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Key Takeaways
Amtrak permits pets on select routes, excluding mainland routes and Thruway connecting services, where the journey time is under 7 hours.
Pets must be under 20 pounds and remain in a carrier during the journey. The carrier counts as your carry-on luggage.
A total of 5 pets are allowed on each train service so it’s best to book well in advance.
When planning your next trip within the U.S., you may not want to leave your 4-legged friend at home. Thankfully, with many train services now allowing small pets to be carried on board, there are alternative options to flying or driving.
Train travel can be much less stressful than flying for both pet and owner, with shorter check-in times and the comfort of having your pet on your lap for the entire journey, rather than under your seat or in the hold compartment.
There’s also the cost to consider, with the likes of Delta Air Lines and United charging from $125 to transport your pet as carry-on, versus Amtrak, where pets can be carried for just $26.
This helpful guide will help you plan for your trip and rounds-up the pet policies for each train operator listed by individual state.
This information relates to pets-only, not officially trained service dogs that are governed under the Americans with Disabilities Act and are permitted to go “where the public is normally allowed to go”.
Things to Consider Pre-Travel
To ensure the well-being of your faithful friend, and that you’re adhering to certain rules, there are some things to consider when planning to take your pet on board a train.
Motion Sickness
Like humans, some animals can get motion sickness, so it’s advisable to test out some short journeys before embarking on a 7-hour train ride. Be sure to have plenty of water with you to avoid your pet becoming dehydrated as this will only make the motion sickness worse.
Behavior
As many train operators only permit small pets to be transported within a pet carrier, you’ll need to test out how your pet responds to being inside a cage for long periods.
Many train operators such as Amtrak state that the pet must not be disruptive, so train travel may not be suitable if you have a dog that barks continuously when in their pet carrier.
Heath and Documentation Requirements
On local train services, documentation is not likely to be requested by train personnel; however, when using Amtrak services, passengers must sign to certify that their pet is up-to-date with their vaccinations.
To transport a pet between states, most states require that the pet have a recent Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), which indicates that the pet is clear of rabies and other infectious diseases. Each state has different rules as to when the certificate should be obtained before entering a state, but the most common time period is within 30 days before entry.
Pet Identification
Although not mandatory in the U.S., you may want to consider getting your pet micro-chipped for their safety. If your pet became lost in an unknown destination, the likelihood of tracking them down would be far greater with a microchip. You should also make sure that they have a collar with your contact number.
Nearest Vet
Even if you’re only taking a short trip, it’s still wise to familiarize yourself with your nearest vet just in case they require urgent care while traveling.
Relief Breaks
If you’re traveling on a long train ride, then you’ll need to ensure there are sufficient relief breaks along your route. Check with the train operator to see if they have any scheduled stops that are more than just a couple of minutes so that you have time to relieve your pet in a suitable location.
Checklist for What to Take on Board
Vet contact details.
Well-ventilated pet carrier.
Collar and leash.
Blankets/jacket if the journey is cold.
Chew toys for inside their carrier.
Snacks, food, and plenty of water.
Food and drink bowls.
Poop bags.
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).
Hot Tip: Keep all of your pet’s important items organized with a great dog travel bag.
Amtrak Pet Policy
Amtrak permits passengers to bring dogs or cats (up to 20 pounds) onboard many of its train journeys that are 7 hours or less. Pets are not permitted on specific mainline routes or Thruway connecting services (green routes on the above map and detailed by state in the table below).
Mainline Routes Where Pets are NOT Permitted
Auto Train: Lorton, VA (Washington, DC) – Sanford, FL (Orlando)
Capital Corridor: Auburn – Sacramento – Emeryville (San Francisco) – Oakland – San Jose
Pacific Surfliner: San Luis Obispo – Santa Barbara – Los Angeles – Anaheim – San Diego
Pennsylvanian: New York – Philadelphia – Lancaster – Harrisburg – Altoona – Pittsburgh
San Joaquins: San Francisco Bay Area / Sacramento – Bakersfield / Southern California
Amtrak provides the following guidelines and rules for bringing your pet on board:
Pets must be booked on a reservation with a maximum of 5 pets permitted on each train service, available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Only 1 pet is permitted per passenger, and they may only ride in coach class, rather than business class or any sleeper services.
Pets must be transported in a pet carrier measuring no more than 19 x 14 x 10.5 inches and must be well ventilated and leak proof. The total weight of the pet inside the carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds.
Pet carriers count towards a passenger’s carry-on allowance and must be placed under the passenger’s seat. Pets are not permitted outside of the carrier for the duration of the journey or in stations.
Hot Tip: The following routes designate pet-specific coaches; whereas, for other pet-friendly routes, pets are permitted in any coach cars: Amtrak Cascades, Blue Water, Carl Sandburg, Hiawatha, Illini, Illinois Zephyr, Lincoln Service, Missouri River Runner, Pere Marquette, Saluki, and Wolverine.
Paperwork and Health Requirements
Passengers must sign a Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement for each segment of the journey.
Passengers must check-in at the ticket desk no later than 30 minutes before the train departs, to allow time to complete the pet release paperwork.
Pets must be 8 weeks or older to travel on Amtrak services and be odorless and non-disruptive to other passengers.
Passengers will certify that their pet is up-to-date with all required vaccinations before travel.
Booking Procedure
Pets can be booked onto a reservation at Amtrak.com or by calling 800-USA-RAIL. Bookings can also be made in person at an Amtrak ticket desk.
Hot Tip: Pets can travel on board Amtrak services for $26.
Train Systems that Allow Pets
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State
Train Operator
Policy
Alabama
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting service between Mobile and Montgomery. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Alaska
Alaska Railroad
Pets are permitted in the baggage car in an airline-approved kennel. Fee: $20 (counts as 1 piece of your checked luggage allowance)
White Pass & Yukon Route
Dogs are permitted on Chilkoot Hiker Service trains but not on any connecting bus services. Fee: $25
Arizona
Phoenix Valley Metro Rail
Pets are permitted if they are stowed within an enclosed pet carrier that fits on the lap of the passenger or beneath the seat.
Sun Link
Pets are permitted in enclosed carriers.
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting service between Maricopa and the Grand Canyon, or Thruway from Kingman. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Arkansas
Amtrak
For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Little Rock Metro Streetcar
Undisclosed.
California
Amtrak
Not permitted on all Thruway connecting services around California. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
California Metrolink
Pets are permitted if secured in an enclosed carrier, do not take up seats, do not block aisles or doorways, and do not disrupt other passengers.
Los Angeles Metro
Pets are permitted if secured in an enclosed carrier, do not take up seats, do not block aisles or doorways, and do not disrupt other passengers.
San Diego Coaster
Small pets are permitted if enclosed in a carrier on the passenger’s lap or the floor.
San Diego Trolley
Pets are permitted if fully contained inside an enclosed carrier.
San Diego MTS
Pets are permitted if fully contained inside an enclosed carrier and transported on the passenger’s lap.
San Francisco BART
Pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
San Francisco Muni
Dogs are permitted but must be leashed and muzzled, can only ride on the lap of the passenger or under their seat. Other pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Colorado
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services to Alamosa, Gunnison, Raton, Vail, or Cheyenne. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Denver RTD
Pets are permitted if transported on the passenger’s lap in a secure, enclosed carrier. All dogs are required to have rabies vaccinations and tags.
Connecticut
Amtrak
For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Connecticut CT Rail Shore Line East
Pets are permitted if leashed or contained in an enclosed, ventilated container and must not disrupt other passengers.
Connecticut CT Rail Hartford Line
Pets are permitted if transported in an enclosed, pet-safe carrier with the size and weight not exceeding 19 x 14 x 10.5 inches and 20 pounds.
Delaware
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Wilmington or Salisbury. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Florida
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, and Fort Meyers. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Florida Tri-Rail
Small pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Florida Brightline
Only dogs and cats are permitted on trains, and this counts towards the passenger’s carry-on or checked baggage allowance.
Only 1 pet per passenger is permitted, and if transporting on the passenger’s lap or the floor, then the carrier must not exceed 17 x 10 x 10 inches. If transported in the coach luggage tower then the carrier must not exceed 28 x 20.5 x 21.5 inches.
Miami Metromover
Pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Orlando Sunrail
Pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Georgia
Amtrak
For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Atlanta MARTA
Pets are permitted in a secure, rigid carrier with a lock or latch to prevent escape.
Hawaii
Honolulu Rail Transit
Undisclosed.
Idaho
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Moscow, Ontario, or Ogden. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Illinois
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Springfield, Davenport, Paducah or Evansville to St. Louis, Galesburg, Bloomington Normal, or Chicago. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Chicago CTA
Pets are permitted if secured in an enclosed carrier, do not take up seats, do not block aisles or doorways, and do not disrupt other passengers.
Chicago METRA
Small pets are permitted in enclosed carriers on non-peak weekday trains (arriving in Chicago before 6:31 a.m. and after 9:30 a.m. and departing Chicago before 3 p.m. and after 7 p.m.). Pets are also permitted on all weekend trains but may be refused on overcrowded trains or during special events.
South Shore Line
Small pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Indiana
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Indianapolis. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
South Shore Line
Small pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Iowa
Amtrak
For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Kansas
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Newton. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Kentucky
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services through to Nashville. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Louisiana
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting service from Shreveport to Jackson. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
New Orleans Streetcar
Small pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Maine
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services through to Orono. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Maryland
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services between Ocean City and Grantsville. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Maryland MARC
Pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Baltimore Metro
Pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Massachusetts
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Boston. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Massachusetts Bay MBTA Commuter Rail
Non-service dogs are not permitted during rush hour. Other small pets must be kept in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Massachusetts Bay MBTA Subway
CapeFLYER
Dogs must be leashed at all times.
Michigan
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services between Hancock, Sault Ste. Marie, Gaylord, Cheboygan, Detroit, and Chicago. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Minnesota
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Duluth to La Crosse. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Minneapolis Metro
Pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Mississippi
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Jackson or Biloxi. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Missouri
Amtrak
For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Kansas City Streetcar
Pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Montana
Amtrak
For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Nebraska
Amtrak
For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Nevada
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Las Vegas or Reno. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
New Hampshire
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Boston to Littleton or Berlin.
Acela route from Boston to Washington permits pets at weekends and holidays only. For other mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
New Jersey
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Atlantic City. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
New Jersey Transit
Small pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Port Authority Trans-Hudson
Small pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
New Mexico
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from El Paso and Santa Fe. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
New York
Amtrak
For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Long Island Railroad
Small pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Metro North Railroad
Dogs up to 65 pounds are permitted but are not allowed on seats.
New York Subway
Small pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
North Carolina
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Wilmington or Morehead City. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
North Dakota
Amtrak
For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Ohio
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Toledo, Dayton, or Columbus. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Cleveland RTA
Pets are permitted in a secure pet carrier and must not weigh more than 25 pounds.
Oklahoma
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Oklahoma City. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Oregon
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Ontario, Portland, Crescent City, and Astoria. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Portland TriMet
Pets are permitted in a closed carrier.
Pennsylvania
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Philadelphia or Pittsburgh. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Philadelphia SEPTA (trolley/trains)
Pets are permitted in a closed carrier that must fit on the passenger’s lap.
New Jersey Transit
Small pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
PATCO Speedline
Small pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Rhode Island
Amtrak
For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
South Carolina
Amtrak
For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Tennessee
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Nashville. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Nashville’s Music City Commuter Rail
Small pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Memphis MARTA Street Trolley
Undisclosed.
Texas
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Houston or Dallas. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Houston METRORail
Small pets are permitted providing they are caged properly.
Dallas DART
Small pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Dallas M-Line Trolly
Dogs must be on a leash or in a pet carrier.
Dallas Tre Commuter Rail
Small pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
El Paso Streetcar
Small pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Utah
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake City FrontRunner
Small pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Salt Lake City TRAX
Small pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Vermont
Amtrak
For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Virginia
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Washington, DC, Virginia Beach, or Blacksburg. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Virginia Railway Express (VRE)
Small pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
Washington
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from Seattle, Spokane, or Portland. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Seattle Sound Transit’s Link light rail
Small pets are permitted in a secure, enclosed carrier.
West Virginia
Amtrak
For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
Wisconsin
Amtrak
Not permitted on Thruway connecting services from St.Paul- Minneapolis. For mainline services, see Amtrak policy above.
When looking for the perfect pet carrier, there a few things you should consider.
Weight of the Carrier and Your Pet
Amtrak and some other train operators have weight restrictions that are usually the weight of your pet and the carrier combined. If your pet is on the heavier side, you’ll need to find a lightweight, soft carrier that is also robust enough to accommodate the weight of your pet.
Size
Choosing the correct size of carrier for your pet is an important decision. Too big and your pet could move around, making it difficult to balance and carry. Too small and it would be uncomfortable for your pet, restricting space to stand up or stretch. As a rule of thumb, your pet carrier should be around 1.5 times the size of your pet.
Ventilation
Traveling on a train can be hot at times, so it’s advisable to choose a pet carrier that has mesh sides to allow airflow to keep your faithful friend cool.
Material
Owners have the choice between hard and soft shell pet carriers, and the decision will depend entirely on your circumstances and preference. Hardshell carriers are more robust, provide more protection, and are easier to keep clean; whereas, soft carriers can offer more comfort, are lighter, and easier to store.
As you can see from the table above, most train operators stipulate that only “small pets” may be carried on board, so train travel is unfortunately not yet widely accessible to larger animals.
However, some passengers do try to bend the rules of certain operators such as the New York Subway that states “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 passengers.”
Final Thoughts
Over the years, there’s been controversy over the number of pet-related deaths during transit in both the cabin and cargo hold of an airplane; in fact, we did a whole study on the best airlines for pets for that exact reason. Traveling on a train with your pet can be a more relaxed and safer mode of transport for your pet.
Some pets can struggle with the pressure from an airplane’s increased altitude, causing issues with breathing. In fact, this has caused some airlines to prohibit the hold transportation of snub-nosed breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs.
If you’ve got a small pet that you would like to travel with you, train travel is the ideal mode of transport, being relatively cheap and safe. Looking for more information on traveling with your 4-legged friend? Explore our ultimate guide on traveling with your pet.
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