Trailways Pet Policy

Trailways offers accommodations for service animals and allows small pets on select routes. Find here a complete guide on Trailways’ pet travel policies, including eligibility, booking process, and important restrictions.

Traveling with Pets on Select Routes

Trailways allows small pets on certain routes. If a pet is permitted on your selected trip, an option to add a pet will appear at checkout.

Eligible Pets

• Dogs and cats only (no reptiles, birds, or exotic pets).
• The pet must be fully enclosed in a carrier.
• The carrier must fit in the passenger’s lap or under the seat.

Pet Carrier Requirements

• Maximum dimensions: 18 x 14 x 8 inches
• Maximum weight (including pet): 20 lbs
• The pet must remain inside the carrier for the entire journey.
• Hard-sided or soft-sided carriers with ventilation are acceptable.

Pet Travel Restrictions

• Pets are not allowed to occupy a seat.
• One pet per paying passenger.
• Pets must not disrupt other passengers.
• Passengers are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

More Information: Traveling with Pets.

How to Book a Ticket with a Pet?

Online Booking

1. Search for your preferred bus route.
2. If the route allows pets, a checkbox will appear for "Add a Pet to Your Reservation."
3. Select the option and proceed to checkout.
4. Review and accept the pet travel terms.

In-Person Booking

1. Visit a Trailways ticket counter or agency.
2. Ask the agent whether pets are allowed on your selected route.
3. If permitted, request a stand-alone pet pass to accompany your ticket.

Missed Pet Booking?

If you purchased a ticket but forgot to add a pet:

• Online purchases: Cancel and rebook the same route with the pet option added.
• In-person purchases: Visit a ticket counter before travel to purchase a stand-alone pet pass.

More Information: Pet Travel Terms.

Pet Travel Fees

• Fee per pet: Varies by route; fee will be displayed at checkout.
• No refunds for pet fees if the pet is denied boarding due to policy violations.

International Travel Restrictions

• Pets cannot travel across international borders (United States ↔ Canada).
• Service animals must comply with border entry requirements (vaccination records, customs declaration).

More Information: International Travel.

Pet Behavior Guidelines

To ensure a smooth trip, pets must be well-behaved:

• No excessive barking, growling, or aggressive behavior.
• Pets must remain calm inside the carrier.
• Passengers should avoid overfeeding or overwatering their pets before travel.

If a pet exhibits disruptive behavior, Trailways reserves the right to deny boarding or request removal.

Service Animals

Service animals are always welcome free of charge on Trailways buses.

Guidelines

• Must remain under the control of the passenger at all times.
• Must not occupy a seat or obstruct the aisle.
• Must fit within the floor space of the passenger’s seat.
• If the animal is small enough, it may sit in the passenger’s lap.
• The animal must be well-behaved. Aggressive or disruptive behavior (excessive barking, growling, lunging, etc.) may result in removal from the bus.

Restricted Animals

• Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are not allowed to travel as service animals.

More Information: Service Animal Guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel with my pet on any Trailways bus?

No, only select routes allow pets. Check during booking to see if the pet option is available.

Do I need documentation for my service animal?

No, documentation is not required for trained service animals. However, the animal must behave appropriately to be allowed onboard.

Can I bring an emotional support animal?

No, ESAs are not considered service animals and are not allowed.

Can I take my pet across the border?

No, pets cannot travel internationally on Trailways buses.

What happens if my pet is denied boarding?

If your pet does not meet the travel requirements, you will not receive a refund for the pet fee.

What if my pet becomes disruptive during travel?

If a pet causes a disturbance, the driver may request that the pet be removed from the bus.

Customer Support

For additional details or to confirm pet travel eligibility, visit the official Trailways resources:

• Pet Travel Policy: Traveling with Animals.
• Service Animals: Service Animal Guidelines.
• International Travel: Border Crossing Rules.
• Customer Care: Contact Trailways or call (800) 858-8555.

For further assistance, submit an inquiry through the Trailways Customer Service Portal.