Southern Vectis is marking National Dog Day today (Saturday) with a reminder to its customers that they may take their furry canine companions on board local buses for free.
The Island’s bus operator says that it recognises that it’s only fair that people should be able to bring their dogs along with them on days out and trips across the Island. After all, they are part of the family.
Richard Tyldsley, General Manager of Southern Vectis, says:
“On National Dog Day we want to show our love and appreciation for our four-legged friends by ensuring our customers know dogs can travel with us for free – as long as they are accompanied by their paying humans.
“We know there are many local people whose only means of transport is by bus, and those with dogs will only take them with them on their travels with reassurance they will be made to feel welcome.
“Our drivers will always welcome them on-board. All we ask is that they are kept on a lead and that their humans keep them under close control. And, on our open-top buses, hands and paws should be kept inside the bus at all times.
Recently the company has supported Guide Dogs by providing vital bus travel experience for puppies in training.
Richard adds:
“We’ve worked with the charity to offer free travel for staff, volunteers and their canine trainees, to give pups a chance to get used to hopping on-and-off buses.
“It is important to us that our buses are accessible to all – and we understand the issues faced by those who are blind or partially sighted when they travel by bus. They rely heavily on these special dogs to help them go about their daily lives, and we’re always delighted to help.
What about the fleas, the bad breath, unwashed odours, scratching along with uncouth behaviour and fighting?
I guess the dogs will have to put up with that!
Just another reason to not use public transport, dirty, stinking dogs!
I agree and owners going “he’s very friendly” as the sniff your crotch. Keep you dog to yourself
Have you considered using a little soap and water down below?
“Justabloke” yet commenting like he’s some kind of perfumed belladonna 😉
No Susan I didn’t say that!
But I’m still cleaner and less smelly than a dog that’s for damn sure.
Guide dogs only please , a bus is not the place for dogs for many reasons
To be fair humanity has literally bred the entire specie of animals over thousands of years to become our companion animals so it’s hardly a surprise we ought to treat them like companions who travel with us.
Welcomed by whom, exactly?
What about if I take a furry on a leash?
The article should also mention that dogs are not allowed to be placed on passenger seats. Unless Southern Vectis has a different policy than all other bus companies.