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. You do not need to buy a special ticket; dogs travel free of charge. 

People travelling with animals must follow specific guidelines and abide by several restrictions. For example, leashed dogs are only allowed in the metro during off-peak hours, when there are fewer riders. The STM also discourages the use of the train’s front car by transit users travelling with their dog.  

The pilot project, launched in October 2022, has shown that harmonious cohabitation in the Montreal public transit system is entirely possible. According to a survey conducted by the STM in September 2023, 70% of transit users welcomed the presence of dogs. Meeting a dog while riding the metro can put a smile on 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 comfortably, 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 wearing it. Here’s a video and an article outlining 10 steps to get your dog accustomed to the muzzle.

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

This decision by the STM is contrary to the SPCA’s recommendations. Given that a significant proportion of Montrealers live at some distance from a metro station, the SPCA believes that access for dogs should be extended to the bus network, and intends to pursue its discussions with the STM to this end. 

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 travel carrier or bag) were already allowed on the Montreal public transit system prior to the launch of the pilot project in 2022. 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 (most bites occur on private property or involve dogs running loose). In the two years since the pilot project was launched in Montreal, the STM has not recorded a single bite case. 

The presence of dogs on public transit can help change certain preconceived ideas people have about animals and contribute to reshaping the way people and animals live together. Allowing families living with dogs to bring their animals with them when visiting friends and family, rather than leaving them at home, can help create a better socialized, better behaved and more psychologically sound 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 may travel throughout the entire STM network with a service dog, in accordance with STM regulations. In fact, a pilot project conducted in Toronto has shown that allowing all leashed dogs on public transit has no impact on service animals, who remain free to use all areas of the metro and buses at all times.  

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

During the two-year pilot project, the STM received no substantiated complaints about soiling caused by dogs. 

Yes, allowing public transportation passengers to forgo their car when travelling with their dog is an inclusive policy that supports our collective efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions. 

An Australian study conducted in 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 visit family with their dogs and to take their dog 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 location. 

Yes! Banning dogs from public transit disproportionately affects dog guardians who don’t have access to a car, in particular by limiting their access to veterinary care. 

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