Dog-Friendly Public TransportationIn the United States and Canada.(Light Rail, Trains, Buses, Ferries)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

California

Sacramento, CA (RT, 916-321-2877, http://www.sacrt.com): Small dogs in carriers are allowed on the buses and light rail. The carrier must fit on the person’s lap.

San Diego, CA (MTS, 619-233-3004, http://www.sdcommute.com): Small dogs in enclosed carriers are allowed on the buses and light rail. You must be able to transport your dog and the carrier by yourself, and you need to hold the carrier on your lap. Noise or odor may give cause for refusal to transport the animal.

***San Francisco, CA (SF Municipal Railway, 415-673-6864, http://www.sfmuni.com): Both small and large dogs are allowed on cable cars, historic streetcars and trolley buses. People must pay the same fare for their dog that they do for themselves. Dogs are allowed to ride on Muni vehicles from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Only one of dog may ride per vehicle. Dogs must be muzzled and on a short leash or in a small closed container.

Colorado

Denver, CO (RTD, 303-299-6000, http://www.rtd-denver.com): Small dogs in hard-sided carriers are allowed on the buses and light rail.

Florida

Orlando, FL (LYNX, 407-841-5969, http://www.golynx.com): Small dogs in carriers that fit on your lap are allowed on the buses.

Georgia

Atlanta, GA (MARTA, 404-848-4900, http://www.itsmarta.com): Small dogs carried in a closed pet carrier that fits on your lap are allowed on the buses and trains.

Hawaii

Honolulu, HI (TheBus, 808-848-4500, http://www.thebus.org): The official rule is that only service dogs are allowed on the buses, but they told us that their drivers will usually let you bring a very small quiet dog in a carrier that fits on your lap.

Illinois

Chicago, IL (Chicago Transit Authority, 1-888-968-7282, http://www.transitchicago.com): Small dogs in carriers that fit on your lap are allowed on buses and trains.

Massachusetts

***Boston, MA (MBTA, 617-222-3200, http://www.mbta.com): Both small and large dogs are allowed on the Boston T (subway). Small dogs may be transported in a carrier. Larger dogs may be taken on the T during off-peak hours and must be leashed and controlled at all times. At no time should a pet compromise safety, get in a passenger’s way or occupy a seat.

***Hyannis, MA (Hy-Line Cruises Ferry Service, 508-778-2600, http://www.hy-linecruises.com): Both small and large dogs are allowed on the ferry. This ferry service runs from Cape Cod to Nantucket Island (1 hour on the high speed ferry) or Martha’s Vineyard (1.5 hours). They also offer the only Inter-Island Ferry between Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard (2.25 hours). Pets are allowed on the ferries, but not in the first class lounge. Pets need to be leashed.

***Hyannis, MA (Steamship Authority Ferry Service, 508-447-8600, http://www.steamshipauthority.com): Both small and large dogs are allowed on the ferry. This ferry services runs from Cape Cod to Nantucket Island (2.25 hours) or Martha’s Vineyard (1.5 hours). Pets are allowed on all ferries except for the M/V Flying Cloud fast ferry. Pets must be leashed or in a crate at all times. Pets are not allowed on the seats, tables, or in the concession areas.

***Nantucket, MA (NRTA, 508-228-7025, NRTA): Both small and large dogs are allowed on the shuttle buses. Pets must be leashed or caged, well-behaved, clean and dry, and pets cannot sit on the seats.

Michigan

***Charlevoix, MI (Beaver Island Boat Co.), 1-888-446-4095, http://www.bibco.com): This ferry line provides passenger and vehicle service between Charlevoix and St. James Harbor on Beaver Island. All trips are weather permitting and additional trips may be possible in December. Rates start at $20 per person one way ($35 round trip) and $10.50 per child one way ($17 round trip). Vehicles cost $61 and up one way ($122) round trip. Pets are allowed but the following rules apply. Leashed pets are allowed on the top deck for an extra $10 each way, but must be kept away from other passengers. They are not allowed inside the passenger cabin or on any tables or benches. You are not allowed ot groom your pet on the ferry. Dogs barking excessively may be refused passage. People are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Pets can stay in your vehicle inside a portable kennel away from the driver at no charge. Or pets can stay in a portable kennel on the car deck for an extra $10 each way. If you do not have a portable kennel, the ferry line can rent one to you but reservations in advance are required. If you have any questions or to make a reservation, contact the ferry line at 1-888-446-4095.

New York

New York, NY (MTA, 718-330-1234, http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us): Small dogs in carriers are allowed on the Long Island Railroad, Long Island Bus and New York City Transit buses and subways. Small dogs in carriers or on a secure leash are allowed on the Metro-North Railroad. The pet carrier should be able to fit on your lap and should not occupy a seat. Dogs should not bother other passengers.

New York, NY (PATH, 800-234-7284, http://www.panynj.gov/path): Small dogs in secure carrying cases are allowed on the trains.

New York, NY (Seastreak Ferry, 800-BOAT-RIDE, http://www.seastreakusa.com): Dogs of all sizes must stay on the outside portion of the ferry and they need to be on a short leash. Dogs are not allowed on the inside area regardless of the weather unless you have a small dog and he or she is in a carrier.

New Jersey

Hoboken, NJ (NJ Transit, 973-762-5100, http://www.njtransit.com): Small dogs in carriers are allowed on the light rail.

North Cape May, NJ (Cape May-Lewes Ferry, 609-889-7200, http://www.capemaylewesferry.com): This ferry service provides transportation for vehicles and passengers between Cape May, New Jersey and Lewes, Delaware. The ferry cuts miles off of driving along the Atlantic coast. Pets are welcome but the following rules apply. For the M.V. Cape May, M.V. Delaware and M.V. Twin Cape ferries, pets are welcome on the ferry on exterior decks and any lounge areas where food is not being made, served or eaten. Pets are not allowed in the lounge area whenever there is a private party being hosted. For the M.V. Cape Henlopen and M.V. New Jersey ferries, pets are not allowed in any interior space but are allowed on all exterior decks. For all ferries, dogs of all sizes are allowed but need to be kept under control at all times and leashed or in a carrier. People need to clean up after their pets. Pets are not allowed in the shuttles. Rates start at $20 to $25 for a vehicle and driver. For a foot passenger with no car, rates start at $6 to $8 per person. Larger vehicles can be accommodated but there is an extra charge. The Cape May Terminal is located at Sandman Blvd. and Lincoln Drive in North Cape May, New Jersey. The Lewes Terminal is located at 43 Henlopen Drive in Lewes, Delaware. Rates are subject to change. For reservations or to check rates, call the ferry line toll free at 1-800-643-3779.