Region: Germany
Animal rights

Deutschland-Ticket: Time for Fair Play in the Canine Commute!

Petition is addressed to
Ministerium für Infrastruktur und Digitales

318 signatures

310 from 30,000 for quorum in Germany Germany

318 signatures

310 from 30,000 for quorum in Germany Germany
  1. Launched 25/01/2025
  2. Time remaining > 3 months
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Petition is addressed to: Ministerium für Infrastruktur und Digitales

Let’s cut to the chase: Germany’s pricing for dogs on trains is a joke. While bicycles get entire compartments and children travel for free, pet owners are hit with outrageous fees. Deutsche Bahn prices train floorspace for dogs like prime real estate, with no consistency across the network. If the Deutschland-Ticket was meant to be an inclusive, climate-friendly option for all, then the extortionate treatment of dog owners is the exact opposite. It’s time for a fair, consistent, and rational solution!

Reason

READ THE OPEN LETTER HERE

The Problem:
Dogs, who require far less space than luggage or bicycles, are charged insane fees to travel on trains. In some cases, one round-trip for a dog costs more than a full tank of gas! How does that make any sense?

Comparison with Other Countries:
Germany charges can exceed €60 for a return trip, the same cost for one months travel across all of Germany for a human. Dog travel, in neighbouring countries do it better:

  • Austria: 10% of Full Fare (min. €2)
  • Belgium: €3
  • France: €7
  • Italy, Poland, Czech Republic: Under €5
  • Germany’s pricing? A ridiculous outlier, charging pet owners like their dogs are asking for Louis Vuitton cushions and champagne service!

The Consequences:
Pet owners are effectively being priced out of affordable, climate-friendly public transport. This policy is an insult to millions of dog owners who want to travel sustainably without being exploited.

Our Demand:
We call for fair and consistent pricing for dogs, aligned with the sensible approaches of neighbouring countries. The solution is simple: affordable, accessible, and transparent. Because right now, what's happening is nothing short of shameless profiteering.

Call to Action:
Sign this petition to demand that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Digital Affairs reform the outrageous ticket pricing for dogs. It’s time to stop treating pet owners as an easy source of revenue and start implementing fair, transparent fares for everyone.

Join the Telegram Group:
https://t.me/deutschebarkbahn

Thank you for your support, Deutsche BarkBahn , Berlin
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Petition details

Petition started: 01/25/2025
Petition ends: 07/24/2025
Region: Germany
Topic: Animal rights

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News

  • What is the Deutsche Barkbahn campaign about?
    We are advocating for transparency, equality and accessibility when it comes to dog travel on German trains. Right now, there is no clear or fair policy – prices vary widely across regions and operators, often leading to unpredictable and excessive costs for dog owners.

    Why should dogs travel for free or at a lower cost?
    - Lack of consistency: Pricing...
    show more
    What is the Deutsche Barkbahn campaign about?
    We are advocating for transparency, equality and accessibility when it comes to dog travel on German trains. Right now, there is no clear or fair policy – prices vary widely across regions and operators, often leading to unpredictable and excessive costs for dog owners.

    Why should dogs travel for free or at a lower cost?
    - Lack of consistency: Pricing is arbitrary. A small minority of operators allow dogs to travel for free on the Deutschland-Ticket, while many others charge 50% of a full adult fare.
    - Equality: Other passengers, such as children under six, travel for free. There is no valid reason why dog owners should face high and inconsistent charges.

    Aren’t dogs like extra passengers?
    No. Dogs do not take up seating and are required to stay under the seat on the floor. Smaller dogs can travel for free but only in a carrier (caged for several hours?). A medium-sized dog takes up less space than a normal suitcase, yet luggage is free and passengers can bring as much as they can carry. Bicycles also face non-standard pricing, but at least they have dedicated space.

    How much does it currently cost to bring a dog?
    - Regional trains: While a small minority of operators allow dogs to travel for free on the Deutschland-Ticket, many others charge 50% of a full adult fare. This can often exceed the cost of the monthly ticket itself (58€).
    - ICE/EC and others: Dogs over a certain size need a half-price adult ticket (ranging from 8€ to over 100€ for late bookings). However, it is often the case that taking a dog on an ICE/EC is cheaper than on a regional train.

    What are we demanding?
    We want a clear, nationwide policy that:
    1. Is fair and transparent – dog owners should know what to expect.
    2. Ideally allows free travel – just like children under six. If not free, then at least consistent and reasonable.

    Is this campaign focused on climate issues?
    While the climate impact is a valid argument, our campaign is focused on equality of access in public transport. Train travel should be fair and accessible for all passengers – including those with dogs.

    What about other pets?
    Of course, other pets travel on public transport, but so far, we have yet to encounter a Shetland pony on a train. All other pets are considered transportable in a carrier – and therefore travel for free.

    Who supports this campaign?
    We are a group of travellers, dog owners, and advocates for fair and accessible public transport. Many people find the current rules unfair and a barrier to train travel with dogs.

    How can I help?
    - Share our petition
    - Share your experiences – if you've faced confusing or unfair dog travel charges, let us know!
    - Spread the word and help push for fair pricing for dogs on public transport.

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