From today (Friday 11 April), train operating company TransPennine Express (TPE) is providing water bowls for passengers’ dogs at eleven of its stations.

TPE directly runs just nineteen of the 83 stations that its 238 daily services visit. Its trains carry an average of sixty-one thousand passengers per day.

As spring leads to summer and the weather becomes warmer, dogs can become uncomfortable or even sick if they do not have access to a cooling drink of water.

Dogs of all shapes and sizes will now be able to rehydrate at the ‘Paws and Refresh’ drinking water stations at Hull, Selby, Brough, Scarborough, Malton, Thirsk, Northallerton, Thornaby, Middlesbrough, Manchester Airport and Grimsby stations.

The operator will also be giving out treats to passengers’ dogs to celebrate National Pet Day, which is today.

TransPennine Express allows passengers to take one or two dogs with them when travelling on its trains.

Human passengers must keep their dogs on a lead for the full duration of the journey.

Dogs and other pets are not allowed to sit on the train’s tables or seats, as they could cause discomfort to other passengers.

Assistance dogs – including guide dogs and hearing dogs – are welcome on TransPennine Express train services. Staff are available to support passengers who may need assistance.

The charity Guide Dogs welcomed TPE’s introduction of GoodMaps wayfinding technology in 2021, acknowledging how useful it can be for blind and partially sighted passengers. Manchester Piccadilly station, which is served by TPE, already provides water for assistance dogs in its Assisted Travel Lounge, which opened two years ago.

“Dogs are welcome on our services, and we want to provide the best journey possible for everyone and that very much includes our furry friends.

“We hope the introduction of dog bowls will make journeys even more pawsitive for them.”

“If your perfect travel companion has four legs rather than two, you’ll be pleased to hear that you can travel on board our trains with your pet – and their ticket is free of charge.”

Andrew McClements, Customer Experience & Transformation Director at TPE