If you’re travelling with a cat, dog or other animal, trains are an easy and convenient way to get from A to B. But if it’s your furry friend’s first time on the train, you might have questions about the process.
So, what are the rules for travelling on a train with your pet, and do you need to buy an extra ticket? Let’s get into it.
Travelling with dogs
Everything is better with a dog, so don’t leave them behind on your next adventure! At South Western Railway, we’ve made travelling with pets easy. Here are some common questions and answers for travelling with dogs.
Are dogs allowed on trains?
Each passenger can bring up to two dogs onboard free of charge. Find out more.
Please note: train companies have the right to ask you to leave or prevent dogs from boarding due to the dog’s behaviour or size, or if the train is very busy.
Do dogs need a train ticket?
Dogs don’t need a ticket since they ride for free.
How do I book my dog on a train?
You don’t need to book your dog on one of our South Western Railway services – simply book your own tickets and arrive at a reasonable time. We recommend travelling outside of rush hour to give your dog a more relaxed experience.
Can dogs sit on train seats?
Dogs must be kept off train seats, on a lead and away from the personal space of other passengers. Trains can get noisy and busy, so four-legged friends should be trained and well-behaved.
Please note: 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 staff.
Can dogs go in First Class on trains?
Dogs are welcome in First Class areas, provided you have a First Class ticket for yourself. The same rules apply as above.
Tips for travelling on a train with your dog
If your dog is a train travel newbie, here are some tips to make your journey as stress-free as possible:
• Bring food and drink. Dogs can get hungry and thirsty while travelling, especially during long journeys. Pack some water and treats (the less smelly, the better) for your dog to enjoy – though keep in mind that toilet breaks can’t happen until you’re off the train!
• Travel at quieter times. Public transport can be nerve-wracking for dogs, particularly if they’ve never ridden a train. Travelling at quieter times helps your furry friend get used to the feeling of being on a train without the added stress of being in a busy area.
• Start small. Another way to ease your dog into train travel is by starting with shorter journeys. Get on at your local station and ride for one stop to give your dog a feel for it. As time goes on, slowly increase your journey distance.
• Make sure your dog is socialised and well-trained. Prepare for train travel by socialising your dog with other people and animals. Start in a familiar area like your house or local park, then progress to areas with more people. This helps your dog stay calm in new and unfamiliar settings. Bringing a toy (the non-squeaky kind) can also help keep them occupied and relaxed in new situations.
• Consider breaking up your journey. For journeys longer than two hours, take a break so your dog can go to the toilet and stretch their legs. If you’re catching multiple trains, consider taking a half-hour break at your changeover station.
Travelling with an assistance dog
Assistance dogs are welcome onboard our trains, and you won’t need to buy them a ticket. We still request that your dog doesn’t occupy a seat, but we understand that you might need extra space for your furry assistant to do their job properly.
Our Assistance Reservation Card allows you to reserve the seat next to you, notifying other passengers that your service dog is under the seat. Simply place the card on the seat next to you to make others aware.
You can order your free card online or by phone on 0345 600 0650.
Travelling with a pet carrier
If you’re travelling with a cat, rabbit, guinea pig, hamster or any other small domestic animal, you’ll need to bring them in a pet carrier. The same rules apply for as dogs – you can bring up to 2 pets free of charge.
Animals other than dogs must travel in a fully enclosed basket or pet carrier designed for this purpose with dimensions not exceeding 85 x 60 x 60 cm. 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 85x 60 x 60 cm may not be allowed on board.
Travel can be stressful for pets, so we advise keeping your carrier on your knee and bringing snacks, water and toys to keep them happy.
Now you’re clued up on travelling with pets, it’s time to start planning your next trip. Discover the best dog-friendly things to do in the South West and check out our Where Next travel blog for even more adventures.
Discover cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak, and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard.
