Subway Dogs
By Scott - Apr 14, 06 Transit Tails
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Last time CityPets was in Toronto we met a furry commuter on the subway. We were shocked at the gaul of the puppy’s human until we learned Toronto, in fact, allows four-legged riders. Our friend Erica recently posted this proof of Canadian superiority. Reportedly, Boston also allows animals on the train.
Should the MTA consider allowing other species passenger status, or is New York’s system just too crowded, dirty and dangerous for our furry friends? There is clearly a demand.
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I can see why it may be unwise to allow dogs on the NYC trains - they can be very crowded. Imagine a dog owner who doesn’t know how to control his/her dog on a train packed with people and other dogs?
But as a dog owner in Brooklyn, I dream of being able to take my dog to Manhattan on the train. Maybe they could have a Dog Car? As a cyclist I also think there should be a Bike Car. Of course, some people may start saying “Heck, why not have a Kid Car and a Reading Car and a Coffee Car, etc.”
Anyone else have thoughts on dogs on the trains?
Life could be easier for some people if their dogs were allowed on trains because they could get them to the veterinarian (if they don’t live within walking distance already).
If dogs were permitted in trains on non-rush hour times, that would be my dream.
As for the coffee car, I’d love it. I probably wouldn’t be thrilled about a dog car, unless I left my dog at home. Then it would be fun.
Lets think about this clearly, Trains are small confined places. Its bad enough we have to deal with smelly people and over crowding on the train, now you want to make it worst by adding dogs to the train. I don’t see how that’s a good idea. We have enough problems with NYC subways, Lets not add the problems that a dog could add to that list.
Lets consider The thousands of people who are not dog lovers that ride the trains every day. (sorry guys, but not every one is a canine cuddle!!) If some one has an allergy (which a good number of people do) and they get on a train and notice your dog after the door closes, their stuck in a bad situation. They can’t open a window or go to the next car. If that person gets real sick, That could stop the train, Hinder all of the commuters and possibly stop that train line from running all together. IF that person is afraid of dogs,(which a good majority of people are) they could panic and loose it, this yields the same reaction. Trains delayed, commuters delayed, blah blah blah!! Fear breeds stupidity and we have enough of that on the trains. Another example, there are other dogs on the train and they get into a barking match in this tiny little train car! Barking can be loud outside, but can you imagine what it sounds like on a train car? Can you imagine the amount of fear and chaos a dog barking on a packed train could produce. Now I know all owners think that they have their dogs under control and they know their dog Blah blah blah, But you guys seem to forget that Dogs are living creatures with their own minds. If they want to flip out for whatever reason, there’s no amount of petting, doggy treats or commands that will stop them. You could get bit yourself (which has happened to owners all over the world).What if a person whose afraid of dogs is carrying food home. 95% of dogs beg for food by staring at you while you eat. Which means that this person is going to get unwanted attention from your dog!
What most dog owners don’t understand is that they have a potentially dangerous animal on their hands. Granted most dogs are as friendly as santa Claus and go their whole lives with out attacking any one, But it’s that potential to be dangerous that restricts them from places like trains.
It’d be interesting to hear how frequently problems arise in other cities (like Toronto) that do allow canines on trains uncaged. If incidents are rare enough, it could be worth trying out, especially outside of rush hours when the trains aren’t as packed.
Before I moved to NY I leaved in Atlanta, GA for five years. There you HAVE to drive everywhere. So moving to NY is a big change. The only thing that I miss about my old city is the possibility of having my dogs going to places with me.
Here in NY is very difficult to take your dog to the vet (if you can’t walk them for some reason). Or not being able to enjoy Central Park with my boys!!! Let’s face it, Parking anywhere in this city is so difficult and expensive that allowing dogs on the trains would be a great idea. I know that rules will be necessary, and it should be enforce!!
I agree that not everyone would be please with that. And I also agree that some breeds are better left at home. But let’s not forget that most of dogs are friendly and the owners know how to control their pets. If well planned it could workout!
I love NY much more that I ever liked Atlanta, but paying absurd amount of money for parking or have to take a taxi ( if they allow your pet in ) is also not practical or fair! We should be able to meet in the middle and find a way to please and accommodate everyone needs!!!
Michelle, you have it exactly right, except it’s not ‘certain breeds’–it’s just certain owners, who don’t properly train and socialize their dogs.
But the people like that mainly don’t care enough to take their dogs around town with them, and there could be penalties for bad behavior, just as there are for badly socialized humans.
The fact is, dogs on the trains (and even buses) has worked in many different cities, including several in North America.
However, due to resistance here, I’m proposing that people pay an extra fare for their dogs, as they do on Seattle streetcars and buses. The MTA could surely use the money, and we’d still save a fortune in cabfare. Pay the fare before getting on and get a receipt, which can be produced upon demand. They’d only have to update the software in the existing MetroCard machines slightly, and promote the new system–which I think should be called MuttroCard.
Nobody is ever proposing dogs ride during rush hour–that straw man needs to take a rest. It would be an offpeak hours thing, as it is in most cities. No responsible dog owner would bring his or her dog onboard a jampacked subway car. Though for some reason, it’s okay to bring a full-sized bicycle onboard a jampacked subway car.
Allergies are not a rational argument, since small dogs and cats and pretty much any other animal that fits in a carrying case can come on board at any time–I’m no less allergic to cats inside of Sherpa bags than I am to cats outside of Sherpa bags, but I don’t object to cats on the train at all. And if I wanted, I could bring my 60lb Shepherd Mix onboard in a bag–it’s not practical, but it’s legal.
Safety would improve during late night hours–nobody’s getting mugged on the car with the big dog in it. Revenues could be quite substantial, when you factor in both the fares for the dogs and for their humans who would otherwise take a cab or drive their cars. It’s a no-brainer. But it’s New York we’re talking about, so it’s going to take time, and we’re going to have to push for it. So unless somebody has a better idea–MuttroCard!
http://washingtontykes.blogspot.com/2008/11/muttrocard-idea-whose-time-has-come.html