Trailways of New York Now Lets You Bring Your Pet Along for the Ride—Here’s What You Need to Know!

Pet parents, rejoice! Travelers with small dogs or cats no longer need to choose between leaving their companions behind or finding alternate transportation. Trailways of New York has officially rolled out a pet-friendly policy, allowing passengers to bring their furry friends along for the ride.

“Times have changed. People really consider their cat or dog to be part of the family,” shared Alex Berardi, president of Trailways.com. “We’re giving it a shot because so many customers have requested to be able to travel with their pets.”

Key Details of the Pet-Friendly Policy

Launched just weeks ago, the policy allows small pets weighing up to 25 pounds (including their carrier) to travel alongside passengers for a $10 fee. To ensure comfort and safety, the pet carrier must fit under the seat and can be no bigger than 18 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 9 inches high. Additionally, pets must remain in their carriers throughout the trip to maintain a calm environment for all travelers.

This new initiative stems from research into the practices of other transportation providers, particularly those in the airline industry. Many airlines now permit animals to accompany passengers in the cabin, provided they’re housed in secure, soft-sided carriers. Airports have also added pet relief stations to meet the needs of travelers with animals.

“We looked at what the airlines were doing, and most policies require animals to stay in a soft-sided kennel during the trip,” Berardi explained. “That approach provides a safe place for the animal while traveling.”

Starting Small

To keep the process smooth, Trailways has limited the policy to smaller pets for now and excluded more complex routes.

“We chose to begin with smaller animals, up to 25 pounds, and we’re not allowing interlining with other bus companies or international border crossings yet because it’s much more complicated,” said Berardi.

Traveling with pets on international routes or routes involving transfers to other bus operators is currently not permitted. Additionally, Trailways retains the right to deny boarding or remove pets exhibiting disruptive behavior.

It’s also important to note the distinction between service animals and pets. Service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), continue to ride free of charge. However, emotional support animals and other pets fall under the new pet policy and are subject to the $10 fee.

Inspiration and Early Success

Trailways’ decision to implement this policy was partially inspired by Peter Pan Bus Lines, a Massachusetts-based company that introduced a similar practice last year.

“It was a quiet decision, but it showed us that it could work,” Berardi noted.

Within just a few weeks of the program’s launch, more than 100 pets have already traveled with Trailways.

“So far, we haven’t had any complaints, but we’re keeping a close eye on how it evolves,” Berardi said. “This is about providing options and making travel more accessible for our customers.”

About Trailways of New York

Founded in 1936, Trailways of New York is part of North America’s largest network of independent motorcoach operators. With over 900 destinations in the U.S. and Canada, the company is renowned for its commitment to safe, affordable, and eco-friendly transportation. Trailways also partners with industry leaders like Amtrak, Greyhound, and Peter Pan to expand travel options. While Amtrak and Peter Pan have embraced pet-friendly policies, Greyhound has yet to follow suit, according to Berardi.

Source: Bus & Motorcoach News