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MÁV’s new policy and dog-friendly beaches make holidays with four-legged friends easier this summer
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Summer is here, and for many, it’s the time of year when we don’t leave our dogs at home. To facilitate more dog-friendly travel, MÁV is introducing changes to make journeys more comfortable for our four-legged friends. Feedback from last year’s travel experience showed a growing demand among people travelling to Lake Balaton to bring their dogs. Additionally, we have compiled a list of places where you can enjoy a dog-friendly beach holiday.
More dog-friendly travel this holiday season
Under previous regulations, dogs were only allowed on trains in closed carriers with a ticket. However, MÁV is now revising its policy on boarding dogs, reports Pénzcentrum. According to MÁV-START’s current rules, dogs weighing no more than 20 kg can be transported on trains without a reserved seat, provided a dog ticket or a dog country pass is purchased, and the dog is muzzled and on a leash. On trains requiring a reserved seat, dogs must travel in a closed carrier no larger than the maximum permitted size for hand luggage.
However, this summer, the railway company is piloting a programme to extend dog transport on trains to Lake Balaton. From 26 June, on the Balaton and Tópart ICs, as well as the Jégmadár, Panoráma, Napfürdő, Aranypart, Aranyhíd, Ezüstpart and Fenyves express trains on the south shore of Lake Balaton, and the Kék Hullám ICs, Csabai Tekergő, Szabolcsi Tekergő, Lesence and Tanúhegy express trains on the north shore, passengers may bring dogs weighing less than 20 kg into the passenger compartment with a relative dog ticket or dog country pass.
It’s important to note that neither the dog’s leash nor muzzle should be removed during the journey, and the leash must be kept in the passenger’s hand. A valid vaccination certificate (not older than one year) must be presented during the journey. If a passenger objects to the presence of a dog, the railway company will provide a new seat for the dog owner in accordance with the rules on non-compliant seating.