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Iarnrod Éireann Pets Policy

  • 03-02-2010 11:40am
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭


    Not sure if this is in the right forum, the travel forum doesn't seem to have a place for this.

    Basically, I have a great dane and I am just wondering what is Iarnrod Eireann's policy on transporting dogs? Looking for advice in particular from anyone who travels with a large dog regularly.

    My boyfriend lives in Kilkenny and as I don't drive (my boyfriend has a fireblade and as hilarious as a side car would be on the side of that, it's not realistic) the only option is to bring my boy with me on the train. I have tried finding a kennel in Dublin but no kennel will take him because they can't accommodate his size.

    I have looked on the website and it says "Dogs or other Pets must be conveyed in the guard's van. An exception applies to small dogs carried on the owners lap and guide dogs, both of which are permitted to travel in the passenger compartment. In the case of lap dogs, Iarnród Éireann station staff reserve the right to refuse access to the passenger compartment if they consider other passengers comfort and safety is likely to be affected. Any other dog must be: Secured with collar and chain and efficiently muzzled. The construction of the muzzle must render it impossible for the dog to bite any person or animal, but it should not prevent the dog from breathing freely or lapping water; or contained in a wooden case, cage, basket or hamper constructed to make it impossible for the dog to bite any person or animal. The receptacle must be sufficiently large to allow the dog to stand up and lie down with ease and comfort and must be adequately ventilated. Greyhounds must be conveyed in kennels at all times. All dogs must be properly labelled giving the name, address and destination of the owner. Charges apply, please contact your local ticket office. If there is no guard's van (non passenger carriage) on a service, pets other than the exceptions described above may not be carried on that train. Please contact your local station to ensure there is suitable accommodation for your intended journey."

    It is the last part of the paragraph that confuses me, does this mean that I could plan to travel on a certain date and only be able to find out at the last minute that in fact they can't accommodate the dog and I then have to rearrange plans?

    If anyone could help I would really appreciate it, sorry again if this is in the wrong forum.


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,817 ✭✭✭✭The Hill Billy


    Moved to Commuting & Transport from East.

    HB


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,537 ✭✭✭✭Cookie_Monster


    the new 22ks (DMUs) mean there is generally no gaurds van anymore.
    Is Kilkenny served by the Mk4 that run the cork line? If not then you are out of luck unfortunitly.

    Someone more knowledgable should be along soon to confirm Mk4 or 22k I'd imagine


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,025 ✭✭✭Ham'nd'egger


    the new 22ks (DMUs) mean there is generally no gaurds van anymore.
    Is Kilkenny served by the Mk4 that run the cork line? If not then you are out of luck unfortunitly.

    Someone more knowledgable should be along soon to confirm Mk4 or 22k I'd imagine

    No guard compartment on the 22000, no. The Dublin-Cork Mark 4 and Dublin-Belfast Enterprise have a guards space but even then the carriage of animals is subject to conditions.

    Perhaps you can find a dog sympathetic taxi or van driver; I would do it but am in Dublin which is little use for you.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 20,009 ✭✭✭✭Run_to_da_hills


    There is an easier way out, purchase a white stick, a dog harness and a pair of dark shades. :p


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,733 ✭✭✭✭corktina


    http://www.dsb.dk/cs/Satellite?pagename=DSBUK/Forside

    Im not sure if this link will help....:D


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    It's so tempting to pretend he is a guide dog but as far as I know (i could be wrong) you are expected to present some sort of pass/id for a guide dog particularly on public transport.

    It's the same with dublin bus, it's at the discretion of the bus driver whether they let you on, so you could be standing at the bus stop all day waiting on a dog loving bus driver...

    Very annoyed....

    Last post was about transport in denmark.... i presume that was a dig at our very ****ty transport system here ? :)


  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 14,093 Mod ✭✭✭✭monument


    Last post was about transport in denmark.... i presume that was a dig at our very ****ty transport system here ? :)

    Great Dane. The link was to Denmark's national railways operator. Dane also = Danish person. :)

    There's an Eircom advert on TV making a joke of this at the moment too.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    oh yeah i've seen that ad, very funny


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78,577 ✭✭✭✭Victor


    Unless you find a suitable dog box, I think you are stuck.

    Is there anyone who could take the dog for a few days?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    A dog box isn't the problem, I have a crate for Henry which is easy to transport, it's the fact that there is no train to put him on.

