Pets on the met: animals enabled on Wellington public transport from Monday

Pets to be allowed on Wellington public transport
* Dog lover petitions for pooches on buses
* Wellington vet wants dogs on public transport

Pukerua Bay resident Alice Petrie said the new rules meant french bulldog Luna could join her daily commute to Wellington City. 

MONIQUE FORD/STUFF

MONIQUE FORD/STUFF Wellington dog lover Belinda Croft petitioned the regional council in 2017 to allow dogs like Rupert the pug Lulu the Shih Tzu on public transport.

"It's a really good idea for people who work in town and to have dogs out and about so people can enjoy them."

Luna was used to riding in the car and was well socialised so should have no issue with travelling by train, but it was a shame she had to travel by carrier, Petrie said.

"I would like to see bigger dogs be able to travel with their owners as well."

ROBERT KITCHIN/STUFF

Sophie MacDonald will be allowed to take her dog Rufus with her on Wellington's buses, trains and ferries.

Greater Wellington Regional Council spokesman Stephen Heath said it was unlikely the new rules would evolve to let larger dogs onboard. 

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"The new policy balances the desire of pet owners to travel with their pets and the quality and safety of travel of other travellers, and that's much more difficult to achieve with larger dogs on the floor of a carriage or bus.

"This is, of course, new territory for the region and the impact of the new policy will be monitored to establish whether its conditions need to be fine-tuned in relation to any issues that emerge but there is no timetable associated with it."

Mobility assistance dogs were already exempt, he said.

The New Zealand Veterinary Association "cautiously welcomed" the policy, chief veterinary officer Helen Beattie said.

"This will be welcome news to pet owners who don't have a car or suitable transport, it can be really difficult to get your pet into a veterinary clinic if you don't."

It was important to familiarise your pet with a carrier and make the experience a positive one, she said.

"Your veterinarian will likely encourage you to keep the carrier in the lounge or bedroom at home so that your pet can spend time in it. It's also a good idea to keep a favourite toy in there. 

"On the day of travel, be sure to give your dog a long walk before you leave. Exercise will increase the likelihood that your pet will sleep through the journey."

THE RULES:

• Pets may travel between 9am and 3pm, and after 6.30pm on weekdays.
• They can travel at any time during the weekend.
• Pets on trains and buses must be in a suitable carrier in the luggage space or on the passengers lap.
• Pets on ferries must be leashed and travel on the top deck or the back of the bottom deck if raining.
• If the service is crowded pet owners may be asked to wait for the next one.
• Owners may be asked to leave the bus or train at the next stop if their pets cause a nuisance.

 - Stuff

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