Petition calls for large dogs to be allowed on Via Rail

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Give Rover a spot on the train.

A group of nearly 200 Toronto dog owners have signed a Change.org petition urging Via Rail to allow large dogs in cabins during off-peak hours. The petition had garnered 200 signatures as of Monday afternoon.

Currently, Via Rail allows dogs up to 22 pounds in cabins, while larger dogs must be crated. 

Toronto dog owner Esther Baruti launched the petition, insisting that allowing larger dogs to travel with their owners would enhance the travel experience for pet owners and even increase ridership. 

“Allowing large dogs to accompany their owners on the train would not only be a benefit for pet owners like myself but would also promote enhanced patronage of the rail network. Let’s also not forget that this change would foster inclusivity and make travel less stressful for pets and their owners alike,” says Baruti.

The petition says other rail services, such as in Europe and the Go Train, already allow leashed dogs of all sizes during off-peak times without significant disruptions.

“There is no credible reason why the same cannot be applied on Via Rail, especially during off-peak times, when trains are less crowded,” Baruti said.