Introduction

DOTT (Diesel on the Turbostar) is a pioneering initiative designed to assist dogs traveling primarily by rail in the south of Scotland and the north of England. Spearheaded by Diesel and Mark, the aim is to create an information point that helps canine companions and their owners traverse the rail network smoothly and enjoyably.

The Vision and Mission

DOTT's vision is to ensure that all dogs have a pleasant and stress-free travel experience in the area of Northern England and southern Scotland between the rail lines of Newcastle upon Tyne to Carlisle, and from Edinburgh to Glasgow. The mission is to provide  information on dog-friendly rail stations, amenities, and places.

Rail Travel for Dogs

Traveling by rail with a dog can be a rewarding experience, but it also presents unique challenges. DOTT seeks to address these challenges by offering guidance including:

Dog-friendly rail stations and their facilities

Rules and advice for traveling with dogs on trains

Tips for ensuring a comfortable journey for dogs

Emergency veterinary contacts along the rail routes.

Coverage Areas

The initiative covers a vast area, between the rail lines between:

Newcastle upon Tyne and Carlisle in the south

Edinburgh and Glasgow in the north

See the map page for more information.

Visiting Rail Stations

Diesel and Mark have committed to visiting all rail stations within the indicated areas over time. Each station will be assessed for its dog-friendliness  including:

Availability of dog water bowls and dog waste disposal facilities at the station or within a few minutes walk from the station.

Accessible areas where dogs can rest away from busy areas of station.

Proximity to dog-friendly amenities within a few minutes walk from the station

Dog-Friendly Places

In addition to rail stations, DOTT will compile a list of dog-friendly places within the south of Scotland and north of England. This includes:

Pet-friendly cafes and restaurants

Accommodation options that welcome dogs

Dog friendly attractions to visit.

Community Feedback

DOTT encourages community feedback to continuously improve the initiative. Dog owners can share their experiences, suggest new dog-friendly places, and provide insights into making rail travel more enjoyable for their canine companions.

Conclusion

DOTT (Diesel on the Turbostar) is an innovative and compassionate endeavor aimed at making rail travel accessible and enjoyable for dogs and their owners. With the dedication of Diesel and Mark, this initiative promises to enhance the travel experience for dogs and their owners in the south of Scotland and north of England. Whether it's finding the best rail stations or discovering dog-friendly amenities, 

PS

This project is brand new and starts May 2025, and involve travelling about the rail network in the specified area, therefore content will be minimal at the start but will increase over time. As we travel around the network on the same routes, we will watch out of changes so the information will be updated whenever possible. Please note – all Information is correct at time of printing, but is subject to change, however if you can let us know if you find any changes helps us to you to keep issues to a minimum.