Ever wondered what it would be like to take a ride in Noah’s Ark?

Well, wonder no more because, very soon, it looks like you will be able to have that experience when animals are allowed to travel on public transport.

Human feet on the seat beside you might have left you feeling peeved once upon a time, but that could shortly be the least of your worries. Imagine a Great Dane peering over your shoulder while you try to read your newspaper, drooling on the crossword. Or a little terrier yapping his head off while you’re trying to grab a nap. Or having to suffer the smell of a creature badly in need of a shampoo, or maybe even something worse like a deposit he left on the floor.

Well, brace yourself, because dogs, cats and other pets are set to be allowed greater access to travel on bus, trains and trams from 2027, after the National Transport Authority (NTA) announced proposals to relax existing rules on the carriage of pets on public transport services.

The NTA has proposed introducing a policy that small dogs, cats and other small animals that do not threaten the safety of passengers may travel on bus, rail and Luas services.

However, they must not be allowed on seats and must remain on their owner’s lap or on the ground in a way that does not obstruct other passengers or passageways.

The proposed changes follow a consultation process conducted earlier this year in which, we are told, a large majority were strongly supportive of allowing........

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