Sofia's public transport will allow pets but only if they go with a special ticket, the city's Municipality has decided.

The innovative idea is a part of an order prepared for the ownership and treatment of pets. The big dogs should be kept on a short leash and should wear a muzzle in the public transport, the order says. Small dogs and cats should be in transportation cages.

Dog owners in Sofia should install obligatory microchips to their pets within 6 months after the order passes. A BGN 500 fine will be introduced for those who walk their dogs without the microchips, which will be installed for free, BGN 1000 will be the fine should a second violation occur. Besides that, owners will have to carry the dogs' passports when they walk them.

Pets should no longer live in the areas surrounding the blocks of flats, the order also states.