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Although it's fantastic so many pet parents want to include their dogs in their lives rather than leave them home alone, 77% of owners in our survey told us public transport doesn't have the right facilities for pets and many say they're worried about their canine companion feeling anxious, or annoying other passengers.
To help these owners have an enjoyable commute we asked dog behavioural expert Oli Juste and ManyPets Sarah Dawson, who is a qualified Vet Nurse, for some tips on travelling with a dog.
We also believe owners shouldn't have to settle for trains that don't work for pets so we've teamed up with a transport design company to come up with a concept for a dog-friendly train. Scroll down to see it.
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Benefits of commuting with your pet
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Preparing for the trip
If you know you're going to be returning to work, make it a priority to get your dog used to small journeys now ahead of the big day. It may also be easier to avoid too many changes and busy roads when bringing in your pup to work to limit anxiety and sensory overload.
If you're planning to drive your dog to work or take it on a trip in the car, check out our guide to training your dog for stress-free car rides.
Research pet policies
Make sure your dog insurance covers you for travel. Most of the time it's available as an add-on.
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Health and safety preparation
We recommend making sure your dog has:
Crate training
Proper food and hydration
Up-to-date vaccinations
Have a first-aid kit and emergency contacts on hand too.
Choose the right carrier
You'll want to pick a carrier that suits your dog's breed and size.
You don't want one that's too small, as this'll make your dog very uncomfortable and can potentially be dangerous.
It’s OK to carry your dog
If you have a small dog, being at floor level could be overwhelming and it’s OK for you to carry them and have them sit on your lap during the train ride. If you have a Great Dane, then perhaps not.
Plan the route
This reduces stress and makes sure you can plan in some pit stops for a walk, too.
Pick your travelling time
Avoid travelling during peak and busy times, especially during your first few commutes together. It will give your dog a chance to get used to the sounds and smell without too many humans crowding the space.
Another way to help your dog is by giving yourself some extra time to travel as you don’t want to be rushing and having to run with your dog in tow.
Comfort breaks
Try to encourage your dog to go to the toilet before a train journey, especially if it is going to be a long trip. Dogs may choose to hold their bladder when in a strange environment or sometimes they may decide to 'go' with nerves, so giving them the opportunity to go in advance will help with both situations.
How to safely commute on public transport with your pet
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Check their body language
Look at your dog’s body language to assess how they are feeling: nervous, confident, etc. This can help you decide the best approach in helping your dog on the train.
If you feel your dog needs extra space, give them access to a calmer place away from other commuters. Ideally, you want to create a safe space for your dog. Try not to restrict them – if they find a space they are comfortable to sit in, allow them to if the area is safe for them to do so.
Reassure your dog and stay calm
Contrary to popular belief, it is fine to reassure your dog and it will not reinforce the feeling of fear. It's vital that you reassure them to help them settle down.
A big part of socialisation on commutes and public transport is acting in a calm and polite manner throughout the journey – ultimately this has to start with you.
Stay relaxed and try not to get your dog excited. If you're calm, it will be easier for your dog to mirror you. Try to stay away from high pitch voices and noises where possible as dogs can be sensitive to these.
Give your dog and other dogs space
Puppies and dogs can be playful, but the commute is not a time to play. Some other dogs (and owners!) may be nervous about the journey too and will appreciate you giving them extra space to help adjust.
Reward them
Reward any positive or relaxed behaviour with treats or attention, use your normal tone of voice as you would in any other circumstance and judge the situation as to whether it is an immediate reward, or one that potentially comes when the journey is complete.
Offer distractions
Sounds can be scary to dogs, especially loud, strange noises that may only be encountered on a train for the first time. Distracting them with their favourite toy and getting them to focus on you can help ease this fear.
Don't try to feed them treats if they're stressed, anxious or fearful. Doing so could get them to associate treats with being scared and spoil their relationship with food.
Keep them hydrated
Hydration is important and long trips or a warm environment will mean your pet will need access to water.
Some dogs can be wary of where they drink especially in new surroundings, so providing a familiar bowl can help encourage them to drink. I recommend getting your dog used to a pop-up bowl in advance if it’s not something you currently use. They can be compacted and easily stored for days out.
Special considerations
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Commuting with multiple pets
You'll want to make sure that your pets:
Have compatibility and are both comfortable spending a long period of time with another
Have separate carriers
You'll want to make sure you can manage any negative pet interactions quickly.
Long-distance and international travel
For long-distance travel, you'll want to make sure you have enough food, water, a first-aid kit and plenty of room for your dog to be comfortable.
You'll also need:
Health certificates: international travel requires am an International Health Certificate which shows your pet has the requirements to enter a specific country.
Pet passport: this shows your pet has the required paperwork, vaccinations and health records.
Seasonal considerations
We recommend following our cold weather and hot weather safety guides.
In summer, cars and trains can get very hot, while colder weather carries its own risks too.
Of course, never leave your dog alone in your car, no matter the weather.
Our article on six things to check before travelling with a pet can help.
How dog insurance helps
The right insurance can go a long way in keeping your dog protected when you're on the road.
For example, our Complete dog insurance includes cover for up to 90 days of travel abroad, with up to £15,000 vet fee cover, a host of ManyPets perks and other benefits.
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