Should leashed dogs be allowed on transit?

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – It is an idea that’s been revived by a woman in New Westminster, and is getting the support of a policy officer at the BC SPCA.

TransLink says it will be reviewing the policy it has in place now, adding there are a lot of factors to take into account.

Those include concerns about allergies, what other transit agencies do, and customer consultation.

Amy Morris is with the BC SPCA, and she supports the call.

She says it’s a matter of equality. “Those who require animal therapy to handle depression and anxiety, seniors, low-income earners. They need to be able to get places with their animals as well.”

In terms of allergies, Morris argues a study has shown clothes carry as many allergens as pets.

“And so, even though pets do carry some allergens, right now they’re already allowed on transit in carriers. That level of allergen won’t change once they’re on leashes.”

Right now, guide dogs are allowed on, as are small pets, as long as they’re in cages or containers.