If you’re just travelling a short distance in the United States, it can often be quicker and cheaper to travel by train instead of flying, especially if you are travelling between city centres. Luckily then, for a number of years Amtrak has allowed small pets to travel on many of its train services, similar to flying in the cabin of a plane with your pet.
Find out everything you need to know about how to travel on Amtrak with a dog, from the rules for travelling with a pet on Amtrak to how much it costs and how to make a booking. Plus, I cover in detail our experience of travelling with our dog on Amtrak from New York City to Philadelphia and then to Washington, D.C.
Let’s face it – leaving your furry friend behind when traveling can be heartbreaking. I’ve been there, staring at those sad puppy eyes as I pack my suitcase. But what if you could bring your dog along on your next train adventure? Specifically, what if you have a larger dog? Can big doggos enjoy the rails too?
If you’re wondering whether you can take a large dog on a train, particularly Amtrak, I’ve got the complete breakdown for you. The short answer? It’s complicated, but generally, large dogs over 20 pounds aren’t allowed as pets on regular Amtrak trains – with some important exceptions we’ll discuss.
The Size Limitation: Amtrak’s 20-Pound Rule
Amtrak does allow pets on many of its routes, but there’s a significant weight restriction that affects large dog owners. According to Amtrak’s official pet policy:
- The combined weight of your pet AND carrier must not exceed 20 pounds
- Your pet must be able to stand, sit, lie down and turn around comfortably inside the carrier
- The maximum carrier size is 19″ long x 14″ wide x 10.5″ high
This essentially means that larger dogs – those medium to large breeds we love so much – can’t travel as regular pets on Amtrak trains. Bummer, I know. My neighbor’s Golden Retriever, Cooper, definitely wouldn’t qualify under these restrictions.
Are There ANY Options for Large Dogs on Amtrak?
While regular pets have strict size limitations, there are two important exceptions to be aware of:
1. Service Animals: The Large Dog Exception
Service animals are treated differently from pets on Amtrak. If your large dog is a trained service animal that performs specific tasks for a person with a disability, they can accompany you on Amtrak regardless of size.
Important service animal distinctions:
- Service animals travel free of charge (unlike pets, which incur a fee)
- They’re permitted on all Amtrak trains (not just pet-friendly routes)
- No carrier is required – they can sit on the floor at your feet
- They must be under control at all times
- They cannot block aisles or seats
2. Emotional Support Animals: Limited Options
According to the information from blogtryfi.com, emotional support animals have more limited access
- They’re only allowed on certain routes
- You must provide documentation from a licensed mental health professional
- This documentation needs to be submitted at least 48 hours before departure
However, it’s worth noting that Amtrak’s policies on emotional support animals may have changed, so it’s always best to check directly with Amtrak for the most current information.
What About Other Train Services?
While we’re focusing primarily on Amtrak in this article (since it’s the major passenger rail service in the US), it’s worth noting that pet policies vary widely across different train services worldwide Some international train services may have more accommodating policies for larger dogs
If you’re traveling in Europe, for example, many train operators allow larger dogs to travel for a reduced fare, sometimes requiring them to be leashed and muzzled rather than contained in carriers. But that’s a topic for another day!
The Complete Amtrak Pet Policy Breakdown
Let’s dig deeper into what you need to know about Amtrak’s pet policy for those with smaller dogs (or cats) who do meet the requirements:
Pet-Friendly Routes and Restrictions
Not all Amtrak routes welcome pets. According to the information provided:
- Pets are welcome on most routes for trips up to 7 hours
- Pets are NOT allowed on Amtrak Cascades, Auto Train, San Joaquins, or Amtrak Connection services
- Pets are NOT allowed on travel segments to or from Canada on the Adirondack, Maple Leaf and Amtrak Cascades
Some routes designate a specific Coach car for pets, including:
- Amtrak Cascades
- Carl Sandburg
- Illinois Zephyr
- Illini
- Lincoln Service
- Saluki
- Pere Marquette
- Wolverine
- Blue Water
- Hiawatha
- Missouri River Runner
On other pet-friendly routes, you and your pet may ride in any Coach car.
