You might think, “My dog is perfect, rules are for other people.” But remember that time a tiny Chihuahua yapped at a suitcase and the whole carriage laughed? Dogs on the Tube are a highlight—until they’re not. Rules keep them from being banned or causing a fuss.
The main rule is simple: carry your dog on escalators. This isn’t about showing off your biceps. It’s because a scared paw can get caught in the teeth of the stairs. My neighbour’s lab, Buster, once froze halfway down—it took three kind strangers and a lot of “good boy” murmurs to rescue him.
And yes, always use a lead. Even the calmest dog might spot a pigeon or a dropped doughnut. A loose dog can cause a chain reaction of slipping, tripping, and lost tempers. Keep them close, and you keep the journey joyful for everyone.
The unspoken etiquette of dog travel
Imagine you’re on a packed Jubilee line at 8:30 AM. Your golden retriever is cute, but he’s taking up the space of a whole passenger. Common sense says: avoid rush hour if you can. If you can’t, tuck your dog by your feet or under the seat like a fluffy carry-on.
Also, bring a treat or two—but not a smelly one. I once watched a spaniel drool over a tuna sandwich for ten stops. The owner was oblivious; the rest of us were hostages to the tuna-scented drama. Be the hero who brings quiet biscuits.
Tube Station Dogs at Chris Page blog
And here’s a secret: dogs can sense stress. If you’re tense about the journey, your pup will whine or pant. Stay calm, pat their head, and whisper silly things like “We’re almost at the biscuit station.” They’ll relax, and so will everyone near you.
