STM pilot project allowing leashed dogs on Montreal metro, as of Oct. 15

Leashed dogs will be allowed to ride the metro in Montreal starting October 15 as a part of a pilot project being launched by the STM.

In April, the city announced dogs would be allowed on the metro by the end of the year after the Montreal SPCA’s ‘Fido Takes the Metro’ campaign – which was asking the Plante administration and the STM to follow other cities and allow pets on public transit.

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Several months later, the STM has revealed details on how the nine-month pilot project will look starting in October.

• Dogs will only be allowed on the metro between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday to Friday and after 7 p.m. to not impact the higher commute levels during rush hour;
• No time restrictions will be in place on weekends or holidays;
• All dogs will be required to wear a muzzle at all times. (From entering the metro station to leaving the metro station);
• Dogs will also be required to stay on a leash that has a maximum distance of 1.25m;
• Owners will have to clean up any mess made by their pet (this includes the pet going to the bathroom);
• No dogs will be allowed on any of the transit seats or benches;
• Owners will also be limited to one dog per transit trip;
• No special ticket will be required for the dog to take the train.

Those looking to ride the metro with their dog are also being asked to avoid the front of the train as the front car is preferred for schools, daycare centres, people with functional limitations, and bicycles.

It is also recommended that pets avoid the use of escalators to avoid potential injuries.

The STM also noted due to some station entrances being in buildings not owned by the STM, those buildings may not allow dogs. It is advised transit riders check with those buildings ahead of time to see if their pet will be allowed.

For similar reasons, pet owners will not be able to take their pet to the Longueuil–Université-de-Sherbrooke station throughout the pilot project.

Following the STM’s announcement, the Montreal SPCA posted tips and tools for getting pets comfortable with muzzles as well as how to make your pet comfortable while riding the metro on their website that transit riders may find helpful.

“All the SPCA’s hard work—in addition to that of all the Montrealers who supported our efforts—has paid off,” said Sophie Gaillard, Director of Animal Advocacy and Legal Affairs at the Montreal SPCA, as well as the organization’s interim Executive Director. “In a few weeks, Montreal will join the long list of large cities, such as Paris, London, Berlin, Barcelona, Calgary and Toronto, where dogs on leash are welcome on public transportation.

“We’re thrilled that, starting October 15, access to large parks and green spaces, as well as veterinary care, will be made easier for Montreal dogs,” adds Gaillard. “The pilot project announced today also falls under the collective efforts required to fight climate change. At a time when we are encouraging the use of public transportation more than ever, it needs to be modernized and accommodate everyone, including those with dogs.”

More information including FAQ’s can be found on the STM website.