    And given the fact that I'll be going down to my boyfriend quite often I don't think it would be fair to land someone with my dog. He's perfectly well behaved but he's huge, nobody has the space for him, the only person who does already has two labs and they are both bitches so it's not an option.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 912 ✭✭✭Hungerford


    Victor wrote: »
    Unless you find a suitable dog box, I think you are stuck.

    It's an interesting one as the rules don't seem to have kept up with the times.

    It's ambigious as to whether a dog box will do - I suspect you'll have to contact your local station and talk to them.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 912 ✭✭✭Hungerford


    Hamndegger wrote: »
    No guard compartment on the 22000, no. The Dublin-Cork Mark 4 and Dublin-Belfast Enterprise have a guards space but even then the carriage of animals is subject to conditions.

    In fairness, they aren't that onerous - you have to make sure your dog is muzzled and secured properly so he/her doesn't bite any strangers.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    a dog box won't do, I think it's very clear from their rules that that is the case. My dog's crate is 118cmx77x84 so there's no way it would fit anywhere but in a guard's cabin.

    Talking to my local station is pointless because they have given me the same answer as the website, if you show up on any given day with the intention to travel we might/might not be able to accommodate you. It's really frustrating.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,917 ✭✭✭JimsAlterEgo


    car hire is not expensive - would there much difference in a return train ticket and 2 nightis in kennels vs car hire for 2 days


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    I can't drive and in fairness if I could this wouldn't be an issue. My boyfriend can drive but I don't think hiring a car every time I go down makes good economical sense.

    I think it's ridiculous that iarnrod can't provide a small area on a non peak time train (in fairness I'm not stupid enough to expect to be able to travel at peak times) to keep dogs/cats/whatever you're into.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    car hire is not expensive - would there much difference in a return train ticket and 2 nightis in kennels vs car hire for 2 days

    I can't find any kennel that will take him. Every kennel I've contacted, I've contacted at least 10, have said he is too big for their kennels. The ones that will take him are as far away as kilkenny and sure then I'd still have the same problem of getting him there.

    Kennels are infact really cheap here, about 20 quid a day, just apparently tiny :(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 564 ✭✭✭steph1


    I would drive you as well I have a taxi and have carried pets on many occasions only problem is I am in Mayo. :D

    Seriously though it would be cheaper to find a kennel and I cannot believe that kennels are not big enough to take him. They should be equipped to cater for large breeds such as him. Lovely dogs though :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    Well I know it would be cheaper to put him in kennels but as I said I have been refused because of his size. Have also been told that they don't take dogs under six months, dogs that have never been in kennels before (i know it's like bouncers saying regulars only!). I know kennels should be equipped for large breeds but apparently kennel owners don't. Kennels are so cheap, I thought they would be really expensive but they are really cheap. Not an option for me though. Very disappointed in irish rail that this is the extent of their service.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,733 ✭✭✭✭corktina


    would they really not take a pup under 6 months? if you lied about his age, would he squeal on you do you think?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    Well all kennels require up to date vet's cards and henry's has his dob on it and anyway even if it didn't they would have a fair idea by what vaccinations he's had what age he is.


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  • Site Banned Posts: 5,904 ✭✭✭parsi


    Well I know it would be cheaper to put him in kennels but as I said I have been refused because of his size. Have also been told that they don't take dogs under six months, dogs that have never been in kennels before (i know it's like bouncers saying regulars only!). I know kennels should be equipped for large breeds but apparently kennel owners don't. Kennels are so cheap, I thought they would be really expensive but they are really cheap. Not an option for me though. Very disappointed in irish rail that this is the extent of their service.

    I'd be more disappointed at the kennels - after all they exist to mind dogs.

    IE exist (nowadays) to carry people (though they do carry the odd two-legged animal).


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    Well at least the kennels give me a proper answer. Irish rail are just maybe/maybe not, i'd have no problem with a straight answer but this uncertainty is really frustrating.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,733 ✭✭✭✭corktina


    Well all kennels require up to date vet's cards and henry's has his dob on it and anyway even if it didn't they would have a fair idea by what vaccinations he's had what age he is.

    sorry..only :D...didnt know they had ID cards..ours dont and have been in kennels and not asked for any info on vaccinations etc.they have proper kennels in your part of world!

