Dozens of Hong Kong pet owners on Sunday hopped onto the inaugural bus for the city’s first animal-friendly public coach service, which aims to cater to commuters hoping to travel with their cats and dogs.

Cats and dogs of all breeds could be seen boarding the KMB double-decker bus with their excited owners outside Tsuen Wan MTR station in the morning, with commuters taking pictures with their beloved pets as they travelled.

The new service is considered a welcome change for such commuters, with pets typically prohibited from riding on MTR trains, public buses and trams.

Several pet owners lauded the service, telling the Post that it provided a cheap and convenient way to travel with their pets for just HK$35 (US$4.50) per journey for a traveller and one animal.

Individual commuters travelling with more than one pet will need to purchase an extra ticket.

Administrative worker Niko Law, who boarded the bus with her 2-year-old standard poodle Lulu, said the pair had taken a taxi from Yuen Long to Tsuen Wan just so they could experience the ride.