06/11/2025
Assistance Dog Under Seat Card
An "Assistance Dog Under Seat" card is a visible card for rail passengers with assistance dogs to place on a seat, letting others know the space under it
is reserved for their dog. It's part of the Assistance Dog Travel Scheme, developed by National Rail and various train companies to improve travel experiences by creating awareness and a protected space for the dog. You can apply for a free card from your local train company or National Rail's Passenger Assist team.
What the card does:
Creates awareness: It lets other customers know that the seat and the space underneath are needed for your assistance dog.
Provides a protected space: This helps ensure your dog has the space to lie down and rest comfortably, preventing them from being stepped on or disrupted.
Facilitates travel: The card makes train travel easier and more comfortable for both the assistance dog and its handler.
How to use the card: Slot it into the reservation holder: If available, the card
slots into the standard reservation holder on the seat in front of you.
Place it on the seat: You can also place the card directly on the
seat next to your own, or on the tray table.
Educates others: The card explains, This is my working assistance dog, the space
under this seat should be kept free for the dog to rest, according to Greater Anglia.
How to get your card: Contact National Rail: You can email National Rail Customer
Relations or contact their Passenger Assist team.
Contact your local train company: Many train companies offer a scheme, such as Greater Anglia or South Western Railway, where you can request a free card.
Use the Passenger Assist service: When you book assistance for your journey through Passenger Assist, you can also arrange to receive an Assistance Dog Under Seat card.
IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Along with this post is a picture of a Newsletter page with the same information as stated above on a yellow background with black text.
