Fur The Love Of It: LNER Launches Pet Champions As It Celebrates National Dog Day
LNER is offering additional ‘suppawt’ for customers travelling with four-legged friends following the appointment of 'Pet Champions'. The station colleagues will be the go-to staff members for support.
They will be able to assist with pet-friendly facilities in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Darlington, York, Wakefield, Retford, Newark and Grantham, and advise on the best times, services and coaches to travel in. Further Champions and refreshed pet water stations are planned for LNER managed stations across the route over the coming months.
Customers can take up to two dogs (on leads), cats, or other small domestic animals for free. When onboard, owners are asked to keep pets off seats and tables, and any carry cases should be kept away from the aisles. Pets are also welcome in LNER waiting rooms and LNER First Class Lounges. Customers who require assisted travel will also be supported with reserving seats with extra legroom if travelling with an assistance dog.
Many LNER destinations are known for being dog-friendly, with York recently named the top destination for a dog-friendly day out in research commissioned by Tails.com.
Colette Casey, Customer Experience Director at LNER, said: "At LNER, we know how important pets are for their owners, so this National Dog Day we are delighted to have appointed our first 'Pet Champions' across our route. Animal lovers themselves, our champions will make sure your companions are looked after at our stations.
“We're also taking this opportunity to remind our customers of our top tips when travelling with pets to help everyone have a safe and pleasant journey. So, whether it’s the sandy beaches of Alnmouth, the stunning Museum Gardens in York, or a journey for a good coffee at an independent cafe in Edinburgh – we'll make sure your best friends get there in style too!"
Natalie Silvester, Travel Consultant and LNER Pet Champion, said: "When the opportunity to become an LNER Pet Champion arose, I jumped at the chance to be part of an initiative that showcased the support LNER offers for pets and their owners. The travel centre at York Railway Station has always been a place that is dog-friendly, where the team make sure that all dogs (and their owners) receive the very best in customer service!”
Further information about travelling with pets with LNER can be found here: https://www.lner.co.uk/our-trains/travelling-with-pets/
