As our way of welcoming new residents to Boston, we'll be adding to and updating our Boston:101 category. Today, we'll share some of the ways we get around with a dog since we don't own a car. You'll find lots of links in this Friday Link post.
Here's our girl, Poppy, waiting inside an MBTA subway station. Dogs can ride the T. Over at www.mbta.com you'll find the details.
"Service animals are allowed on the T at all times. During off-peak hours, non-service dogs are allowed at the discretion of T vehicle operators. Dogs must be properly leashed and are not allowed to annoy riders or take up a seat. For safety and convenience during rush hours, small domestic animals must be carried in lap-sized containers and out of the way of exits."
We don't give much thought to the sights and sounds of a subway ride but as a new experience for a dog, it can be frightening. We started Poppy out with a quick ride from Copley to Hynes and now with a few trips under her paws, she seems ready to go to the ends of the lines.
These rules apply to all the MBTA services: subway, streetcar, bus, commuter rail, and ferry.
On the Water
Speaking of ferries, you can also take your dog on Boston Harbor Cruises for a trip around the harbor, or to Winthrop, Hingham, Charlestown, Salem, or Provincetown. (Some routes are seasonal)
City Water Taxi will be happy to zip you across the harbor with your dog.
The ferries that take you out to the Boston Harbor Islands will be running on their fall schedule until Columbus Day, October 8th this year. Here's what they say about dogs.
" Pets are restricted in the park to foster visitor safety and resource protection. Dogs are welcomed at Deer and Nut Islands, Worlds End, and Webb Memorial (peninsulas accessible by car only). Day visitors may bring dogs to Bumpkin and Grape Islands, though not in camping areas. No pets are allowed on other islands in the park. Service dogs are permitted on all islands."
Taxis
We alert the taxi dispather that we have a small dog with us when we call for a cab. That way we can avoid drivers who don't want to take us. So far, we have not had a problem calling for a taxi with our dog. We do bring a pad to put on the seat so that the next passenger doesn't end up with dog hair on their clothing. And, we like to carry Poppy in her Sherpa Bag Pet Carrier
Amtrak & Intercity Buses: where you are not welcome!
Happy Update 2015: Some pet are now welcome on Amtrak: Get Ready for Amtrak's "All Aboard" for Dogs & Cats
While this national railroad service seems to need all the passengers and support it can get, it continues to discriminate against citizens who travel with their dogs. Only specific service animals are allowed and even that is restricted.
With nearby, dog-friendly Portland, Maine connected to Boston by the Downeaster, we'd take the train often if our dog could come with us.
We have not been able to find a bus service to New York that allows us to ride with a dog. If you know of one, please share.
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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino
