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Can You Take a Dog on a Bus in the UK?
Dogs are typically allowed on buses in the UK, including all TfL buses, but one major bus company doesn't allow dogs and you may face restrictions from bus companies that normally allow dogs on board.
- Which Buses Allow Dogs?
- Which Major UK Bus Company Doesn't Allow Dogs?
- When Your Dog Might Not be Permitted on Board
- Guide Dogs on Buses
Major UK Bus Companies that Allow Dogs
You can take a dog on most buses in the UK, with one exception, so long as you follow the rules. Here are the companies that allow dogs on board:
- Arriva
- First Group
- Go-Ahead Group
- Stagecoach
Dogs Can Go on TfL Buses
Those travelling in London can take dogs on board all TfL buses, subject to the driver's discretion. According to the conditions of carriage, dogs are allowed on Transport for London (TfL) buses regardless of which company has been contracted to run the bus.
Which UK Bus Company Doesn't Allow Dogs?
National Express is the only major UK bus company that doesn't allow dogs, with the exception of trained assistance dogs who have been trained by a member organisation of Assistance Dogs (UK). Assistant dogs must travel with their relevant identification and evidence that they are assistance dogs trained by one of the member organisations.
When Dogs Aren't Allowed on a Bus
Even when dogs are generally allowed by a bus company, there may be circumstances in which a dog will not be permitted on board. In addition, to stay on the bus you'll need to follow the rules so keep your dog on the floor—dogs aren't allowed on seats. Here are the circumstances in which your dog may be turned away:
- Dogs may be turned away at the driver's discretion
- Some bus lines limit the number of dogs to 1 or 2 maximum
- If your dog is not on a lead
If you'll also be travelling by train with your dog, see which train companies allow dogs in our article, Can I Take my Dog on a Train in the UK? There are more restrictions on dog travel by train than by bus.
Are Guide Dogs Allowed on Buses?
Guide dogs are allowed on buses, so long as there is room on board. According to an amendment to The Public Service Vehicles Regulations 2002, which covers the conduct of drivers, inspectors, conductors and passengers, a
"driver, inspector and a conductor shall not, subject to there being a suitable space available, prevent a disabled person accompanied by an assistance dog, a guide dog or a hearing dog, being allowed to board and travel in the vehicle with his dog.”