THE DOG BUS WHOSE PAWSENGERS RAISE A SMILE

You wait for one bus, and suddenly 15 dogs arrive at once—if Billy’s Bus happens to drive past.

Founder Laura Mohan says the dog bus, which takes pets on day-long adventures around the community, is the first of its kind in the UK.

Ms. Mohan came up with the idea while trying to find the right care for her own dog, Billy.

“We found that one-hour dog walking sessions weren’t enough, but full-day care was too much for him,” she explains. “We took inspiration from an American initiative called Canine Convoy and then ran with the idea. Everyone loves seeing dogs on a bus.”

Ms. Mohan runs the bus as part of her dog walking business, with driver Ray Welderend picking up four-legged passengers around parts of Bradford and Leeds.

The canine riders are safely secured on board and sometimes make special community visits before heading out for their walks.

“We’re half dog service, half community-based,” says Ms. Mohan. “We do drive-bys to old people’s homes, nursing homes, schools, and nurseries. Everyone can come on board, say hi to the dogs, and we just ask for a donation to a local dog charity we work with, called Aireworth Kennels.”

Since launching the business five weeks ago, demand has soared.

“I thought we’d get about 20 enrolments in a week or two, but on the second day we had 68. Now we’ve got over 340 dogs enrolled—it’s practically time for a second bus,” she says.

The dogs spend three to four hours with Ms. Mohan and the team, and their adventures can even be followed via a live stream from the bus.

“It’s a bit like running a children’s nursery—the key is lots of engagement and lots of love. That keeps everybody happy,” she adds.

During the coronavirus pandemic, millions of households in the UK welcomed new pets seeking companionship. The RSPCA has previously noted that some dogs struggled with behavioural issues when left alone for the first time as owners returned to work.

Catherine Taylor, a support worker at Outside the Box, a community café in Ilkley for adults and young people with learning disabilities, says the dogs bring joy to everyone involved.

“We work with adults who need diversity in their day. The dogs are such a treat—tactile, caring, and exciting. The young people even prepare drinks and signs to make space for the bus,” she says.

Dog owners are equally enthusiastic. Georgie Grove sends her dog Coco on the bus.

“I’m working all the time and have a new baby, so I want him to go on as many walks as possible. This is just perfect,” she says.

Issey Giltrow agrees, saying her dog Alfie benefits from the socialisation.

“I work from home, and he’s become very needy. We saw the bus in Ilkley and thought it would be perfect for him to get out and play with other dogs,” she says.

Driver Ray Welderend describes working on the canine coach as a dream job.

“When I saw this advertised, I thought, ‘I’ve got nothing better to do with my time.’ Playing with dogs and helping them out—it’s a win-win,” he smiles.

Before this, he was used to transporting goods as an HGV driver.

“This is a dream job compared to lorry driving,” he says.