How to Travel By Bus With Pets

Taking the bus is annoying enough, but it gets even more challenging when you have to travel with pets. Although the practice can be challenging, you can take your pets along with a lot less hassle if you come prepared. A few simple tips will make your trip as safe and painless as possible, for both you and your pet.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Carrying case for smaller pets
• Leash and secure collar or harness for larger pets
• Food, water and bowls for long trips

1. Make sure you can get the pet on the bus. This can be done by calling the bus company to make sure it allows pets to board the bus or making sure you hide the pet completely so the bus driver is none the wiser. If you have a service animal that you need for medical reasons, it is against the law to ban you from the bus—or anywhere—because of your pet.

2. Secure the pet properly. If it’s a small pet, get a sturdy carrying case. For bus travel, one that fully contains the pet is best, rather than a tote bag type, so the pet doesn’t bolt and run. Carrying cases come in many sizes and types so browse about and figure out the best one for your needs. Larger pets should have a secure collar or harness and leash. If it’s a dog that tends to nip or bite, you may also want to invest in a muzzle for bus trips.

3. Take a seat near the back, if possible. You don’t want to block the aisle and you don’t need to the distraction of others constantly opening and closing front door and the extra commotion of people getting on and off the bus. Pick a seat that’s in the back and out of the way for the best comfort for yourself and your pet.

4. Keep the pet securely on your lap or in the floor in front of you. Don’t hog two seats with the pet, but have him sit on your lap or on the floor in front of you. The same goes for the carrying case. Secure it beneath the seat, on the floor in front of you or on your lap. Never put a pet in the overhead compartments, even in a carrier.

5. Take along pet travel necessities. If you are embarking on a lengthy journey, take along collapsible pet food and water bowls, extra water, some food and some treats for your pet. Also bring paper towels for unforeseen messes or emergencies. Do not pack these things in your luggage but carry them with you on the bus.

6. Get off the bus through the back door, if it has one, to cause the least amount of commotion. You also don’t need your pet walking or being carried through the entire bus once again if it isn't necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Immediately get off the bus if the animal starts getting disruptive, abusive or ill. Also plan to get off the bus if the pet decides to bite a fellow passenger.
• Keeping a towel or small blanket over the carrying case may help soothe an animal that is getting freaked out by all the noise, movement and commotion.
• Even though service animals are not required to be identified as such, you will have an easier time traveling with one if the pet has a vest or some other article of clothing that designates him as a service animal.
• Do not call undue attention to yourself. Keep yourself, and your pet, as calm and quiet as possible so you don’t make it easier for the bus company to ban pets in the future.