Taiwan's northern New Taipei City has introduced seven more pet-friendly bus services, in addition to its three existing ones, according to The Liberty Times.

The new services have started running from Thursday, Oct. 10.

The new bus routes run through three pet parks: Yonghe Emerald Pet Park, Zhonghe No. 4 Pet Park, and Xinhuang Sports Park.

New Taipei City, located in northern Taiwan, is the most populous city in the self-ruled island.

Pets allowed as long as they are leashed

Such pet-friendly buses have signs that read "pet bus", along with a an image of a dog.

Commuters will be able to bring their dogs and cats on board as long as they are leashed.

Pet owners are also responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

Normal buses in Taiwan already allow pets to be brought on board in carriers.

Huang Zhong-ping, head of the Transportation Department's Transportation Management Sector, said the pet-friendly buses would make it convenient for pet owners to bring their larger-sized dogs on board.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="718"] Image via New Taipei City Government Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office[/caption]

In addition, pet owners only have to pay for their own fares, and need not pay for an extra ticket for their pets.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="694"] Image via New Taipei City Government Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="563"] Image via New Taipei City Government Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office[/caption]

Pet carry-on policy well-received by public

Huang said back in April, when they held a charity run at Yonghe Emerald Pet Park, they coordinated with bus operators so two routes passing through the park could relax their pet carry-on policy.

The policy has been well-received by the public, he said.

He added that the actual bus routes will be adjusted or increased according to real-time commuter data.

Rise in pet ownership in Taiwan

Trendsight, a market research firm, estimates that by the year 2020, domestic pets will outnumber children aged 15 and below in Taiwan.

This phenomenon has already appeared in Japan in 2003.

Top image adapted via New Taipei City Transportation Department 

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