Dog on bus

Pets on board! Small pets welcome on buses and the ferry from 1 December

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From Monday 1 December 2025, small pets will be allowed on public transport at off-peak times in Christchurch, Waimakariri, and Selwyn.

Pets must be in a carrier that fits on your lap or under the seat in front of you. Small dogs can be on a lead with a muzzle if preferred. Other conditions also apply.

What you need to know

  • Carrier size: Pets must fit comfortably in a carrier no larger than 58.4cm L x 38.7cm W x 33cm H. Small dogs must be small enough that they would fit comfortably in a carrier of that size or smaller.
  • When you can travel: Off-peak hours when you can travel with your pet are on weekdays between 9:00am–3:00pm, after 6:30pm, and all-day on weekends and public holidays.
  • Dogs on leads: Small dogs must be leashed and wearing a cage muzzle (basket-type) when not inside an approved carrier. Customers must carry these dogs on their laps, not on seats.
  • One pet per customer: Only one carrier or one dog per customer aged 16+.
  • Ferry rules: Leashed dogs must remain at the rear of the Diamond Harbour ferry.
  • Clean up responsibility: Customers must clean up any mess before leaving the bus.
  • Priority seating: Customers with pets should avoid accessibility-priority seats. If a disability assist dog boards, you may be asked to move.
  • Where pets are not allowed: Pets are not permitted on school buses or on the upper deck of double-decker buses.
  • Crowded services: If a bus or ferry is too crowded, drivers may decline boarding at their discretion.
  • Safety and behaviour: Drivers may refuse entry or ask customers to leave if a pet is causing or likely to cause a safety risk or nuisance.
Familiarise yourself with the full rules for travelling with pets on Metro services.

Interchange and lounge rules

At the Christchurch bus interchange, pets are only allowed when transferring between Metro services. They are not permitted for other purposes, and all other rules for entering the interchange apply.

At our Riccarton Road Metro lounges, pets must be kept in the outdoor area. They are not permitted inside.

Decision provides greater accessability

Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) public transport core service lead Councillor Joe Davies said it is an exciting milestone.

“We’re proud to now be able to offer this for those who need to travel with their pets on our Metro services in Greater Christchurch,” Cr Davies said.

“It will help to serve people in the community, allowing for greater accessibility.

“The community has been on the journey with us to help make this happen, and we’re grateful for everyone’s feedback that helped us to set clear guidelines, to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable with the pets that start using our buses.”

Support for drivers during transition

Public transport general manager Stewart Gibbon said drivers are being supported to manage the transition.

“Our drivers do an incredible job of keeping our services running, and we ask customers to be respectful to our drivers as they navigate this change,” he said.

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