Night Rivera train. Whats the policy on dogs in the seated area.

[whole diary]

[croc25]

Hi Everyone,

Not sure if this is the right place for this but here goes,

I have a booked seat on tonight's sleeper train to Paddington from Taunton and I cant seem to find the answer to my question,

I know I cant travel In a berth with a dog, That's fine however there is no mention of being able to travel in the seated carriage with dogs at all and Im wondering if somebody can clarify the situation for me as if I cant travel then I need to get the ticket changed and go on a much later train.
I am waiting for a call from the call centre but that's not until after 2pm

Which as Im going to Newcastle is going to be a right royal pain.

Anybody?

Thank You.

[JaminBob]

Hmm... seems to be clear that you can take dogs on a train here: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/passenger_services/luggage_animals.html

But, maybe there are special rules for sleepers.

Why is everything to do with trains so complicated. 

[croc25]

I know, I last travelled on the sleeper in 2006 and took a dog on with me................ But a lot can change in 6 years.

On Fgw's website it really isn't clear about the policy of dogs on the sleeper seated part of the train!!

[grahame]

I tried Sarah:

You asked: can I take my dog on the train?

Sarah says: Dogs and small animals may be taken on board our trains, however all animals, except dogs, must be in a fully enclosed basket or pet carrier designed for this purpose with dimensions not exceeding 85 x 60 x 60 cm. Baskets and pet carriers must be large enough to allow the animal to stand and lie down in comfort. If animals are too large for a basket or pet carrier with dimensions 85 x 60 x 60 cm they may not be taken on the train.
 
You asked: dog on sleeper?

Sarah says: On sleeper trains, only assistance dogs are allowed in the sleeper cabins. Other pets must travel in the guard's van in a suitable pet carrier.

Sarah also told me that I can give my dog water and feed it on the train, but that must not be done in such a way that other travellers will find it a nuisance, and that I would have to provide the water and dogfood myself.

Hmmm ...

I'll be interested in the answer you get back - Sarah is woolly - I think you'll be fine, but that's an educated guess.

[croc25]

Yes I tried Sarah too!!!!!!!!!!

I cant see that if I can take them on a normal seated service and this being a seated service (ok a sleeper service with seats)  is there any difference.
So I'm like you waiting for the answer but thinking it should be OK hopefully.

[croc25]

Well I called into the station as I was in town and the chap that sold me the ticket said there was no problem, I could even take 2 with me if I wanted.
Which is what i wanted to hear.

I thought It was right was what we thought.

[croc25]

And even had it confirmed on the phone tonight that dogs in the seated carriages are fine.