small dogs traveling in enclosed carriers in the owners lap. The Metro-North Railroad allows small dogs in a carrier or on a leash.
NEW JERSEY
Hoboken Җ NJ Transit Rail and Buses allow small dogs in carriers and small dogs are also allowed on the light rail.
TEXAS
Dallas Buses and light rail services allow small dogs in carriers.
VIRGINIA
Richmond ֖ Buses allow small dogs in carriers.
WASHINGTON
Seattle Street cars and buses allow both small and large dogs. Small dogs that can travel in the owner֒s lap ride for free. Otherwise, the dog is charged the equivalent of a normal passenger. If a dog is too large to ride under the seat, it is up to the drivers discretion as to whether it is allowed to board. Only one large dog is allowed per bus.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Washington, D.C. Җ Buses and trains allow small dogs in carriers and these dogs must not be allowed out of said carriers at any time during travel.
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