FIDO IN THE METRO: GUIDELINES AND TIPS

If your dog is properly socialized, doesn’t get stressed in new environments, is comfortable around strangers, and you are able to keep a reasonable distance from other human and canine passengers, chances are your companion will easily become accustomed to riding the metro.

If you have concerns about your dog being too nervous to ride the metro, or if you’re struggling to get your dog used to riding the metro, contact a certified canine behaviourist.

When prepping your dog (training steps will follow) and when travelling on the metro, carry your dog’s favourite treats with you at all times. The idea is to create positive associations with the new situations they encounter, so they enjoy the experience.

Choose a reward that is both appealing and easily digestible, and be sure to deduct the number of daily treats given from meals to avoid weight gain.

Knowing how to interpret dog language allows you to pick up on your dog’s signs of discomfort (such as nose licking, yawning and hypervigilance) and address the situation. It’s the best way to ensure your dog’s well-being and avoid any incidents. Learn more about this here.

If your dog shows signs of discomfort during training or while riding the metro, offer them treats to redirect their attention to something pleasant. If your dog exhibits discomfort, it’s best to quietly leave the area causing it.

Since the STM requires that all dogs wear a muzzle, the Montreal SPCA strongly recommends using a basket muzzle, which allows the animal to breathe, drink and take the treats you give them.

Soft muzzles are strongly discouraged, as they can be dangerous (e.g., keep the dog’s mouth closed and impair breathing). They should only be used for very short periods of time, such as when receiving treatment from the vet.

To prevent the muzzle from being a source of discomfort or stress for your dog, it’s important to make sure your animal is desensitized to the accessory. This way, your dog will be comfortable wearing it and will approach you so you can put it on them. Here’s a video and an article outlining 10 steps to get your dog accustomed to the muzzle.

Make sure your dog is fully comfortable with wearing a muzzle during walks before moving on to the next step.

Since the metro is a new environment for your dog, avoid letting people interact with them—for their own well-being. This is also not the time for dog-to-dog encounters. If a dog is already in a car, get on another car or keep your distance. Dog-to-dog encounters are best handled outside, where there is space. Feel free to stand between your dog and strangers to create a barrier.

Pro tip: To keep people away from your dog, have him wear a vest indicating that your animal needs space.

Before taking the metro with your dog, first enter a metro station without going down to the platform. Go to the ticket counter and hang out there with your dog for a couple of minutes while offering them treats. Use the stairs (avoid escalators, which can injure your dog).

If your dog enjoys the experience, move on to the next step. Otherwise, repeat the exercise another day until your dog is comfortable.

If your dog does not show any signs of discomfort, proceed to the platform with him. Stay away from the train (and always behind the yellow line). As the train passes, give your dog several treats.

Repeat this step until your dog is completely comfortable before moving on to the next.

Once your dog is ready, board the car while offering them treats. Get off at the next stop and walk back to your starting point.

Important: If your dog resists (e.g., pulls or stops to avoid getting on the train), do not force them to board; return to the previous step.

Once your dog is comfortable riding the metro, gradually increase the length of the ride. Don’t forget to give them treats and monitor their body language.

Make sure your commute ends up somewhere appealing for your dog. For example, if your dog is stressed about going to the vet but loves going to the park, prioritize the park, so Fido associates the metro with a pleasant experience.

No special ticket will be required; dogs will travel free of charge.

People travelling with animals must follow specific guidelines and abide by several restrictions. For example, dogs on leashes are excluded from the train’s front car and are only allowed during off-peak hours to avoid the busiest times of the day.

A 2018 study conducted on a pilot project in Toronto’s public transportation system found that that the presence of leashed dogs had no impact on overall rider satisfaction. The vast majority—80% of train passengers and 72% of bus passengers—expressed satisfaction or neutrality with to the new policy. Crossing paths with a dog during the morning commute can bring a smile to many people’s faces!

The decision to require muzzles was made by the STM, independently of the SPCA’s recommendations. Since muzzling is mandatory, the Montreal SPCA recommends using a properly fitted basket muzzle that will allow your dog to breathe, drink and take the treats you give them.

To prevent the muzzle from being a source of discomfort or stress for your companion, it’s important to make sure your animal is desensitized to the accessory. Here’s a video and an article outlining 10 steps to get your dog accustomed to the muzzle.

No, you’ll still be able to travel on the STM transportation system with your animal in a carrier or specially designed bag, according to the existing conditions.

It was a decision the STM made for this pilot project. The Montreal SPCA would like to see the project evolve into a permanent measure and be extended to the bus network.

The resolution that the Montreal City Council adopted on April 11, 2022, specifies that the pilot project must be carried out with the goal of assessing how well dogs and passengers can coexist throughout the transportation network.

All dogs are allowed, as long as their guardians respect the rules and regulations in place.

It is worth noting that allergenic animals (cats and dogs small enough to be carried in a crate or bag) are currently allowed on Montreal public transportation. Cities like Toronto and Calgary that allow leashed dogs on public transportation haven’t experienced any particular allergy-related problems.

A Finnish study on pet-related allergens on public transportation concluded that the presence of allergens from dogs and cats could mainly be attributed to contamination from passengers’ clothing rather than the presence of the animals themselves.

As with all public places, the risk of an incident involving a leashed dog is considered very low. Toronto’s public transportation system (the TTC), for example, has not experienced any such incidents.

Incorporating dogs into daily life could help dispel preconceived notions and foster harmonious cohabitation with socialized and content canines. Allowing dog guardians to bring their animal with them to visit friends or family, rather than leaving them alone at home could result in a better socialized, better trained and more psychologically fulfilled dog population.

Studies on the subject point to a correlation between a dog’s well-being and the lower risk of developing aggressive behaviour.

You will still be able to travel on the STM system with a service dog, according to the conditions already in place. In fact, a pilot project conducted in Toronto has proven that granting access to public transportation to all leashed dogs has no impact on service animals, who remain free to use all areas of the metro at all times.

Any “mess” that the animal may make must be picked up by their guardian.

Furthermore, during the months-long pilot project in Toronto, there were only two reported incidents of a dog leaving a small mess behind. The subsequent cleanup was cost-free and part of the normal maintenance routine.

Yes, allowing public transportation passengers to forgo their car when travelling with their dog is an inclusive policy that supports our collective efforts to address environmental issues.

An Australian study on the city of Sydney showed that citizens travel an average of 3.8 km by car per week for their dogs—primarily to parks and other walking areas, to see family with their dogs and for visits to the vet. The study found that one in four walks begins with a car ride to the walk location and that over half of the people who take their dog to the dog park several times a week drive to the park.

Yes! Bans disproportionately affect animal guardians who lack access to a car, including by severely limiting their access to veterinary care.

Access to public transportation for leashed dogs is a way to give everyone the opportunity to travel with their animal. It facilitates travel for certain disadvantaged or marginalized peoples and is therefore a policy supported by organizations working with these groups.