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Last updated:3 days ago
Train companies affected:National Rail

Train Travel with Pets

Bring up to 2 pets, free of charge

When it comes to travelling with pets, nothing beats the train. It’s fast, convenient and stress-free, for animals and owners alike. Here’s everything you need to know about bringing your pet on your journey.

You’re welcome to bring up to 2 animals with you, at no extra charge. If you want to travel with more animals than that, there may be an additional fee. Please contact your train company for more information.

Leads and pet carriers

Both on the train and at stations, we kindly ask you to keep your dog on a lead or in a pet carrier – whichever you and your furry friend prefer. As for other animals (such as cats or birds), please keep them in a pet carrier or similar.

Pet carriers must be rigid and not open, to prevent escape. Your pet must be able to stand and lie down comfortably inside the carrier.

Sorry, no animals on seats

We know, there’s all sorts of exciting things going on outside the windows. But animals are not allowed on seats.

Animals on sleeper trains

You’re welcome to bring your pet on sleeper trains. Animals are not allowed in restaurant cars, except for assistance dogs.

If you’re bringing your dog on a sleeper service, there will be an additional charge for a heavy duty clean, except if you’re travelling with assistance animals. Check with your train company for details.

Assistance dogs on National Rail

We offer the Assistance Dogs Travel Scheme, supported by Assistance Dogs UK.

Assistance dogs always ride for free. No cleaning charge will be applied, no matter which train company you travel with.

Your assistance dog may join you in the restaurant car, if a suitable table and seat is available. If not, we will do our utmost to serve your meal at your seat or berth.

I love it on the train! There are so many interesting things to look at.
Alfie, cockapoo

Travel Tips

Do

  • Keep animals on leads or in pet carriers

  • Bring plenty of treats and water

  • Reward good behaviour

Don’t

  • Put pets on seats

  • Let dogs stand on escalators – they must be carried

  • Allow animals near the tracks

FAQs

Yes, you can bring up to 2 pets on the train, free of charge, in both First Class and Standard Class.

You’re welcome to bring dogs, cats and other small animals on the train. The following animals are not permitted:

  • Livestock (for example, pigs, sheep and goats)

  • Any animal which may cause inconvenience to passengers due to its size or behaviour. On-train staff are authorised to have animals removed from the train

For up to 2 animals there is no extra cost. If you bring more than 2 animals, there may be an additional charge. Please check with your train company for details.

Yes, please keep your animal on a lead, or in a pet carrier or similar. This goes for the whole trip, including at stations.

No, animals are not allowed on seats in either Standard Class or First Class.

Assistance dog image credit: Guide Dogs