    Hope you solve problem...IE is not your solution by the looks of it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    Well any animals being put in kennels have to be vaccinated against bordetella so that's why they won't let them in without up to date vet's cards. Personally, if kennels were letting dogs in without information on their vaccinations I wouldn't feel very confident putting my dog in there, not that I have the luxury of choice anyway


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,917 ✭✭✭JimsAlterEgo


    post on pets board or pets ireland -
    http://petsireland.invisionzone.com/

    Good chance someone there may be able to help. There are people that run kennels that actually are big dog lovers and will actually keep the dogs in their own homes if the dogs were nervous or upset so migth consider taking him also.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,549 ✭✭✭✭Judgement Day


    parsi wrote: »
    I'd be more disappointed at the kennels - after all they exist to mind dogs.

    IE exist (nowadays) to carry people (though they do carry the odd two-legged animal).

    IE exists today to provide employment for those unemployable in the private sector - the public/parcels/pets are regarded as a nuisance.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    well considering irish rail say that do transport pets when really they don't.....


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 20,009 ✭✭✭✭Run_to_da_hills


    well considering irish rail say that do transport pets when really they don't.....

    Same goes for push bikes, all it takes is a grumpy station master or guard. :p


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    Same goes for push bikes, all it takes is a grumpy station master or guard. :p

    I know, been in that situation too unfortunately :(

    Well it's sorted now, thanks to all of you who offered helpful advice. Spoke to someone in Iarnrod Eireann today who told me that they take pets on all their intercity services and this apparently includes the Dublin-Waterford/Kilkenny routes so problem solved. Was told that if the dude checking the tickets refuses to let my dog on the train to contact the station master and that station masters cannot go against rules and it is stipulated in iarnrod eireann's rules that any train that can accept pets must accept pets and this includes all intercity trains. Handy information which they probably should put on their website :)

    Thanks again.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,537 ✭✭✭✭Cookie_Monster


    I know, been in that situation too unfortunately :(

    Well it's sorted now, thanks to all of you who offered helpful advice. Spoke to someone in Iarnrod Eireann today who told me that they take pets on all their intercity services and this apparently includes the Dublin-Waterford/Kilkenny routes so problem solved. Was told that if the dude checking the tickets refuses to let my dog on the train to contact the station master and that station masters cannot go against rules and it is stipulated in iarnrod eireann's rules that any train that can accept pets must accept pets and this includes all intercity trains. Handy information which they probably should put on their website :)

    Thanks again.

    I'm sure he can quote some H&S rubbish that will allow him to over rule thos rules and go on strike for being asked such a question :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    haha, probably can and will :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78,577 ✭✭✭✭Victor


    I know, been in that situation too unfortunately :(

    Well it's sorted now, thanks to all of you who offered helpful advice. Spoke to someone in Iarnrod Eireann today who told me that they take pets on all their intercity services and this apparently includes the Dublin-Waterford/Kilkenny routes so problem solved. Was told that if the dude checking the tickets refuses to let my dog on the train to contact the station master and that station masters cannot go against rules and it is stipulated in iarnrod eireann's rules that any train that can accept pets must accept pets and this includes all intercity trains. Handy information which they probably should put on their website :)

    Thanks again.
    Did you explain you want to bring a small horse? :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    hey there's nothing small about Henry! ;)

    i did tell her he's a great dane and she said they accommodate all breeds so i guess i have to go on her word...


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,818 ✭✭✭nerraw1111


    hey there's nothing small about Henry! ;)

    i did tell her he's a great dane and she said they accommodate all breeds so i guess i have to go on her word...


    Hi,

    Can I ask who you spoke to in IE? I was told recently that I cannot bring my boxer as he was too big. I'm guessing he would be smaller than Henry!

    Do you have to put him in a box?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    Didn't get her name but that wouldn't matter anyway because she was just someone unlucky enough to pick up the phone. She said that the intercity trains all have "guard's cabins", these are where pets are kept, they have to be secured in a crate and sufficiently muzzled. She said travelling at peak times would obviously be a bit more uncertain but I wouldn't be bringing my dog through hueston at peak times anyway he'd cause a scene.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78,577 ✭✭✭✭Victor


    Oh, realise there is a luggage weight - I think 50 pounds (about 23kg).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,166 ✭✭✭enda1


    If I got on a train and there was a large dog like a Great Dane on board I would be seriously unimpressed.

    I hope their policy never allows such animals to share cabins with humans.

    Sorry OP.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    Oh I don't want my dane to share a cabin with passengers, jesus i wouldn't force my dog on anyone. It's like the way i feel about children, i don't want to have to look/listen to them at any time.

