NYC dog owners bringing their dogs on the subway

When New York City banned dogs from riding the subway unless they fit inside a bag or carrier, pet owners were outraged.

Despite the restriction, dog lovers found creative ways to keep their furry companions close. Commuters quickly came up with clever and adorable methods to sneak their pups onto the train—some of their tricks are simply unbelievable!

Just A Head In A Bag

This duffel bag does an impressive job concealing what’s inside—except for one very noticeable feature: a dog’s head poking out to check out the train.

That cute pink nose is impossible to overlook… If we were on this subway, resisting the urge to reach over and give that sweet head a gentle pat would be nearly impossible!

Doing A Test Run

Reddit user ZeroTransPat shared this charming photo of their dog trying out one of those classic blue IKEA bags. “I trained my dog to get into an IKEA bag—can I bring her on the train now?” they asked.

We’re totally on board with that! Another Redditor replied, “Not without giving her a big hug first, you can’t!”—and honestly, that’s a must. Kudos for coming up with such a clever workaround to the MTA’s pet rules. Welcome aboard, sweet pup!

On Their Way To The Chiropractor?

Wow, this is one of the bigger dogs we’ve seen being carried aboard the train. Usually, larger pups are placed on the floor or in an empty seat if one’s available.

Since Huskies can get pretty heavy, we’re guessing this pair might be headed to the chiropractor for a well-deserved adjustment. Hopefully, they’ll get to visit a fun dog park afterward!

Well, Hello There!

Being banned from the New York subway hasn’t slowed this fluffy pup down one bit! Though nestled inside a backpack, he’s eager to connect with everyone around him.

Can’t people see this sweet dog just wants some love and attention? Luckily, he’s all smiles, embracing the cozy backpack ride through the subway. Here’s hoping he got plenty of treats once they reached the surface!

Catching The Train At Franklin Avenue

Instagram user looningaround, who shared this awesome photo of a dog riding in a backpack, said, “This is how dogs should commute on the subway—no carriers or silly strollers needed.”

They also joked, “Someone should tell him he’s looking the wrong way. The subway’s coming from the other side.” But really, the pup’s just soaking up the ride—no need for him to be in control!

Enormous Backpack To The Rescue!

Wow, what a big dog! It’s hard to imagine him fitting in any kind of carrier, but here he is—comfortably secured in a large backpack his clever owner found.

Though he’s on the heavier side, those sturdy hiking backpacks offer great support. Surprisingly, lugging him this way on the train might be easier than managing all the other bags he’s bringing along.

IKEA Jacket

When Redditor emilNYC posted a photo of a dog wrapped in IKEA bags with the caption, “I think this owner nailed it,” a supermarket employee couldn’t help but praise those iconic blue bags.

“I work at a grocery store, and sometimes customers bring just that one reusable bag,” they shared. “Then they have me pack their entire $250 grocery haul into it. It always fits—loads of weight and all.”

Clearly, these bags are built for just about anything!

What A Dapper Doggo

This Shiba Inu pup perfectly embodies subway chic. Sporting a khaki canvas duffel bag and a stylish scarf around her neck, she’s clearly traveling in comfort and flair.

Though bags are usually not allowed to be left unattended on the subway, the MTA likely made an exception for the person who captured this adorable moment—and shared it with the world.

A Rolled-Up Rider

This pup should definitely be the MTA’s spokesdog—snugly tucked inside his owner’s large backpack, he’s not taking up any extra space at all. That’s exactly what the bag rule is about, right?

And check out the woman in the green coat with her IKEA bag—think there’s a dog hiding in there? After this, we’re convinced every IKEA bag might be carrying a furry friend!

A Real Champion Commuter

Instagram user kacy.burdette posted this amusing photo with the caption, “Brady’s first NYC subway ride!” Though Brady is undeniably adorable, he seems a little less sure of himself compared to some other pups we’ve met.

No worries—he’ll adapt quickly. That Champion duffel bag looks like a super comfy way to get around. Honestly, we’d love to ride in one too…

Large Dog In A Lap

An Instagram post from user hansyandbrush sparked a conversation about the best way to fit your dog into a subway-friendly bag. One user asked about the right size bag for their pit bull.

In response, hansyandbrush shared, “That’s an LL Bean duffle bag! I’m not sure of the exact size, but it’s probably a larger one. Check out their website!” Looks like there are now two LL Bean bags being creatively repurposed as dog carriers. We’re convinced!

Completely Unfazed

Judging by his relaxed demeanor, it seems this dog is no stranger to riding in his IKEA bag. He’s a pro, waiting for the 5:15 train, comfortably nestled in his “carrying” bag.

Once he’s on the train, it’ll look like he’s lounging in a regular shopping bag, minus the cut-out leg holes. This clever trick is the ideal solution to the MTA’s rule!

Beagle In A Bag

Well, hello there you beagle in a bag! Check out this chilled-out pup, just casually waiting for her train to arrive and whisk her off to work. Or wherever she’s heading.

This bag actually looks like it could have been custom made for her. It’s a perfect size — she can even stand comfortably in it — and it has nice long handles for easy carrying. This is a dog-in-a-bag win!

If I Fits I Sits

This commuter dog is pulling a classic cat move — the “if I fits, I sits” maneuver. In this case, it’s fitting quite nicely into an IKEA bag.

We have to wonder if the pup’s owner actually carried this heavy-looking package onto the train or if there was some dog-walking involved. Either way, he’s abiding by the rules while he rides on the train. IKEA deserves a prize for allowing so many dogs to ride the train in their huge shopping bags!

IKEA To The Rescue

People have found some great ways to reuse those huge blue IKEA shopping bags. They’re great for laundry, arts and crafts, storage… the list goes on and on. One use that we hadn’t even thought of, though, is dog carrier!

We use the term “carrier” loosely here since this large pooch is clearly not being carried. But hey, it’s technically in a carrier since the bag has handles on it, right? That’s some clever thinking there.