This Easter, I embarked on what can only be described as an adventure with Deutschebahn - one that included my trusty pup and a series of frustrating, exhausting and somewhat absurd moments.

Despite paying over €40 extra for my dog on the return trip, she spent nearly eight hours collectively crammed on the floor, with barely enough room to turn around.

On the outward journey, the person opposite me had two gigantic suitcases blocking the aisle—which travelled completely free of charge — both ways, undoubtedly.

Both trains were overcrowded, stuffy and consistently delayed. And worse - there was no dedicated space for luggage. On a busy holiday weekend, heading to and from the coast, this is absurd. The overhead shelves barely fit a handbag. There was literally nowhere for luggage but the aisles.

On the return trip, I did something I didn’t feel good about: I held a seat for my dog - albeit she was lying on the floor in front of it. The aisles were so narrow and cluttered with bags and standing passengers that there was no safe place for her. I couldn’t bear to see her crushed, or worse - kicked.

I’m truly sorry to the other passengers. I know seats are precious on packed trains. But this is the reality for pet owners:

🧳 A kicked suitcase? Inconvenient.
🐶 A kicked dog - who paid for the privilege of being there? That’s inhumane.

Pet owners are stuck in the middle trying to protect our animals from harm while navigating judgmental looks from passengers forced to stand.

We need a serious conversation about fair, humane treatment for dogs on public transport. Share the petition and help us push for a better, safer system for all passengers.

Thanks 🐾

We’re almost at 1,000 signatures… Help us cross this important milestone!

🐾 Share the campaign with your fellow dog friends - https://tinyurl.com/DBB-PetitionENG
🐾 Promote the Open Letter to the Ministry - https://tinyurl.com/DBB-Letter
🐾 Follow us on Bluesky and amplify our message - https://tinyurl.com/DBB-BSKY
🐾 Join the conversation in our Telegram group - https://tinyurl.com/DBB-Telegram

Many thanks and sloppy dog kisses 🐶💕
Deutsche BarkBahn

Is your four-legged travel buddy ready for their on-camera close-up? 🎬🐾

We’ve been approached by an independent television agency that produces segments for some of Germany’s best-known programmes: ZDF Hallo Deutschland, RTL Punkt 8, ARD Brisant, and Sat.1 Frühstücksfernsehen. And guess what? They want you (and your pup) to help highlight the absurd ticket prices for dogs on Germany's trains.

We’re looking for a friendly, media-curious human and dog duo who’d be up for a short, filmed train journey (with your dog, of course). It would involve a quick on-camera chat, supporting the campaign for fairer, more inclusive travel.

This would be a voluntary gig (no fee), but comes with TV exposure, good vibes, and the thanks of dog-loving train travellers everywhere. Filming would take around half a day with an experienced and professional crew – your dog would be a train-travelling celebrity.

Tick box requirements:
✅ Based in Kassel or within 200–300 km
✅ Able to spare half a day
✅ Have a dog ← obviously

Interested or know someone who’d be perfect?
Drop us a message to chat through details: deutschebarkbahn@proton.me
Let your dog ride the fame train.