As life continues to return to normal, more and more people are travelling around the country again for staycations and to reunite with loved ones. However, for many, lockdown provided the opportunity to introduce a new four-legged companion into their home; a dog.
As dog owners navigate returning to reality with their new furry friend, South Western Railway has imagined what a train carriage specifically dedicated to dogs and their owners could look like.
Utilising insights from dog owners and experts from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and Pets2Places on the top requirements for traveling with man’s best friend, South Western Railway has designed the ultimate doggy carriage. From water stations and play zones, to poo bag dispensers and lead clips, the “doggy carriages” have everything a dog will need to travel comfortably.
The “doggy carriage” facilities
The “doggy carriages” offer a variety of facilities to cater for different personalities of dogs. For any canines with nervous tendencies who prefer to be alone, there are separate compartments to travel in. Whilst for those that have an active dog with lots of energy to burn, there’s a play zone to keep them busy throughout the trip.
Insights show that dogs also love to look out and admire the view, so lower windows along the seats and the floor will allow for pets to take in all their new surroundings as they pass them by. For those that don’t like to watch the world go by, there are TVs playing programs dedicated to dogs to keep them entertained. From videos of other dogs playing to film showings of Lady and the Tramp, your canine will be amused throughout the whole trip.
The carriage itself would be soundproofed to limit any external noise and a ramp will provide easy access for the smaller breeds that may struggle to “mind the gap”. A dog-friendly conductor will patrol throughout to help with any queries, and will also be armed with treats and an unlimited offering of belly rubs.
The carriage would also be designed to provide comfort and reassurance to owners. Lead clips hang on the walls by the seats to stop any potential runaways and poo bag dispensers are placed throughout, just in case. There’s also a water station to keep dogs hydrated and a cleaning station for any “mucky pups” that may have jumped in any puddles on their day trip out and about.
Expert tips for travelling with a dog
While there are no current plans to bring the doggy carriage to life, to help those that are returning to reality with their newly adopted pooch, South Western Railway has spoken to experts from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and Pets2Places to get their top tips for travelling on trains with a dog.
Ali Taylor, Battersea’s Head of Canine Behaviour & Training, says:
Plan ahead. Make sure you find out where the local vets will be at your destination in case of emergencies.
Ensure your dog is microchipped and your details are up to date before you travel.
Pack well. Make sure you pack all the essentials for all eventualities – and any spares – just in case. A blanket or bed that is familiar to them, enough food to last the whole trip away, their favourite toys, any medication they might have (and enough of it), long-lasting chews and treats are also a good idea. Don’t forget to pack a towel if your dog is partial to a bit of swimming!
It’s a good idea to make sure flea and worming treatments are all up to date before you set off.
Once arrived at your destination, remember to follow all the rules of the local area concerning dogs – it is there for everyone’s safety.
Most importantly, have a good time!
Claire Harris from Pet2Places, the country’s leading expert on pet transport, gives her three top tips for train journeys with a dog:
Go for a seat where there is space for the dog to sit (especially if they are a large dog) but somewhere no one else is likely to sit down. This is so your dog doesn’t have to sit with a stranger if they are not good with strangers, or if they will be overly friendly.
If your dog is not great at travelling or has never been on a train before, start them off with just going to the station and sitting on the platform. When they are ready, go on the train for a short journey and build up from there. Travel at quieter times so your dog will have more space.
Try to tire your dog out beforehand if you know you are going on a long journey, that way they will sleep most of the way. Like with any way of travelling, avoid food at least 2 hours before their journey to avoid motion sickness.
