GO Transit Pet Policy

General Policy Overview

GO Transit welcomes passengers traveling with small pets, including dogs, on all train and bus services throughout the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The policy is designed to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers while accommodating pet owners who wish to travel with their companions.

Pets travel free of charge on GO Transit. There is no additional fare required for bringing your dog, provided they meet the carrier and size requirements outlined in this policy.

Carrier Requirements

All pets traveling on GO Transit must be transported in an appropriate carrier. This requirement ensures the safety of your pet, other passengers, and staff members throughout the journey.

Carrier Specifications

Your pet carrier must meet the following criteria:

• Fully enclosed: The carrier must completely contain your pet with no openings that would allow them to escape or extend body parts outside the carrier.
• Leak-proof: The carrier must have a solid, leak-proof bottom to prevent any accidents from affecting other passengers or the vehicle interior.
• Secure closures: All openings must have secure zippers, latches, or other closures that cannot be easily opened by your pet.
• Adequate ventilation: The carrier should provide sufficient airflow to keep your pet comfortable throughout the journey.
• Sturdy construction: The carrier must be able to maintain its shape and securely hold your pet during transit.

Acceptable Carrier Types

• Hard-sided plastic carriers
• Soft-sided fabric carriers with reinforced sides
• Airline-approved pet carriers
• Pet backpack carriers with enclosed compartments

Size Restrictions

To ensure that pet carriers do not obstruct aisles or infringe on other passengers space, GO Transit has established specific size limitations for pet carriers.

Maximum Carrier Dimensions

Pet carriers must not exceed the following measurements:

• Length: 55 cm (22 inches)
• Width: 40 cm (16 inches)
• Height: 23 cm (9 inches)

Placement Requirements

The carrier must be placed in one of the following locations during your journey:

• On your lap: The carrier should fit comfortably on your lap without extending beyond your seat space.
• Under the seat: If space permits, the carrier can be placed on the floor directly in front of you, beneath the seat ahead.

Carriers cannot be placed on seats, in aisles, blocking doorways, or in overhead storage areas.

Service Animals

GO Transit fully supports passengers who require service animals and maintains a policy that complies with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Service Animal Policy

• Service animals are welcome on all GO Transit services without any carrier requirement.
• Service animals travel free of charge.
• No documentation is required to bring a service animal on board.
• Service animals must be under the control of their handler at all times.
• Service animals should not block aisles or emergency exits.

Definition of Service Animal

Under Ontario law, a service animal is defined as an animal that is readily identifiable as one used by the person for reasons relating to their disability, either through visual indicators such as a vest or harness, or through documentation from a regulated health professional.

Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities, including but not limited to:

• Guide dogs for individuals who are blind or have low vision
• Hearing dogs for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
• Mobility assistance dogs
• Seizure alert or response dogs
• Psychiatric service dogs
• Medical alert dogs

What Is Not Allowed

To ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, certain practices are prohibited when traveling with pets on GO Transit:

• Pets outside carriers: Dogs and other pets (except service animals) must remain in their carriers at all times while on board.
• Oversized carriers: Carriers exceeding the maximum dimensions are not permitted.
• Pets on seats: Carriers cannot be placed on seats; they must remain on your lap or under the seat.
• Aggressive animals: Animals that display aggressive behavior may be asked to leave the vehicle at the next safe stop.
• Uncontrolled barking: Persistent loud barking that disturbs other passengers may result in being asked to exit at the next stop.
• Feeding or watering on board: To prevent spills and messes, please feed your pet before or after your journey.

Liability and Responsibility

As a pet owner traveling on GO Transit, you are responsible for:

• Ensuring your pet meets all requirements outlined in this policy
• Maintaining control of your pet at all times
• Cleaning up after your pet in case of any accidents
• Any damage caused by your pet to GO Transit property or other passengers belongings
• Any injuries your pet may cause to other passengers or staff

GO Transit is not liable for any injury or illness your pet may sustain while traveling on our services. Pet owners are advised to ensure their pets are healthy and comfortable before embarking on their journey.

Official Resources

For the most up-to-date information about GO Transit pet policies, please visit the official GO Transit website:

• Dogs Travelling on GO - Official Page
• Accessibility Services
• Contact GO Transit