Trailways of New York introduces pet-friendly travel for small dogs and cats

For years, pet owners planning a bus trip faced a dilemma: leave their beloved furry friends behind or find another way to travel. Now, Trailways of New York is giving them a better option. The bus carrier has launched a pet-friendly travel policy, allowing small dogs and cats to join passengers on board.

“Times have changed. People really consider their cat or dog to be part of the family,” said 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.”

The new policy, which began less than a month ago, allows small pets weighing up to 25 pounds, including their carrier, to travel with passengers for a $10 fee. The carrier must fit under the seat and be no larger than 18 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 9 inches high. Pets must remain in their carriers during the trip, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for all passengers.

Trailways

To develop the policy, Trailways looked to other transportation providers, including airlines and airports, that have increasingly embraced pet-friendly practices. Many airlines now allow pets in the cabin in soft-sided carriers, and airports across the country have introduced pet relief areas to accommodate 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 said. “That approach provides a safe place for the animal while traveling.”

Starting simple

Trailways has also restricted the policy to smaller pets to simplify the process and focus on comfort for everyone on board.

 “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,” Berardi said.

Pets are not allowed on international routes or trips requiring transfers to other bus companies. Trailways also reserves the right to refuse any pet or remove animals for disruptive behavior.

The difference between pets and service animals is also important. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, service animals continue to travel free of charge. Emotional support animals and other pets are classified as pets under this policy and are subject to a $10 fee per trip.

Trailways was inspired by the Massachusetts-based Peter Pan Bus Lines, which introduced a similar pet policy last year.

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

Since the policy’s launch, more than 100 pets have 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.”

Trailways, founded in 1936, is North America’s largest network of independent motorcoach operators, serving more than 900 destinations across the U.S. and Canada. Known for its safe, affordable, and eco-friendly transportation, the company also partners with Amtrak, Greyhound, and Peter Pan to offer extended travel options. While Amtrak and Peter Pan have pet-friendly policies, Greyhound doesn’t, Berardi said.

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