Mozart the dog costs twice: Scandalous ticket prices for four-legged friends!

Mozart the dog costs twice: Scandalous ticket prices for four-legged friends!

A veterinary student recently caused a stir when she noticed that the train ticket for her dog “Mozart,” a beagle, cost more than twice as much as her own ticket. The trip from Wels (Upper Austria) to Nuremberg turned out to be more expensive than planned. Her Sparschiene ticket only cost 17.20 euros, while the dog ticket was 37 euros. This met with criticism because dogs are not entitled to the cheaper Sparschiene ticket. The high price is due to Deutsche Bahn's rules, which charge half the regular fare for dogs larger than a domestic cat. In contrast, the ÖBB only charges 10 percent of the full price, but at least 2 euros, for a dog ticket.

However, the dog ticket has some advantages. It can be canceled free of charge, offers a flexible choice of departure time and leaves the choice of means of transport open. In contrast, the student has no option to cancel or select the departure time with her Sparschiene ticket.

Rules for taking dogs with you

Taking dogs on public transport follows certain regulations set by the respective transport companies. In general, dogs are allowed on trains, buses and subways, but requirements for the safety of other passengers must be observed. Some transport companies require a separate ticket for dogs, which leads to the price differences described above. Smaller dogs are often allowed to travel in transport boxes, while larger dogs must be kept on a leash.

The regulation is particularly relevant for people with disabilities. The legal regulations on the subject of taking dogs with you are set out in the ninth social code (SGB IX) and the Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Act (BGG). People with a severely disabled person's ID card that contains the symbol “B” are allowed to take a companion and/or an assistance dog with them free of charge, as long as the dog is identified. Guide dogs for the blind are exempt from the muzzle requirement.

Safety and preparation when traveling

To ensure stress-free traveling with dogs, it is recommended to keep a few things in mind. This includes that the dog should not be hungry or thirsty before the trip and that it does its business before the trip begins. Dogs are not always allowed on long-distance buses, but assistance dogs are usually allowed. Training your dog to get used to public transport is advisable and should be done gradually.

In summary, although dogs are allowed on public transport, clear rules and regulations must be followed to ensure the safety of all passengers. While there are differences in price structures, as the situation of the student with her beagle shows, taking a dog with you remains an enrichment for many dog ​​owners' trips.