are dogs allowed on the subway in NYC or not?

Question

I have a jack russell, are they allowed in the subway cars - if I have a leash, collar and small designer dog carrier bag? - or not? please provide a source....

Answer 1

You should probably get one of those bags where you can't tell that there's a dog in it and there shouldn't be a problem. On a leash, he may get scared in the bag he'll feel more protected and on a leash it's kind of putting him out there. Try to keep it as descrete as possible even though there's no written rule against them on the website, you don't want to draw attention.

It is a violation to-

Jump the turnstile or enter the system improperly,
even if your MetroCard is not working properly


Refuse to present special fare card to police officer or transit employee

Straddle a bicycle, wear in-line or roller skates, stand on a skateboard or ride a scooter

Move between end doors of a subway car whether or not train is in motion, except in an emergency or when directed by police officer or conductor

Place one's foot on the seat of a subway, bus, or platform bench; occupy more than one seat or place bags on an empty seat when doing so would interfere with transit operations or the comfort of other customers

Existing Rules

It remains a violation to

Fail to pay the proper fare


Panhandle or beg

Play a radio audible to others or use amplified devices on platforms


Block free movement


Lie down

Drink alcoholic beverages

Carry any liquid in an open container onto a train or bus

Engage in unauthorized
commercial activity

Enter tracks, tunnels, or other non-public areas

Carry bulky items likely to cause inconvenience or
hazard to yourself and others

Damage subway or bus
property - that includes graffiti or scratchitti

Litter or create unsanitary conditions

Smoke anywhere on NYC Transit property,
including outdoor stations

Answer 2

The last couple of answers including of course from the transit employee are correct. However, there are always exceptions which involve luck... but considering the size of your dog I would say it is unlikely. I have two dogs, and except in emergencies I always walk them to the vet which helps tire them out a bit and makes them better patients. In NYC this involved a walk from 3rd Ave. to 7th. Larger dogs are unofficially allowed on Metro North, i.e. if your dog is well-behaved, sits at your feet and so on at less busy times it should be okay (my friend did this with a lab, but those are smaller than German shepherds.). By the way, larger pet dogs ARE officially allowed on transit in Boston, Calgary, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto plus some suburban buses which connect with the last two, some ferries and on 80% of vehicles of carshare operator Autoshare in Toronto.... and on the majority of urban transit systems and intercity trains in Europe. Amtrak does not allow dogs at all but I have heard about exceptions for small, quiet dogs in a container. Via Rail allows dogs but only in a crate in the baggage car, which is not air conditioned, only heated.

Answer 3

Yes the dog can go on the train if he is in a bag or cage. I am a cop so thats how I know I also have a dog that I have taken on the train.

Answer 4

Yes, in a bag on your lap it's allowed.

Answer 5

see mta.nyc.ny.us.

personally the only dogs i have ever seen on the train were service dogs (ie seeing eye dogs)

Answer 6

only like police dogs are allowed or if youare disabled

Answer 7

seeing eye and helping dog. no pets. allowed.

Answer 8

no, not unless the person is blind and they need a helping dog

Answer 9

NO they dont but i agree Kathy what she said yes unless if ur blind but no in other words
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