Sneaking a dog on a bus...?

Question

My fiance and I have to travel in a couple of weeks. His cousin is coming home for his last surprise visit before being deployed. The same weekend, another close cousin is graduating from high school. Basically, it's very important we are able to get home for a period of time. Unfortunately, we are unable to rent a car, our vehicle is in disrepair, and 'home' is some 8 hours away. As we can't afford to fly, we must take a bus.
Here's the problem. We have a dog, and we can't find anyone to watch him, nor can we afford a kennel service. Of course, Greyhound has a no-pet policy. We have a dog carrier that is quite discrete--it basically looks like a nice bag--and as our dog is quite small (he's a pomeranian) he'd be easy enough to sneak on, in theory anyway. He's always been quiet and well behaved on previous road trips north. But of course, this is a last resort, and we're nervous about the idea. Has anyone brought a dog on a bus trip undercover? Any stories to share, or even tips?

We really are out of other options. Car rental can't work as we plan to be gone for over a week--that's quite pricey. Housesitter--not so much. We could have someone come check on the dog once a day, but he's not old/trained enough to stay out of his kennel all day, and we don't want him to be stuck in there 23 hours a day. That's just cruel, y'know?
And the bus trip isn't non-stop.
Thanks.

I have to say I find it interesting that so many people found it necessary to accuse us of not wanting to take care of our dog. The fact is, because we *want* to have him with us, so we can look after him properly. We can't find a sitter, and we aren't exactly keen on handing him over to strangers.

As far as someone eluding to the bus seats becoming a mess...did you really think we would have a dog running up and down the aisles of a bus, or sitting out in the open, not contained, on the seats? Really? The are bus stops along the way, and the dog is trained.

Answer 1

just do it and sit in the back..... oh, if this bus trip is NON stop DON'T do it... surely you can find a housesitter,,, a one day car rental is really cheap ,, review your options again,,- don't you have a trusted veterinarian? they board dogs... not expensive

Answer 2

I wouldn't risk it. If the driver finds out you've brought the dog on board, you, your fiance and your dog will be left behind at the next stop to fend for yourselves. You would only be allowed to continue travel if you make other arrangements for the dog, which will be more expensive at that point.

The reason the policy is in place is to avoid a situation where a pet gets loose and runs to the front to where the driver is, jumping in his lap or going under his legs. Any distraction like that and you could have an accident, injuring (or worse) a lot of people. The only exception to this rule is service animals because they've been trained and don't pose that kind of a threat.

I understand your predicament, but do you really want to take that kind of a chance? Does your vet offer boarding? That can sometimes be cheaper than a kennel service. Do you have any neighbors who check in on him once a day? I appreciate you wanting to do what's best for your pet, but sneaking him on board a Greyhound isn't the solution.

Answer 3

I wonder what will happen if you get caught?! You may be put off the bus miles from anywhere. How will you get to your destination then or back home? How long is the bus ride? Can your dog hold his business that long? Either stay home or get a friend to watch the pom while you are gone. Maybe you can swap dog sitting with another friend, or maybe you can babysit for someone if they watch your dog while you are gone? Ask around. I bet you can find a solution.

Answer 4

Why dont you stay home and let your fiance go instead ? I am sure everyone will understand. and I am assuming since you dont have the money for your car a pet sitter would be out of the question . so the safest and cheapest solution would be for you to stay home and let him go . good luck . oh and you could be arrested if you try to sneak the dog on the bus happened to a lady here where I live .

Answer 5

If your dog can remain quiet for the rest of the trip, that's fine. Most dogs anyways like to stay in a small spot for security, as long as you provide food and water. I recommend though that you take the pomeranian out for some pit stops along the way, and when people are not looking.

Answer 6

Check the local phone book to see if there are any dog-kennels / dog minders available who can mind him short term.

If the bus company has a no pets policy then it should be respected, somebody on the bus might be allergic.

Last resort, call the local radio station and advertise for a dog minder.

Answer 7

That's the trouble with pets, they're a commitment. If you don't want to look after them properly and can't afford to have someone else do it, then you have a problem.

As for sneaking the dog onto the bus, how would you like to be discovered and be thrown off the bus mid-trip, as well as made to pay the bill for cleaning the coach seats if the inevitable happens?

Answer 8

I will say go for it but don't get catch. I don't have any stories to tell but if your dog is trained so why not do it. Your dog will be in his carrier. Good luck

Answer 9

check more opptions because if you are caught you could end up in more fines then it would of cost to go it the right way not counting losing animal.

Answer 10

Looks like this is one trip that will have to be cancelled then. Dont get a pet if you dont want to look after it.