Are Pets Allowed on Public Transit in the San Francisco Bay Area?

Part of being a good pet owner is taking them to their various vet appointments, trainers, groomers, and maybe even to visit grandma. But if you’re living in a dense urban center like the San Francisco Bay Area, you may not have a car of your own to chauffeur them around. Many of us get by just fine without a car most of the time. 

But are your pets allowed to take public transit with you? And is it safe for them to do so? Let’s take a closer look:

Are dogs and cats allowed on BART?

Yes, however, pets can ride on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system and its stations only if they can be secured in an enclosed carrier designed for carrying pets. It’s important that your pet stays inside their carrier throughout the trip, for their safety as well as the other passengers. 

 Only service dogs are allowed to be on leashes on BART vehicles, in accordance with ADA accessibility. Service dogs in training are also allowed. Carrying proper identification for them is encouraged. Dogs that provide emotional support that are not licensed as service animals are not allowed on BART transportation. 

You typically don’t need to pay an additional fare for pets on BART. 

Are dogs and cats allowed on MUNI?

The rules are a little more complicated when it comes to the San Francisco Municipal Railway or “MUNI”. One pet per rider is allowed during off-peak hours only. Peak hours are Monday through Friday, 5 am to 9 am and 3 pm to 7 pm. Pets are not allowed on MUNI during peak hours. 

Dogs must be leashed and muzzled throughout your trip and must be seated either on your lap or under your seat. They are not allowed to sit on the seat next to you. All other pets must ride inside enclosed carriers designed for pets, the same as BART. 

ADA-licensed service dogs are also allowed on MUNI transportation; they need to be leashed but not muzzled. When riding on cable cars, all dogs (and their owners) are encouraged to ride in the interior of the car. 

You will need to pay a fare on MUNI for your pet that’s equal to yours. 

Is public transit safe for dogs and cats? 

Riding public transit in San Francisco is typically safe for dogs and cats, as long as they can be secured. It’s important to stay alert when your pet is in any new situation, as they may act unpredictably and could put themselves in danger. While rides on BART and MUNI are safe for pets, you should also keep their comfort in mind. 

Loud noises from the trains and cramped quarters could be stressful for your pet, especially if they’re not used to being in crowds. Some riders with service dogs find that they also need to keep firm boundaries when it comes to curious strangers wanting to pet their animal on the train. This is another reason to keep yours in an enclosed carrier whenever possible. 

If your pet can become reactive around people they don’t know or in strange environments, it may be best to avoid public transit with them.

Are dogs allowed in Lyft, Uber, or other ride shares in the Bay Area? 

Uber allows you to bring one dog or cat; however, you need to book a specific Uber Pet ride from the vehicle options. These rides are more expensive than a standard Uber and often more limited. Bringing other pets (like reptiles or birds) is up to the discretion of the individual drivers. 

Lyft uses a similar system and allows 4 humans and one pet on their Pet Rides. These bookings can be found under your ride options and also cost more than typical Lyft rides. 

Pets should also be secured with leashes or carriers in ride-share vehicles, and you’re encouraged to bring a blanket to help keep the seat clean. All ride-share systems are required to allow licensed service dogs to ride at no extra fee. 

The best in-home pet care in the Bay Area

So now you’ve got a few options for safe transport when you need it, but as we’ve discussed, traveling can be stressful for most pets. If you’re taking a vacation, there are a few locations that are safe to bring adventurous dogs, but most of the time, they would be much happier waiting at home for you. 

That is, of course, if you’ve got a trusted pet sitter staying at home with them. We already know that you’re a responsible pet owner who wants the best for your animals (you wouldn’t be reading this if you weren’t!), so we know you only accept the highest quality of pet sitter. At G&G Pets, we specialize in helping people just like you find the pet sitters who are qualified and experienced in caring for all types of dogs and cats. 

Use the button below to view the currently available sitters in your neighborhood and apply for a consultation! 

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