Traveling across the USA on a bus is one of the best ways to explore the country. But are dogs allowed on Greyhound buses?
A Greyhound bus is a logical option if you plan to travel from one city to another on a bus. They visit nearly 4000 destinations across North America and have around 13,000 departures in the region each day. They will also offer you good customer service.
Whether you are taking a Greyhound bus in the USA or Canada, the company’s rules and regulations regarding dogs and other pets are the same. They do not allow pets on their buses unless they are service animals.
Greyhound Dog Policy
Greyhound is usually strict about the animals it permits on its buses. They do not allow dogs on board unless they are certified service animals.
Pets are not allowed in the cabin with other travelers or below the bus in the storage compartments.
Service Dogs
Like other methods of public transportation such as city buses, trains, and airplanes, Greyhound allows passengers to ride their buses when accompanied by a service dog.
A service animal is trained to work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Service dogs’ tasks include reminding a person with mental health issues to take his medication, leading a visually impaired handler, and helping a hearing impaired handler navigate busy areas.
Requirements
If you enjoy the company of your pet or animal, or it improves your mood when it is in your presence, then that animal is not a service animal.
For a dog to be considered a service animal, the owner has to suffer from a particular disability that is recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Besides, the dog must be trained to work or perform a specific task like leading someone across a busy intersection or street if they are visually impaired.
In addition, the dog must be well trained and should not negatively affect its surrounding environment.
Emotional Support Dogs
Many airlines and trains in the United States of America allow emotional support animals on board.
They help individuals who suffer from emotional conditions such as anxiety and fear. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not recognize emotional support dogs as service dogs. Therefore, these dogs are not permitted on Greyhound buses.
Other Bus Companies
Here are dog policies for other popular bus companies in the USA.
Peter Pan Bus Lines
Peter Pan Bus Lines allow their passengers to be accompanied by their service dogs. The service dog is welcome at no additional charge and must be under the control of the handler at all times. In addition, the dog must not pose a direct threat to the safety and health of other travelers on the bus.
A service dog on Peter Pan Bus Lines must ride on the bus within the space of the passenger. The dog will not be allowed to occupy a seat or travel in the aisle.
Other Support, Therapy, Pet Policy
- Peter Pan Bus Lines allows their passengers to bring with them a cat or a small dog on board all their buses. Other pets are not allowed.
- Pet handlers will be required to provide a pet carrier. The weight of a pet carrier, including the pet, should not exceed 25 pounds.
- The pet carrier can be soft or hard-sided but must be well ventilated and leak-proof. The maximum size of the pet carrier should be 19″ long x 14″ wide x 10.5 high.
- The carrier must allow your pet to turn around, stand up, and lie down in a natural position while inside the carrier.
- Pets must remain completely in the pet carrier throughout the entire journey. The carrier should be placed under the seat.
- The pet should be harmless, odorless, not aggressive or disruptive, and require no attention while on the bus.
- Your pet should be at least eight weeks old and should be under your control at all times.
- The carrier will count as one piece of carry-on baggage.
- The organization reserves the right to refuse the acceptance of any pet. They can remove any pet exhibiting behavior that violates their policy.
Megabus.com
Megabus.com normally operates a no-frills bus system in the Northeast, Midwest, and some parts of Canada.
Like other bus lines, their pet policy also prohibits dogs unless they are service animals. The service dog must be properly harnessed and under the control of its handler at all times while on the bus.
The Complete Guide To Traveling With Your Dog
Traveling with your dog will make the family vacation more fun and enjoyable for everyone. Here are a few tips that will make traveling with your furry friend enjoyable.
Health And Safety
Before going out on an extended trip with your dog, be sure to take your furry friend to the vet for a checkup. Also, make sure that all vaccinations of your dog are up-to-date and take short records with you.
Most airline travel will require health certification before they allow you and your canine friend on board.
You can ask your vet if your pet is in good mental and physical condition to travel. In addition, you will have to understand that not all pets will enjoy going on a trip.
To keep your furry friend safe while on the journey, be sure to come with a supply of their regular food.
You will also have to come with bottled water as well as any medications that the dog may require.
In addition, you must always be prepared for an emergency if you are traveling with your dog. Make sure that you have the contacts of the nearest vet as well as those of your regular vet.
Crates
A crate is a good way to keep your pet safe while traveling. It will also ensure that your furry friend does not get into trouble at your host’s name or in a hotel.
You can get a quality crate from most pet supply stores. Here are a few features you can consider when buying:
- The crate should be large enough to allow your dog to turn, stand, and lie down
- It should have a leak-proof bottom covered with absorbent material
- It must be strong, with grips and handles, and free of interior protrusions
- The crate should have ventilation on opposing sides, with knobs or exterior rims to prevent blocked airflow.
Identification
Identification will increase the chances of recovery in the event that your furry friend gets away from you on the trip.
- Make sure that your pet has a collar and a steady leash. The collar must have identification tags, including your name, phone number, the dog’s name, and proof of rabies shots. If you are away for several days, you include a second tag giving your vacation spot’s phone number and location.
- You should consider a permanent form of dog identification, such as a microchip.
- Come with a recent picture of your pet and a copy of health records showing all of its recent vaccinations.
Traveling By Car
Before going out with your dog in your car, make sure that the pet is used to the car. You can let them sit in the car with you without leaving the driveway. After that, you can slowly start going for short rides.
- Let your furry friend travel on an empty stomach to avoid carsickness. However, you will need to ensure that there is plenty of clean water all the time.
- Keep your car well ventilated. If your pet is in a crate or a pet carrier, make sure that fresh air easily flows inside.
- Consider a car seat belt or a dog seat belt to keep your canine friend safe during the journey.
- Do not let your pet ride with its head sticking out of an open window, as it can easily lead to eye injuries.
- Do not let your furry friend ride in the back of an open truck. This is dangerous and can cause severe injuries or even death.
- Take frequent stops for potty breaks and exercise. Also, be sure to clean up after your pet.
Keep Them Occupied With a Toy
If you can only give your furry friend one toy on a long trip, go for something that will keep them busy throughout the entire trip.
If your pet is preoccupied with reaching the treat inside their toy, it will be harder for them to concentrate on anything else. Besides, they will likely not experience the stress of traveling to a new place.
Choose Dog-Friendly Accommodations
You may love your furry friend, but that does not mean that the hotel’s management will love them too.
Not all hotels and restaurants are dog-friendly. Therefore, you will need to be aware of this when booking accommodations for your trip.
Conclusion
You are now answered if you were asking yourself whether or not dogs are allowed on Greyhound buses. Greyhound does not allow dogs on their buses unless they are service dogs. Emotional support dogs are not allowed on the bus.