Public rider information
Service animals on the bus and O-Train
Service animals are welcome on OC Transpo and STO. Here is what each one asks you to carry and how the animal should ride.
OC Transpo
Service animals are welcome on every OC Transpo bus and train, and on Para Transpo, taxis included.
OC Transpo follows the Ontario rule: the animal is a service animal if it is easy to see you need it because of a disability, or you have a note from a regulated health professional.
- You can show any one of these: a vest, harness or other sign that marks it as a service animal; an Ontario Attorney General guide dog photo card; an old OC Transpo Service Animal card (still valid); or a letter from a regulated health professional.
- A small animal rides in a cage or pouch, or on your lap on a short leash or harness.
- A larger animal stays on a leash or harness.
- Keep the animal with you and out of the aisle.
STO (Gatineau)
The STO accepts guide dogs and certified assistance and emotional support animals on its buses.
- Guide dog: in a harness, with a scarf, harness, collar or vest that shows the school that trained it. Carry the official document from that school.
- Certified assistance or support animal: in a cage or bag, or on your lap on a short leash or harness. A large animal wears a harness and stays close to you. Carry a card from a recognized organization or a letter from a health professional.
- A small pet that is not a service animal can ride in a closed cage, held on your lap or in your arms.
If you are refused
Stay calm, show your document, and ask the driver to call their supervisor. Afterwards, tell the operator what happened, with the route, stop, date and time. You can write to them; you do not have to call.
Checked on the OC Transpo and STO websites on October 3, 2026. Their rules can change; their pages are the final word.