The Vancouver Park Board is recommending TransLink consider allowing dogs on public transit in the city.

As part of the People, Parks & Dogs Strategy put forward by the park board, the goal is to increase access to off-leash dog areas around the city and explore opportunities to support the needs of people with and without dogs in the parks.

The number of dogs int he city is growing, said Park Board commissioner John Coupar, meaning the the city needs to get creative about how to accommodate them.

“There are people that find perhaps there’s not a local dog park close enough for them, so they have difficulty getting to a dog park. So it was looking at ideas about how we can make more dog parks accessible to more people.”

The park states in its report that in order to improve equitable access to dog off-leash areas across the city, it would be beneficial if TransLink explores opportunities to allow greater access to dogs on public transit.

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Currently, TransLink allows pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits and small furry or feathered animals on transit as long as they are in a small, hand-held cage. Only one cage per rider is allowed.

The cage must fit on the rider’s lap and no part of the animal may be exposed. It can be placed on the floor if it does not get in anyone’s way or block on doors.

But TransLink spokesperson Chris Bryan said the transit authority isn’t looking at loosening its pet policy

“This is one that comes up from time to time, there are people who would really like to see this kind of thing on the system, but there are also lots of people that feel differently. It’s a sticky one, but we have no plans to revisit this policy at this time.”

TransLink does recommend people ride with pets during off-peak hours, as the transit operator may not allow the rider to board if there is any concern for the safety or comfort of fellow passengers. If there is only standing room available, the rider and their pet will not be allowed to board.

Pets are not permitted on HandyDART, with the exception of assistance animals, who are allowed on public transit at all times.

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The Vancouver Park Board is exploring opportunities to support people with and without dogs in the city.

Currently, there are 36 dog off-leash areas in Vancouver.

The goal of this strategy is to provide a framework for the next 10 years and beyond to deliver well-planned and designed parks that accommodate park users both with and without dogs.

-With files from Matt Lee