Dogs on Trains

[2Funki4Wheelz]

I've heard all sorts on this, and another facet added this morning as I talked to a fellow commuter in Port this morning.

Are dogs allowed on trains, and if so, in what capacity?

Iarnrod Eireann website (not the irishrail one, it re-directs you) simply says:

Q. Can pets travel on the train?
A. Pets (with the exception of Guide dogs) are not allowed onto the DART or Suburban rail trains. They are allowed on Intercity trains.

http://www.iarnrodeireann.ie/home/faq.asp?faq_id=38#38

The girl I spoke to this morning was told by one the station staff - really only small dogs are allowed be on the train, that can sit on your lap. Or you can put them in the guard's carriage (How kind). Nothing about intercity or otherwise.

I overheard a guy on the Luas with a black lab that he goes up and down to Cork with regularly and he has to buy a ticket for the dog. (something like the bike ticket? harsh, if true)

And from personal experience, most people think they're not allowed full stop.
I had all 3 of mine on the train in March and no one said a thing to us. They were better behaved than most people's children and took up less space than most holidaying ladies' 2 giant pink floral suitcases that are usually left on seats/in the aisle/in front of the doors. [/mini-rant]

With the Bakers Dog's Day out on this weekend I thought it would be handy to know the actual answer (IE could've run a doggy special )

[Thomas J Stamp]

Well, the answer is in your post. Pets are allowed on intercity trains. You use common sense and a pet is a small domestic animal (Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Llama's) but not Horses, Giraffe's Lions, Whales and Sharks.

Ones that behave (like Dogs) go with you some in a cage with you (like a Guide Cat or Rabbit) ones that don't (like a Zombie or a Werewolf) are more suited to the Guards Van.

[Thomas J Stamp]

It is of course, perverse, but on a strict interpertation of those rules you can bring any animal which is NOT a pet on the DART.

Cattle would make a nice ironic gesture.

[2Funki4Wheelz]

Originally Posted by Thomas J Stamp

It is of course, perverse, but on a strict interpertation of those rules you can bring any animal which is NOT a pet on the DART.

Cattle would make a nice ironic gesture.

Which is why the website could do with being a bit more specific, since the staff don't really seem to know, and it's open to all sorts of interpretation.

I'd class a horse as a pet if a llama is one. And no cages please!

[ACustomer]

Reminds me of the Commitments and the scene where the guy is putting is horse into the lift in Ballymun flats. Imagine attempting to put your horse onto a Dart at Kilbarrack ("Show me where is sez i can't bring the horse").

[ooleary]

Originally Posted by 2Funki4Wheelz

I overheard a guy on the Luas with a black lab that he goes up and down to Cork with regularly and he has to buy a ticket for the dog. (something like the bike ticket? harsh, if true)

The last time I took my proper bike on the train the ticket had "BIKES/DOGS RETURN" printed on it. Fiver return from Kildare to Dublin; 15 return from Galway to Dublin.

[2Funki4Wheelz]

Which means the website is totally inconsistent because...

The FAQ clearly states the need for a ticket for (unfolded) bikes:

Q. Can I bring my bicycle onto the train?
A.
Bicycles can not be conveyed on DART or Commuter trains unless folded and suitably covered. On Intercity trains bicycles not folded and covered can be conveyed in the guards compartment or the special cycle racks where provided. A valid ticket for the bicycle must be obtained before travelling.

Please check at your local station before travelling.

So it's reasonable from the above that a dog should only require a ticket if travelling in the guard's compartment.

[Thomas J Stamp]

No. Its reasonable to have the Dog folded and suitably covered if you're bringing him/her on the DART. On intercity trains you can place him/her on the special rack provided.

[2Funki4Wheelz]

Originally Posted by Thomas J Stamp

No. Its reasonable to have the Dog folded and suitably covered if you're bringing him/her on the DART. On intercity trains you can place him/her on the special rack provided.

I think it'd be easier to dress them up as toddlers and make sure they get on for free.

[packetswitch]

If cats can get buses, can they get trains?