By KHT Staff. Image via Tainan City Govt.
KAOHSIUNG — Kaohsiung will begin testing a dog-friendly bus service in May, allowing leashed dogs to ride without carriers on one trial route serving Jhongjheng Pet Park (中正寵物公園), according to the city’s Transportation Bureau. The move would mark a shift from the city’s current rules, which generally require pets on public transport to be placed in enclosed carriers subject to size limits.
MAP LINK to PET PARK –HERE
The proposed pilot follows complaints from pet owners who say Kaohsiung’s rules are stricter than those in Taipei or New Taipei. And they point to Tainan, which launched a weekend trial in September 2025 on two bus routes, allowing dogs on leashes rather than in carriers. Tainan City officials report public feedback so far has been broadly positive, even if ridership remains limited.
Under Kaohsiung’s planned trial, each passenger would be limited to one dog and would be responsible for cleaning up any waste. The city’s Animal Protection Office said dogs boarding the bus must be microchipped and registered, remain at the owner’s feet, stay away from the doors, and may not occupy seats. Dangerous dogs would need to be restrained with a long leash or chain and wear a breathable muzzle. Officials said owners may be required to get off at the nearest stop if a dog becomes uncontrollable.
Some pet owners have welcomed the change, arguing that current carrier-size restrictions make it difficult to travel with medium-sized and larger dogs and may even discourage adoption. Others have raised concerns about safety, odors, and how conflicts between animals would be handled in the enclosed space of a bus, suggesting the city will need clear enforcement rules if the pilot moves ahead.
