Bus transportation - what will now be required from some passengers.

Buses remain a popular mode of transport, used daily by thousands of Ukrainians. While traveling, passengers must comply with established rules that have recently been updated.

Who the new rules apply to

Starting July 7, new unified rules for transporting pets in intercity and international bus services came into effect in Ukraine. The Cabinet of Ministers approved these requirements, and they are now mandatory for all carriers operating on such routes.

Changes were made to Resolution No. 176 at the initiative of the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development in collaboration with the UAnimals organization. The ministry explained that the new rules aim to make transportation more convenient for passengers, safe for animals, and clear for drivers.

'Until now, we had vague and ambiguous norms that determined how exactly to transport animals in intercity and international buses. This created confusion for passengers, drivers, and carriers. The new rules are a step toward safer, more predictable, and humane transport'

What requirements passengers must now adhere to

Now every animal must have a veterinary document confirming its health status. In addition:

• For animals weighing up to 10 kg (such as cats, small breed dogs, rodents, decorative birds) - they can be transported in containers, cages, or special bags with absorbent bottoms. Such an animal can be held in the passenger's lap, under the seat, or in a separate place if a ticket has been purchased for it.
• For dogs weighing between 10 and 45 kg - they must be muzzled and on a leash. The passenger must purchase all adjacent seats in one row, and the dog must lie on the floor on a mat, not sit in a chair. Only one such animal is allowed in the cabin (or two if they are with one owner).
• For dogs over 45 kg - they can only be transported under special conditions defined by the carrier and only in specially equipped buses.
• Guide dogs for people with disabilities are transported free of charge, without additional tickets. They must be muzzled, on a short leash, and stay close to their owner.

The new rules were introduced to make trips more comfortable for all participants, including animals. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the requirements in a timely manner and approach them responsibly to avoid misunderstandings or problems on the way.

Earlier, there were cases where pets were left in cars in the scorching sun, which is considered cruel treatment of animals. It is also worth remembering that buses are an important means of transportation for trips between countries, but all passengers must follow established rules and requirements for the overall comfort and safety.