Pets could soon be allowed on public transport across Ireland

Dogs, cats and other small pets could be allowed on buses, trains and Luas services from next year under proposed new rules from the National Transport Authority.

Dogs, cats and other household pets could soon have greater access to public transport across Ireland under proposals from the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The proposed changes would introduce a more consistent policy for pets across Transport for Ireland services, including buses, trains and Luas.

The NTA published the results of a public consultation on the proposals on 31 August, with 2,567 submissions received and the vast majority supporting greater access for pets on public transport.

The changes are not yet in force. The NTA will now work with public transport operators to develop the necessary bye laws and conditions of carriage before any new rules are introduced.

What would the new rules mean?

Under the proposed policy, small dogs, cats and other small animals that do not pose a safety risk could travel on TFI bus, rail and Luas services.

Pets would not be allowed to sit on passenger seats. Instead, they would have to remain on their owner's lap or on the floor in a position that does not obstruct other passengers, aisles or doorways.

Animals would also have to be kept away from other animals while travelling.

The NTA originally proposed requiring small pets to remain in a suitable carrier while travelling, but this requirement was withdrawn following feedback during the consultation.

A number of people who responded said that requiring pets to remain in carriers would be impractical, particularly for some dogs.

Larger dogs could also be allowed

The proposals would also allow larger dogs to travel on public transport.

However, larger dogs would have to be kept on a lead and muzzled.

The NTA has also proposed allowing operators to refuse larger dogs where a service is reaching capacity.

There were calls during the consultation for the muzzling requirement to be reconsidered, with some respondents arguing that it should potentially apply only to restricted breeds or individual dogs considered a behavioural risk.

The NTA's proposed approach currently retains the requirement for larger dogs to be muzzled.

Guide and assistance dogs will remain unaffected

The existing arrangements for guide dogs and assistance dogs would not change.

Guide dogs and assistance dogs will continue to be permitted on all TFI services without restriction.

They must be identifiable as working dogs through the relevant coat, medallion or lead, while a parent or guardian accompanying a child with an assistance dog must also carry the dog's identification card.

Rules currently differ across Dublin and Ireland

At present, there is no single nationwide policy covering pets on public transport.

The rules differ depending on the operator.

Bus Éireann currently does not allow dogs, cats or other animals on its services, apart from the applicable arrangements for guide and assistance dogs.

Dublin Bus allows staff to refuse animals where they believe they could cause annoyance or damage, while Go Ahead Ireland allows smaller animals to travel on a passenger's lap, but not on the seat, at the operator's discretion.

On Luas, animals are currently permitted where they are kept in an appropriate enclosed pet carrier.

Irish Rail already allows some small dogs and cats to travel under specific conditions, while larger dogs are subject to separate restrictions.

The NTA's proposed policy would create a much more consistent set of rules across the different transport operators.

Strong public support for the changes

The consultation attracted 2,567 submissions between February and March 2026.

The NTA said the vast majority of submissions supported allowing pets to travel on public transport.

People highlighted the benefits of being able to bring pets to veterinary appointments, visit family and make other everyday journeys without having to rely on a car.

The NTA also said that greater access for pets could support wider sustainability goals by reducing reliance on private vehicles.

The authority said the consultation showed that the principle of allowing pets on public transport was broadly welcomed, provided clear and practical safeguards were put in place.

Concerns remain over allergies and safety

Despite the strong support, the proposals also received criticism and raised concerns around how the rules would work in practice.

Issues raised during the consultation included allergies, hygiene, passenger comfort, safety, overcrowding and enforcement.

There were also concerns about how drivers and other transport staff would enforce the rules, particularly if passengers disagreed over whether an animal should be allowed on a service.

Some submissions suggested designated areas for pets could be introduced on public transport.

The NTA has said additional responsibilities and operational guidance will be needed to make sure the policy can be implemented safely and consistently.

When could the changes happen?

The new rules are not yet in place.

The NTA will now work with transport operators to draft changes to the relevant bye laws and conditions of carriage.

The proposed changes would cover TFI funded bus, rail and Luas services once the necessary rules have been finalised and implemented.

The NTA has indicated that the new bye laws are planned for introduction in 2027, although the timeline could change.

For now, passengers should continue to follow the existing rules of the individual transport operator.

If the proposals are implemented, Ireland would move towards a much more consistent approach to travelling with pets on public transport, potentially making it easier for owners to bring their animals with them on everyday journeys.