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.

Canterbury Regional Council Public Transport Core Service Lead Cr Joe Davies says 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.

Public transport general manager Stewart Gibbon says 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.

The key things to know are:

• Pets must be able to fit comfortably in a carrier no bigger 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.
• Off-peak hours where 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.
• Small dogs must be leashed and wearing a cage muzzle (basket-type) when not inside an approved carrier.
• Customers travelling with small leashed and muzzled dogs must carry them on their lap – pets are not permitted to be on the seats.
• Only one carrier or dog is permitted per customer 16 years or older.
• Leashed dogs must stay outside at the rear of the Diamond Harbour ferry.
• Customers travelling with their pets are responsible for any mess caused and must clean it up before exiting the bus.
• Customers with pets should avoid taking seats prioritised for customers with accessibility needs. You may be asked to move if a disability assist dog boards to avoid it being distracted by other pets.
• Pets are not permitted on school buses or on the upper deck of double-decker buses.
• Customers travelling with pets may be unable to board the bus or ferry if it is too crowded — this is at the driver’s discretion.
• Customers travelling with pets may be refused entry or asked to leave the bus if your pet is likely to or is causing a safety risk or nuisance to others.

Read more about rules when travelling with animals at metro.co.nz/pets.

At the 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.

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