RAIL OPERATORS, Northern are encouraging people to bring their dogs onto their rail services for 'doggy days out'.

With dog ownership at an all-time high, research conducted by Northern has revealed that 72% of dog parents in Chester admit to curtailing days out due to feeling guilty at leaving their dogs behind.

The research reveals one of the top things people in Chester are keen to do more of is explore new places, with city trips selected by more than 54%. Northern has launched a new campaign alongside Call the Midwife actress and dog behaviourist, Kate Lamb to provide advice and tips to help dog owners use the network and get out and about with their pooch, as well as dog-friendly provisions including dog watering stations across 138 staffed stations.

Mark Powles, commercial and customer director, said: “We welcome dogs on our services and are working hard to ensure our customers, whether they’re two legged or four, have a great experience travelling with Northern. 

“Our research found that nearly a third of dog owners aren’t confident taking their dog on the train so, as well as introducing our new pup-friendly provisions in stations, the campaign aims to reassure and provide useful tips so that, whether you’ve never taken your dog on the train, are a new dog owner, or you and your pooch just need a little reassurance, you can get out there and go do your thing with Northern.”