Pet dogs will be allowed on Metrolink for the first time ever as part of a three-month pilot that’s launching next month.
It’s long been a talking point of Manchester dog owners and it was even teased to be happening earlier this year, but now finally, in less than two weeks time, a new scheme – which was a manifesto pledge made by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham – will be delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and operator Keolis Amey Metrolink (KAM) to finally let our four-legged friends travel on the tram with us.
It’s the first time in the Metrolink’s 30-year history that dogs will be allowed on the trams.
From Monday 1 August, all non-assistance dogs will officially be allowed to travel on the network for free – but they will need to be kept of leads, and TfGM says dog owners using the tram will need to follow new rules on safety, cleanliness, and the consideration of others.
To help decide if the scheme should be extended or made permanent, all Metrolink passengers – including those without dogs – are being urged to share their views and experiences during the pilot.
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“We want the Bee Network to work for everybody and for public transport to be as accessible as possible,” Mayor Andy Burnham said ahead of the pilot.
Pet dogs will be allowed on Metrolink from 1 August as part of a three-month pilot / Credit: TfGM
“Running a pilot scheme allowing non-assistance dogs on Metrolink was one of the pledges I made when I was re-elected as mayor, and I want to thank TfGM and KAM for working together to make this a reality.
“I would now urge everyone who uses Metrolink during this period, including dog owners and those without dogs, to take part in the survey to provide us with the valuable insight we need to inform whether or not we make this permanent.”
TfGM says that throughout the pilot period, passengers bringing their dogs onto trams will be expected to adhere to new guidance.
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The rules are:
Metrolink will allow a maximum of two well-behaved dogs per passenger without charge, but you will be liable for their behaviour.
Dogs must always be kept on a short lead and under control at all times.
Your dog is your responsibility – if your dog is involved in an incident concerning another passenger or member of the public, you will be liable.
Please keep your dog away from assistance dogs and the disabled boarding points.
Make sure you and your dog board and alight the tram together, and be wary of trapping the lead in the door.
If your dog makes a mess on the tram, stop, or anywhere on the network, you will need to clean it up and inform a member of staff where possible.
Dogs are not allowed on seats while travelling on the tram.
Do not let your dog sit under the seats, as there are heaters and other systems which could harm them.
Be considerate of others on the Metrolink network who may be frightened of dogs, or who may be allergic to dog hair.
Be aware of your dog’s needs – bring water and treats for your dog if you need to, but also make sure you have poo bags and wipes so that you can clean up after any mess your dog makes, on or off the tram.
It’s the first time in the Metrolink’s 30-year history that dogs will be allowed on the trams / Credit: Northern
A survey for all Metrolink users to have their say will be made available on the TfGM website when the scheme launches.
A decision on whether dogs will be allowed on trams on a permanent basis will depend on feedback.
Ahead of the scheme launching in a couple of weeks, Danny Vaughan – Head of Metrolink at TfGM – said: “A scheme allowing non-assistance dogs on Metrolink was a manifesto commitment made by the mayor and over the past few months, we have worked with KAM to make this happen.
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“While passengers with dogs will be very welcome on Metrolink, please respect other passengers and our staff by keeping your dog under control.”
You can find out more about the pilot on the Metrolink website here.
Salford RLFC issue statement as head coach Mike Grady departs after less than three months
Danny Jones
Salford Rugby League Football Club have issued an official statement following the departure of head coach Mike Grady, who has left the role after less than three months in the job.
It has been insisted that this is not a sacking, but rather a joint decision to terminate his contract.
Grady, who took up the mantle at the start of this project following the end of the Salford Red Devils era, was only appointed on 5 January.
He had previously been in charge of the Red Devils’ women’s side over the past couple of years, but moved over to hopefully lead this new era forward.
As you can see, the club confirmed in a statement that they and Grady have “mutually agreed to part ways due to changes in his personal circumstances.”
They go on to write: “We are forever indebted to Mike for his unwavering commitment to the club. We want to thank him for all his hard work since taking on the role as Head Coach in very challenging circumstances in December.”
Also sharing a comment from former player turned CEO, Ryan Brierley, he said: “Mike came in as Coach at a time when the club had just come through one of its toughest times with the double impact of relegation and liquidation.
“He was willing to roll up his sleeves and bring stability to the club on the pitch. The fact we were able to field a team against Oldham in January, after only three weeks, speaks volumes about his commitment and determination. To beat Hunslet at home only four weeks later was a fantastic achievement.
“Mike will always be remembered as the person [who] strived and achieved the objective of sending out the first Salford team of this new era. A team running onto the pitch, after so much hard work, gave us all something to cheer about. We also remember how well he successfully guided our women’s team to third and fourth place finishes in the Championship.”
Sharing his own farewell message, he went on to add: “I want to thank Ryan for the opportunity to represent this great club and fan base. What we created at the start of the year was pretty special, and I’m proud to have built that.
“I’m happy to leave the club in a better place than I found it and wish the club all the best for the future.” Salford RLFC have already assured that they are now recruiting for his replacement.
Price caps and standardisations to be introduced for vet care in UK following major investigation
Emily Sergeant
Reforms to the veterinary industry to help pet owners better navigate the vet services market are set to be introduced this year.
After an independent inquiry group recently found that the current system is leaving pet owners ‘in the dark’, with a lack of information to help make informed decisions leading to weak competition and high prices, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has this week concluded its investigation into veterinary services for household pets in the UK.
The final report green-lights a package of measures to make the market more competitive, easier to navigate, and more responsive to pet owners’ needs.
It outlines the final remedies and recommendations, which together, will transform the market.
Remedies and recommendations in the report range from price caps and standardisations, through to upfront cost transparency.
We’ve set out major reforms to the UK’s veterinary sector now our market investigation is complete.
Our reforms will help pet owners better navigate the vet services market and will start coming into force later this year.
— Competition & Markets Authority (@CMAgovUK) March 24, 2026
Practices will soon be required to publish a comprehensive price list for standard services – including consultations, common procedures, diagnostics, written prescriptions and cremation options – so pet owners know up-front how much certain services are expected to cost.
They’ll also have to make it clear whether they are part of a group or an independent business, and provide a written estimate in advance for any treatment expected to cost £500 or more (including aftercare costs), plus an itemised bill.
Written prescription fees are set to be capped at £21 for the first medicine, and then £12.50 for any additional medicines.
Price caps and standardisations are set to be introduced for vet care in UK / Credit: Pxhere
There’s also set to be changes to the complaints process, as practices will now be required to follow a transparent, accessible, in-house complaints process, and engage in mediation where disputes cannot be resolved.
The CMA says an ‘unprecedented’ response from both the public and the sector has helped to shape the final report.
The next step is for the Government to respond to the report formally – with Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Reynolds, commenting: “We are grateful for all the work of the Competition and Markets Authority, and we will respond to the report and set out next steps for our proposed reforms in due course.
“This Government is focused on helping families save money on vet services by improving transparency and choice around pricing, so the public can make informed decisions about their pets’ care.”
Emily Sergeant -
21st July 2022 
