Travelling With a Small Dog in the UK: Trains, the Tube and Carriers

You can travel with a small dog on UK trains, the London Underground and London buses. On National Rail, up to two dogs per passenger travel free, on a lead or in a carrier. On the Tube, dogs must be on a lead or in a suitable container, and should be carried on moving escalators. A well-fitted carrier or sling makes every part of the journey calmer for you both.

Taking a dog on National Rail trains

Under the National Rail Conditions of Travel, each passenger can take up to two dogs free of charge. The key rules are:

• Dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the station and on the train, unless they are in a pet carrier.
• Carriers can be up to 85 x 60 x 60cm.
• Dogs are not allowed on seats, and are not allowed in restaurant cars. Assistance dogs are excepted.

It is also worth checking your train operator's website before a long journey, in case of any route-specific guidance.

Dogs on the Tube and London buses

Transport for London's Conditions of Carriage cover buses, the Tube, trams, the DLR, London Overground and the Elizabeth line. Assistance dogs are always welcome. Other dogs are allowed too, unless there is a good reason to refuse, for example if the dog seems dangerous or not properly controlled. The main rules are:

• Your dog must be kept under control, on a lead or in a suitable container.
• Dogs must not be allowed on a seat.
• Use the wide gates at stations, or carry your dog through the gates.
• Use the stairs or a lift where one is provided.
• If you must use a moving escalator, carry your dog. Only assistance dogs trained to walk on escalators are exempt.
• If your dog is too large to carry, staff will stop the escalator when it is safe to do so, generally outside the rush hours and when the station is not busy.
• Staff are not allowed to take charge of your dog.

The escalator rule is the one that catches people out. Moving escalators are a real hazard for paws, which is why small dog owners in London so often travel with a carrier or sling. Before you set off, check whether the stations on your route have lifts, and try to avoid the busiest times when you can.

Choosing a carrier

A good carrier should keep your dog secure, comfortable and calm, and be easy for you to carry for the length of your journey. Look for:

• A weight limit that suits your dog, with some headroom. Weigh your dog rather than guessing.
• Enough room for your dog to sit and turn comfortably. Our guide on how to measure your dog walks you through it.
• A secure closure, such as a zip, so a nervous dog cannot slip out on a platform.
• A safety tether that clips to your dog's harness or collar inside the carrier.
• A soft lining and a strap that sits comfortably on your shoulder.

Option	Suits	Key features
The Everyday Travel Carrier	Pets up to 8kg	Vegan leather, fleece lined, safety tether, zip, side pocket, 43 x 23cm
The Mayfair Carrier	S up to 3kg, M up to 6kg	100% cotton, cushioned interior, adjustable strap, zip
The Notting Hill Sling	Dogs up to 7.5kg	Hands-free sling

Getting the fit right with a sling

A sling keeps your dog close to your body and leaves your hands free for tickets, bags and handrails. Fit matters more than with a carrier:

• Adjust it so your dog sits high, close to your chest, rather than swinging at your hip.
• Support the bottom and back. Your dog should be seated in the base of the sling, not hanging from the front legs.
• Keep the head free so your dog can see out and breathe easily.
• Clip on. If the sling has an attachment point, connect it to your dog's harness.
• Keep a hand on your dog on escalators and in crowds, even in a hands-free sling.

Getting your dog used to travel

Most dogs need a little practice before a carrier or sling feels normal. Start at home: leave the carrier open on the floor with a favourite blanket inside and let your dog explore it. Reward calm behaviour, then zip it closed for a few seconds at a time and build up slowly. Once your dog is relaxed, try a short walk, then a quiet bus stop or a single station, before you attempt a busy journey.

On the day, walk your dog before you leave so they have had a chance to go to the toilet, and allow plenty of time so you are not rushing through barriers. Your dog should wear a collar with your name and address on it, as the law requires in public places; see our guide to dog ID tag law in the UK.

What to pack

• Water and a bowl. The Companion water bottle is leakproof, works with one hand and has a built-in bowl.
• Poo bags and a few treats.
• A lead, even if your dog travels in a carrier, for stations and stops along the way.
• A small towel or blanket that smells of home.

Frequently asked questions

Do dogs travel free on UK trains?

Yes. Under the National Rail Conditions of Travel, each passenger can take up to two dogs free, on a lead or in a carrier up to 85 x 60 x 60cm.

Can dogs go on the London Underground?

Yes. TfL allows dogs on the Tube as long as they are under control, on a lead or in a suitable container, and not on a seat.

Do I have to carry my dog on Tube escalators?

Yes, unless it is an assistance dog trained to use escalators. Use stairs or lifts where you can; if your dog is too large to carry, staff can stop the escalator when it is safe.

Can my dog sit on the seat on a train or bus?

No. National Rail and TfL both say dogs must not be allowed on seats.