FIDO IN THE METRO: GUIDELINES AND TIPS

Certain restrictions can be placed on the presence of dogs to everyone’s satisfaction. For example, in Toronto, leashed dogs are only allowed during off-peak hours to avoid the busiest times of the day. In Madrid, leashed dogs are only allowed in the last subway car.

A study conducted following a pilot project carried out in Toronto’s public transit system in 2018 found that that the presence of leashed dogs had no impact on overall rider satisfaction. A strong majority, 80% of train users and 72% of bus users, declared themselves satisfied or neutral with respect to the new policy. Crossing paths with a dog on the morning commute can bring a smile to many people’s faces!

It should be noted that allergenic animals (cats and small dogs small enough to be transported in a carrier or bag) are currently allowed on Montreal public transit. Cities that allow leashed dogs on public transit, including Toronto and Calgary, have not noted any particular allergy-related problems.

A Finnish study on pet-related allergens in public transit concluded that the presence of allergens from dogs and cats was primarily attributable to contamination from users’ clothing rather than the presence of the animals themselves.

As with all public places, the risk of an incident involving a leashed dog is considered very low.  Toronto’s municipal transit system (the TTC), for example, has not noted any incidents in this regard.

The presence of dogs in daily life could help reduce preconceived notions and foster harmonious cohabitation with socialized and content canines. Allowing dog guardians to bring their animal with them to visit friends or family rather than leaving them alone at home could result in a better socialized, better trained and more psychologically fulfilled dog population.

Studies on the subject point to a correlation between the well-being of dogs and a reduced risk of developing aggressive behavior.

Results of Toronto’s pilot project indicate that allowing leashed dogs on public transit does not affect service animals, who continue to have access to all areas of the public transit system at all times.

During the months-long pilot project in Toronto, only two incidents were reported where a dog left a small mess behind. The subsequent cleanup was cost-free and part of the normal maintenance routine.

Yes, allowing public transit users to avoid the car when traveling with their dog is an inclusive policy that is in line with our collective efforts to address the environmental issues.

An Australian study in the city of Sidney showed that citizens travel an average of 3.8 km per week by car for their dogs, primarily to parks and other walking areas, to visit family with their dogs, and to visit the veterinarian. The study found that one in four walks begins with a car ride to the walk location and that more than half of the people who take their dog to the dog park several times a week drive to the park.

Yes! Bans disproportionately affect animal guardians who do not have access to a car, including by severely limiting their access to veterinary care.

Access to public transportation for leashed dogs is a way to give everyone the opportunity to travel with their animal. It facilitates travel for certain disadvantaged or marginalized people and thus is a policy supported by organizations that work with these populations.