    There is a separate cabin "guard's cabin" on iarnrod eireann trains, completely separate to passengers.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78,577 ✭✭✭✭Victor


    There is a separate cabin "guard's cabin" on iarnrod eireann trains, completely separate to passengers.
    Only on Cork-Dublin-Belfast trains and some specials. All others are dedicated to carrying passengers only, save for a small dining section.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    I have been told by a staff member that they have them on all intercity trains, whether they actually allow the dog on is another story


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,025 ✭✭✭Ham'nd'egger


    I have been told by a staff member that they have them on all intercity trains, whether they actually allow the dog on is another story

    But they don't have it now, pet. The old carriage and loco sets did but the new railcar sets don't have space or a guards compartment. Unless they put Henry Dog in with the driver:)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 364 ✭✭kassie


    My boyfriend lives in Kilkenny and as I don't drive (my boyfriend has a fireblade and as hilarious as a side car would be on the side of that, it's not realistic)

    so something like this is out of the question??? :D

    Image025.jpg


  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 14,093 Mod ✭✭✭✭monument


    It's really strange how different countries act so differently to dogs.

    Some cities or countries allow dogs on even city public transport without a blink of the eye. Others restrict that to small dogs which can be put on the owner's lap.

    Citizensinformation.ie says:
    Pets (with the exception of Guide dogs and hearing dogs for people with hearing impairments) are not allowed onto DART or Suburban rail trains. Pets are allowed on Intercity trains, provided they are properly restrained and supervised.

    And:
    Animals other than guide dogs are carried on Dublin bus services at the discretion of the driver. According the by-laws governing Dublin Bus, you cannot bring an animal onto the bus if an authorised person (i.e., driver or inspector) asks you not to do so.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    so the person who works for iarnrod eireann doesn't know what type of trains they have?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,549 ✭✭✭✭Judgement Day


    I can't believe that this thread is still ongoing - you cannot bring a dog on a train unless it is in a travel box - end of story no matter what a mate who works in Ballydehob Junction says. A Great Dane will not fit in a travel box.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78,577 ✭✭✭✭Victor


    I have been told by a staff member that they have them on all intercity trains, whether they actually allow the dog on is another story
    Someone was misinformed.

    http://www.irishrail.ie/fleet_information/intercity_fleet.asp

    In all likelyhood the train will be a 22000 Class DMU for which there are no guards vans.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    kassie wrote: »
    so something like this is out of the question??? :D

    Image025.jpg

    yep, i doubt a side car could keep into a fireblade, it would probably fall apart at the speed my bf goes


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    I can't believe that this thread is still ongoing - you cannot bring a dog on a train unless it is in a travel box - end of story no matter what a mate who works in Ballydehob Junction says. A Great Dane will not fit in a travel box.

    Sorry, what are you talking about? Nobody is asking you to read the thread if you're so aghast that it is still ongoing.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,537 ✭✭✭✭Cookie_Monster


    so the person who works for iarnrod eireann doesn't know what type of trains they have?

    I imagine 95% of the office staff in IE have no idea what types of trains they have.

    "I think we have some green ones, and some orange ones..."


  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 14,093 Mod ✭✭✭✭monument


    Irishrail.ie:
    Q. Can Dogs or other pets travel on the train?
    A. Dogs or other Pets must be conveyed in the guard's van. An exception applies to small dogs carried on the owners lap and guide dogs, both of which are permitted to travel in the passenger compartment. In the case of lap dogs, Iarnród Éireann station staff reserve the right to refuse access to the passenger compartment if they consider other passengers comfort and safety is likely to be affected.


    Any other dog must be:



    Secured with collar and chain and efficiently muzzled. The construction of the muzzle must render it impossible for the dog to bite any person or animal, but it should not prevent the dog from breathing freely or lapping water; or



    Contained in a wooden case, cage, basket or hamper constructed to make it impossible for the dog to bite any person or animal. The receptacle must be sufficiently large to allow the dog to stand up and lie down with ease and comfort and must be adequately ventilated.



    Greyhounds must be conveyed in kennels at all times. All dogs must be properly labelled giving the name, address and destination of the owner. Charges apply, please contact your local ticket office.


    If there is no guard's van (non passenger carriage) on a service, pets other than the exceptions described above may not be carried on that train. Please contact your local station to ensure there is suitable accommodation for your intended journey.


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