If you are planning a trip together with your family or going to some other city for work and thinking of travelling by train, then you probably do not wish to leave your dog behind. So if you are wondering, “Can I take my dog on a train?” then the good news is yes. You can take up to two dogs on most National Rail services in the UK, that too, completely free of charge. 

Travelling by train is the most convenient sort of travel, even for dogs. Dogs are allowed on most trains in the UK. However, when travelling with dogs by trains, there are certain rules you must follow.

In this guide, we explore all those rules along with a few tips to make the journey stress-free for you. 

How Can I Take My Dog on a Train?

“Can I take my dog on a train? " is a question many pet owners search for, in the desperate hope of not wanting to leave their dog alone at home. So, let us assure you, the answer is a positive yes. Most train operators allow up to two dogs to travel for free, and you do not need an extra ticket for the journey.

However, if more than two fur babies are tagging along, then we advise you to check all the train operator rules before travelling. Also confirm if your dog can travel with a lead or needs to be in a carrier. The travel arrangements that you will need to make will depend on your dog’s breed, size, and age.

Note: The rules set by National Rail state that dogs must be on a lead or in pet carrier bags at stations and trains, and they are not allowed to sit on passenger seats.

Dogs on Trains Rules UK: Things to Know

Although the rules may differ slightly with respect to different rail companies, the general rules that apply almost everywhere include the following:

• Keeping a lead on: The dog needs to remain on a leash at all times, be it on the platform, in the station, or in the train.
• Where the dog sits: The dog must not take passenger seats or block the exits or aisles.
• Guide dogs: Dogs that assist passengers have the right to travel for free and even access a dining car if a proper seat is available.
• Rush hours restrictions: Some operators require leaving your dog (with the exception of assistance animals) away from busy commuter services, especially in the case of London Underground trains.
• Behaviour: Your pet has to behave calmly and should not roam around in the car, as some passengers might be allergic to dogs. In the case of any disturbances caused by the dog, the staff will require you to change carriages or even leave the train.

So do check the train operators' rules and the route the train will be taking before travelling. Also choose a bus alternative if available.

Travelling with Dog by Train: Tips for a Smooth Ride

Now that you know that your dog can tag along for the journey, the next step is preparing well for a smooth travel. So here is a dog travel checklist and tips that will prove to be effective.

✦ Pet Carrier Bag and Lead

Picking the right pet carrier bag or harness is important. Smaller dogs will need proper carriers, which will help them feel safe and comfortable while travelling and prevent you from holding a lead in a busy train car. Bigger dogs will benefit from a lead with a special harness, as it allows better control than the usual collar.

✦ A Dog Travel Bag

A good dog travel bag will prove to be beneficial on a long trip. It helps you keep everything together and not panic while searching for a toy or a treat. 

You should pack in some treats, your dog's favourite toy, a bowl, water, some wipes, waste bags, a towel and perhaps a little blanket in case your pet is cold or anxious.

✦ A Portable Dog Water Bottle 

Summers make carrying a portable dog water bottle a non-negotiable to carry. Water in a regular bowl just spills on the train, but a portable bottle with a built-in tray lets your dog drink water without soaking the compartment, or even you, for that matter.

✦ Get Them Used to the Public Transport

Don't let the train be their first experience of "loud and strange”. Take your dog on a couple of short bus or metro rides beforehand so they are now overwhelmed by the shaking, announcements, the crowd and a plethora of new smells.

✦ Favourite Chew Toy or Blanket

Anxious dogs chew things around them to calm down; it is just what they do. So it is best to bring a chew toy your dog already loves, do not buy a new one for the journey.. Also, bring along their blanket if they have one. Something that smells like familiar and like home goes a long way when everything else around them doesn't.

Prepare well for the Journey

The National Rail allows dogs to tag along for every type of journey. Even the London Underground allows dogs to travel, provided they travel with their owner, but during peak rush hours, you should be careful. Dogs also get scared by large crowds, so instead of moving around, just stand at some quiet corner.

Also, not all dogs enjoy travelling, and long-distance travels might exhaust them or stress them out even more. 

Before you head out, do these things:

• Tire your dog out first, for a brisk walk, to get rid of the nervous energy and calm them down.
• Skip heavy meals, as a full stomach and  amoving train do not mix well anmd might cause motion sickness.
• And obviously, let them go to the bathroom before you leave. Nobody wants to be scrambling for a stop mid-journey.

The Type of Dog You Have Matters

Not every dog handles a train the same way. Knowing the kind of dog you have matters for a comfortable journey.
 
◈ Age: A laid-back adult dog usually settles in fine. Puppies are a different story as they're not used to new environments yet, a carrier bag can help them feel secure instead of exposed. 

◈ Size: Size isn't really the issue people think it is. Big dogs travel on trains all the time, the real question is whether your dog can stay settled around strangers and noise for the length of the trip. 

◈ Personality: Trains are ideal for dogs that:

• Are friendly and like making new friends.
• Are at ease in new surroundings.
• Do well in noisy environments.
• Can remain relaxed for long periods of time.
• Enjoy being on roads and in public transport.

◈ Breed: There are usually no restrictions on a specific type of breed who can travel in UK trains. Any dog that is dangerously out of control or aggressive will automatically not be allowed to travel. 

If your dog is shy and gets anxious easily, try going on a short trip first. Do not take them for a long travel for their first time.

Final Thoughts

So if you are still asking yourself the question, “Can I take my dog on a train with me for a trip?” Then the answer is a yes, and we assure you so. Trains are usually a safe travelling transport for pet owners, no matter if they have a dog or a cat. The rules apply the same way for cat owners who wish for their cats to tag along with them for the journey. 

Starting from picking the correct pet bag and putting together the dog travel checklist, every detail counts when it comes to making the trip comfortable and stress-free for your doggy companion.