The Hilarious Loophole: 5 Ways New Yorkers Get Giant Dogs On The NYC Subway (MTA Rule Explained)

As of December 15, 2025, the viral sensation of large dogs being creatively squeezed into bags, backpacks, and duffels on the New York City subway remains a beloved and hilarious testament to New Yorkers' ingenuity. This practice isn't just a funny photo-op; it's a direct, clever response to a specific Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) rule that has—perhaps unintentionally—sparked a global meme and a community of dedicated pet owners.

The core of this phenomenon lies in a simple but ambiguous regulation: if your dog can fit into a "container," it can ride the rails. Because the MTA's official guidelines do not specify a maximum size or weight for the container itself, pet owners have exploited this loophole to transport even massive breeds, like Samoyeds and Golden Retrievers, as long as they are fully "enclosed." This deep dive explores the exact rule, the history, and the most creative solutions New Yorkers have developed to keep their canine companions by their side.

The Official MTA Rule and the 'Dogs in Bags' Loophole

The MTA rule that governs pet travel on the New York City subway system is the foundation of the "dogs in bags" saga. It’s a regulation that aims to maintain order, cleanliness, and safety on one of the world's busiest public transit networks, but its wording has allowed for a famously flexible interpretation.

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What the Rule Actually States

The official MTA Rules of Conduct state: "No person may bring any animal on or into any conveyance or facility unless enclosed in a container and carried in a manner which would not annoy other riders." This regulation, which came into effect around October 2016, effectively banned dogs from riding the subway freely unless they were service animals.

• Key Entity 1: Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA): The agency that sets the policy.
• Key Entity 2: "Enclosed in a container": The critical phrase that New Yorkers focus on.
• Key Entity 3: Service Animals: These are explicitly exempt from the container rule under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Key Entity 4: Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): The MTA does not exempt ESAs from the container rule, a common point of confusion.

Why Size Doesn't Actually Matter

Crucially, the MTA rule does not specify a maximum size or weight limit for the "container." This omission is the loophole that launched a thousand viral photos. For a small dog, a standard pet carrier is sufficient. For a 70-pound Labrador, the interpretation becomes a creative endeavor. As long as the dog is fully contained—even if its head is poking out or it's clearly uncomfortable—and the container is carried by one person without inconveniencing others, the letter of the law is technically being followed. This lack of a "size restriction" has led to the iconic images of massive dogs peering out of oversized bags.

The Viral Pantheon of NYC Subway Dogs

The "dogs in bags" phenomenon gained global notoriety not just because of the rule, but because of the sheer absurdity and dedication shown by the pet owners. These viral moments highlight the lengths New Yorkers will go to for their furry friends and the creativity involved in solving the "enclosed container" problem.

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Case Study: Lumi the Samoyed

One of the most famous examples to go viral in recent years is Lumi, a beautiful white Samoyed. Lumi’s owner was frequently photographed and filmed carrying the large, fluffy dog—who weighs over 50 pounds—in a specialized, heavy-duty backpack. This image perfectly encapsulates the creative interpretation of the MTA rule, demonstrating that even a dog the size of a small child can be legally transported on the subway if the owner is committed enough to the task.

• Entity 5: Lumi the Samoyed: A viral star representing the large-breed "dog in a bag" archetype.
• Entity 6: Backpack Carrier: The most common solution for medium-to-large dogs, offering better weight distribution than a duffel.
• Entity 7: Social Media/TikTok: The primary platform for the phenomenon to gain traction and viral fame.

5 Creative 'Containers' Used by NYC Dog Owners

The true genius of the New York pet owner lies in their ability to repurpose everyday items into legal "enclosed containers." The ingenuity is often driven by the need for portability, comfort (for the dog, sometimes), and simply finding a bag large enough to hold a substantial canine.

1. The Oversized Canvas Tote/Duffel Bag: This is the classic, low-tech solution. Owners use large, often industrial-strength duffel bags or IKEA-style reusable shopping bags. Holes are sometimes cut for the dog's head or legs, or the dog is simply folded in, with the zipper partially open.
2. The Hiking/K9 Backpack: As seen with Lumi, these are specialized, durable backpacks designed to carry significant weight. They are the most ergonomic choice for owners of heavier dogs, allowing them to ride hands-free.
3. The Laundry Basket/Crate on Wheels: While less common on the subway itself due to space constraints, some owners use small crates or rolling laundry baskets with a cover (like a towel or blanket) to meet the "enclosed container" requirement.
4. The "Body Bag" Look: For very long dogs, some owners use long, narrow bags that resemble gun cases or sleeping bags, with the dog's head and neck sticking out like a periscope. The dog is technically "enclosed" from the shoulders down.
5. The Improvised Carrier: In a pinch, any large bag will do. Viral photos have captured dogs stuffed into gym bags, large shopping bags with handles, and even oversized purses, showcasing the extreme measures taken to comply with the "enclosed" rule.

Topical Authority and LSI Entities

Understanding the "dogs in bags" culture requires recognizing the broader context of pet ownership in the city and the challenges of public transit.

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• Entity 8: Pet Carriers: The standard, compliant method for smaller pets.
• Entity 9: New York City Transit: The specific division of the MTA that manages the subway.
• Entity 10: Commuter Rail (LIRR/Metro-North): These MTA services have slightly different pet rules, often allowing leashed dogs during off-peak hours, unlike the subway.
• Entity 11: Passenger Annoyance: The secondary clause of the MTA rule, which is the ultimate subjective enforcement point.
• Entity 12: October 2016: The approximate date the current rule was enforced, leading to the creative loophole.
• Entity 13: Golden Retriever: A large breed often photographed in creative carriers.
• Entity 14: Pitbull/Bulldog: Breeds whose owners often face scrutiny and thus must strictly adhere to the "enclosed" rule.
• Entity 15: Safety and Comfort: A major debate point—is the loophole safe for the dog?
• Entity 16: Subway Etiquette: The unwritten rules of transit that often supersede official policy (e.g., if no one complains, the rule is often ignored).

The Ongoing Debate: Compliance vs. Comfort

While the "dogs in bags" phenomenon is entertaining and often celebrated, it does spark an ongoing debate among New Yorkers, pet advocates, and transit officials. The core issue is balancing rule compliance with the well-being of the animals.

Advocates of the practice argue that pet owners are being responsible by finding a way to transport their dogs without leaving them home, and that a dog in a backpack is far less disruptive than a large dog on a leash. They point out that the dog is technically enclosed, which is the only requirement. Furthermore, these dogs are often well-behaved and simply enjoy the ride, brightening the day for other weary commuters.

Critics, however, raise concerns about the dog's comfort and safety. Squeezing a large animal into a confined space for a long commute can be stressful or even physically harmful. They also argue that a partially enclosed dog—with its head out—still poses a potential risk of annoyance or disturbance to other riders, which violates the second part of the MTA's rule. Ultimately, enforcement often comes down to the discretion of MTA personnel and whether a fellow passenger chooses to complain.

The "dogs in bags" rule is a perfect example of a bureaucratic regulation meeting New York City's unique, determined culture. It’s a policy that has accidentally fostered one of the city's most charming and memorable transit traditions, ensuring that as long as there's a bag big enough, man's best friend will always be able to ride the train.