Three Things to Know
Sydney’s public transport system did not permit dogs, prompting researchers to analyze global “pets on public transport” policies. Their goal was to identify implementation strategies and options that could alleviate public discomfort.
The study selected five international cities known for high public transport usage: Zurich, London, Berlin, Vienna, and Oslo. All of these cities allow dogs on public transport; some even require a ticket to cover cleaning costs. Specific regulations include mandatory muzzling in Berlin and Vienna, and restricting dogs from animal-free zones in Oslo.
These policies could directly address public concerns about hygiene, allergies, and potential bites. Granting operators the right to refuse boarding or scheduling “no-animal” periods during peak hours or events might also foster a more harmonious experience for all passengers.
For Dog Welfare Practitioners
The paper demonstrates that strategic policy tweaks and nuanced implementation are key to creating acceptable and sustainable pet-inclusive environments. Dog welfare advocates seeking to permit pets on public transport would benefit from this insight. Similarly, advocates striving for a more equitable city for pets could use a global comparative analysis to understand the policy intricacies of allowing pets in other public settings, including restaurants, parks, and pet-friendly housing.
The Full Picture
Although dog ownership brings significant health and social benefits, little research has focused on how people travel with dogs beyond walking. In Sydney, where dogs are largely prohibited on public transport, a 2015 survey of over 1,200 dog owners revealed heavy reliance on private vehicles for dog-related trips. A follow-up study explored public attitudes toward more permissive pet policies, finding that about 20% of respondents opposed the idea —mainly due to concerns over hygiene, allergies, crowding, and safety. Further analysis of public commentary reinforced these concerns, reflecting a lack of trust in dog owners and fears about system impact.
A global review of 130 transit systems across 48 cities revealed that most permit dogs with minimal restrictions, underscoring Australia’s comparatively strict approach. These findings provide the foundation for “Beyond prohibition: policy options for pets on public transport”, a study focusing on five international cities to help Sydney develop more inclusive and practical policies for dogs on public transport.
Policy Review
The authors reviewed how five international cities—Zurich, London, Berlin, Vienna, and Oslo—manage dogs on public transport to inform potential policy reform in Sydney. These cities were selected for their high and growing public transport usage and relatively inclusive dog policies.
- Zurich allows dogs on all public transport. Small dogs travel free in carriers; larger dogs require a discounted ticket or an annual dog pass linked to either the person or the dog, offering flexibility and a mechanism to recover costs.
- London permits dogs on all services for free (on leash, not on escalators), with discretion given to staff and bus drivers. Despite the system’s size and complexity, the policy remains open and flexible.
- Berlin allows dogs on all transport modes with guidelines: they must be leashed and muzzled if not in a carrier. Staff can refuse entry, and services can exclude dogs temporarily, offering tools to manage crowding or disruption.
- Vienna requires leashed and muzzled dogs to have a discounted ticket unless in a container. A special license is needed for certain breeds, ensuring owners understand their responsibilities.
- Oslo allows dogs on all services, mostly for free, with minor restrictions. Larger dogs need a half-price ticket for some train services and must avoid designated animal-free zones.
Together, these case studies illustrate practical, nuanced, and scalable ways to address concerns about allowing dogs on public transport — such as hygiene, allergies, overcrowding, and safety. Strategies include designated pet-friendly areas, staff discretion to manage problematic cases, and cost-recovery mechanisms through dog ticketing or cleaning fees. Vienna’s dog license program also serves as a model to promote responsible dog ownership.
Conclusion
Fostering a shift away from private car use requires removing barriers for those willing to live with fewer cars — including dog owners. Allowing dogs on public transport is one such barrier that, if addressed, can support more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban transport systems, especially as cities rebuild in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
–
Year of Publication:
2021
External Link:
Kent, J., and Corinne Mulley. “Beyond prohibition: policy options for pets on public transport.” Australasian Transport Research Forum (ATRF), 42nd, 2021, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. 2021. https://australasiantransportresearchforum.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ATRF2021_Resubmission_79-1.pdf