By Lyndsey Kenny: Founder and Owner of Pet Bliss
There was a piece of news this week that probably made a lot of pet owners smile: the National Transport Authority is moving towards allowing pets much greater access to public transport across Ireland.
And, as someone who has spent more than 20 years talking to pet owners every day, I think it is long overdue.
The NTA received more than 2,500 responses to its consultation on pets travelling on public transport, with the vast majority supporting the idea. The proposed new rules would create a much more consistent system across Transport for Ireland buses, trains and Luas services.
Small dogs, cats and other small pets would be allowed to travel provided they are safe and under control. They would not be allowed on seats or to block aisles. Larger dogs could travel on a lead and wearing a muzzle, although they could be refused if a service was already very busy.
It is important to say that the changes are not in force everywhere just yet. The NTA now has to work with transport operators to update the necessary rules. But the direction of travel, if you’ll forgive the pun, is very welcome.
For Drogheda, I think this could make a real difference.
We are incredibly well connected by public transport. Drogheda sits on one of the country’s busiest rail corridors, with frequent trains towards Dublin, Dundalk and Belfast, as well as extensive bus connections.
But if you don’t drive, owning a pet can suddenly make that network feel much smaller.
Think about something as ordinary as getting a dog or cat to a veterinary appointment when the vet isn’t within walking distance. Or visiting family for the weekend. Moving house. Going on a day trip. Even getting to a good walking spot.
For many people the answer at the moment is simply: find someone with a car.
That particularly affects older people, younger people, people living alone and households that have chosen not to own a car. A pet can be one of the most important companions in somebody’s life, yet our transport system has often operated as if nobody travels with one.
There does, of course, have to be a bit of common sense on both sides.
Not everybody loves dogs. Some people are frightened of them. Others have allergies. And nobody wants to spend their journey sitting beside an uncontrolled dog while its owner insists, “Ah, don’t worry, he’s friendly!”
Being pet-friendly has to mean being people-friendly too.
Owners have a responsibility to make sure their animal is comfortable travelling, properly controlled and isn’t causing a problem for other passengers. I also think we need clear rules so drivers, staff and passengers aren’t left arguing over what is and isn’t allowed on individual services.
But I love the bigger idea behind this.
I’d like Drogheda to become a genuinely pet-friendly town, not simply a town where lots of people happen to own pets.
That means thinking about pets when we design public spaces, walking areas, businesses, hospitality and now transport. Drogheda has previously had plenty of discussion about the need for facilities such as a dedicated dog park. Pet-friendly transport is another piece of that same puzzle.
There is also a business opportunity in it. If somebody can arrive in Drogheda by train with their dog, can they spend the afternoon here? Can they walk somewhere nice, stop for something to eat, visit shops and actually feel welcome?
Towns around Ireland increasingly compete on experience. Being known as somewhere that welcomes responsible pet owners is another reason for people to choose Drogheda.
At Pet Bliss, we see every day just how much our relationship with pets has changed. They aren’t animals that simply live in the garden anymore. They are part of our families, our weekends, our holidays and our everyday lives.
It makes sense that, increasingly, they should be able to come along for the journey too.
Now we just need to make sure Drogheda is ready to welcome them when they arrive.
