Beginning in 2026, leashed dogs will be allowed on Link light rail, Sounder commuter trains, and ST Express buses. The change marks a shift in Sound Transit’s policy, which currently requires non-service animals to be kept in carriers. It comes as the region prepares for the opening of Marymoor Village Station in Redmond, located near a popular off-leash dog park, and reflects how residents are increasingly integrating their pets into daily routines, including public transit use.
The agency says the new rules respond to rider demand. More people are using transit to visit parks, grooming appointments, and veterinary clinics. In that context, making space for dogs isn’t just a courtesy, it’s a recognition of the practical needs of everyday riders. As cities grow denser and car ownership declines among younger residents, policies like these reflect a transportation system adapting to broader lifestyle changes.
Still, flexibility will come with boundaries. Dogs must remain leashed and under owner control at all times. Transit staff will have discretion to manage crowding and safety, and the agency notes that restrictions could apply during peak hours. Riders can expect formal implementation guidelines by late 2025, covering questions such as breed restrictions, how other animals like cats will be handled, and protocols for navigating crowded vehicles.
The underlying idea is to expand the definition of who public transportation serves. This policy shift suggests Sound Transit sees its role not only as a commuter network, but as a service that supports a more varied, more personal set of daily activities. Allowing leashed dogs on board may seem minor, but it reflects a broader trend in regional planning: public infrastructure that mirrors the way people live now.
