Is it safe for my dog to travel with the bus luggage???

[Gigi Harrison]

I have a mini-poodle dog that I would like to travel around Mexico by bus with. I am concerned about the safety of putting her in a carrier with the luggage. Has anyone had any experience in traveling with dogs in this way?
So far, I have been able to sneak her on board with me in my hand luggage, and she travels very well this way. But with increased security at the bus terminals now, I may not be able to continue to do so. Thanks, Gloria

[The Duck]

Gigi, you can find a long and sometimes amusing discussion on dogs and busses on the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Forum - the final comment is in a league of its own. Also Yahoo has a discussion on pets on busses [in Spanish and refers to hamsters not dogs] and of course you could Google " primera plus mascotas " and " etn mascotas " and get to the bus lines' pets policy pages. Or just ask at the bus station. Personally I think secreting an animal on board a bus is not respecting the comfort of the other passengers - and trying to do so in Mexico City you'll be met with a security pat down when boarding and if the pet is denied then the secreting isn't respecting the pet's best interest either.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcnpgzRCaCE

[meroberts]

Hi Gigi,

If your Poodle is small enough, take him/her with you to the bus station and show it to ETN or Primera Plus staff. I believe that if you clear it with them first and show them that the kennel is small enough to go under your feet, that you will be fine the day you travel. Get some sort of confirmation in writing.

The guy that checks the baggage with ETN is less than friendly but the guys with Primera Plus are super nice. I tip them well and they know my face now. A good tip at the beginning never hurts (we are in Mexico).
Good luck!