Where Pets Can Sit on the Train
Pets have specific seating restrictions:
- Allowed in Coach Class and Acela Business Class only
- NOT allowed in Acela First Class, non-Acela Business class, First Class private rooms, or food service cars
- On Keystone and Pennsylvanian trains, pets can’t travel in the Quiet Car
- Pets are NOT allowed in any Amtrak station lounge or First Class waiting area
Making Pet Reservations
The reservation process is straightforward but has specific requirements:
- Limited to one pet per customer
- Pet fee varies by route (shown during booking)
- Unreserved trains still require pet reservations
- Reservation is only valid for the date on your ticket
- Total travel time limited to seven hours (including transfers)
- Cannot be booked with multi-ride tickets, Amtrak Connection services, or for unaccompanied minors
Carrier Requirements
Your pet carrier must meet these specifications:
- Can be hard or soft-sided
- Must be leak-proof and well-ventilated
- Only one pet per carrier
- Maximum combined weight of pet and carrier: 20 pounds
- Maximum carrier size: 19″ long x 14″ wide x 10.5″ high
- Pet must fit comfortably (able to sit, lie down, and remain inside without touching sides)
- Counts as one piece of carry-on baggage
Check-In and Paperwork
Before traveling with your pet:
- Complete a Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement for each travel segment
- This form is available at the end of booking or through “My Trip” on Amtrak.com
- At staffed stations: Check in 45 minutes before departure for validation
- At unstaffed stations: The conductor will validate paperwork onboard
Pet Health Requirements
Amtrak requires that your pet:
- Be at least eight weeks old
- Be odorless and harmless
- Not be disruptive or require attention during travel
- Be up-to-date on vaccinations (you certify this by signing the release form)
Tips for Traveling with Your Small Dog on Amtrak
Since large dogs can’t travel as pets on Amtrak, here are some tips for those lucky enough to have smaller pups that meet the requirements:
- Acclimate your dog to the carrier – Start several weeks before your trip to help them get comfortable
- Exercise before departure – A tired dog is more likely to rest during the journey
- Pack essentials – Bring water, a collapsible bowl, treats, waste bags, and any necessary medications
- Keep the carrier clean – Bring supplies to clean up any accidents
- Monitor temperature – Trains can sometimes be chilly or warm; dress your pet appropriately
- Respect other passengers – Keep disruptions to a minimum
- Use a GPS collar – Products like the Fi Dog Collar can help track your pet’s location during travel
What About Alternative Transportation for Large Dogs?
If you have a large dog and Amtrak isn’t an option, consider these alternatives:
- Road trips – The most flexible option for traveling with large dogs
- Pet-friendly car services – Some companies specialize in pet transportation
- Pet shipping services – Professional pet transportation (though expensive)
- Air travel – Many airlines accommodate larger dogs in cargo (check airline-specific policies)
So, can you take a large dog on a train? On Amtrak, unless your dog is a service animal, the answer is unfortunately no if they exceed the 20-pound weight limit. This restriction exists for practical reasons – space on trains is limited, and larger dogs simply won’t fit comfortably under seats or in designated pet areas.
For those with smaller dogs, Amtrak provides a reasonable pet policy that allows your furry friend to join you on many routes. Just be sure to plan ahead, make reservations, and follow all the requirements to ensure a smooth journey.
If you’ve got a big pup and your heart is set on train travel together, you might need to look into international options or consider alternative transportation methods. Sometimes the journey with our pets requires a bit more creativity and planning, but having them by our side makes it all worthwhile.
Have you traveled with your dog on Amtrak or other train services? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Disclaimer: Pet policies can change over time. While this information was accurate at the time of writing, always check Amtrak’s official website or contact their customer service directly for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.
Booking Your Pet on Amtrak
There is a limit to the number of pets allowed on each Amtrak train service, usually five pets, so try and book your train trip in advance.
Unfortunately, it’s not quite as easy as it used to be to book an Amtrak train trip with your pet. Whereas previously the number of remaining pet spots on each train service was clearly displayed when the list of train services to select from were listed (plus made clear which train services were pet-friendly), this is no longer provided.
To double-check that the train service you’d like to book is pet-friendly, once you’ve started your search, I recommend clicking on Trip Details and then Services under the train service. Underneath Add-Ons, “Pet” should be displayed.
Once you’ve comfirmed your preferred train service allows pets, then choose your seat type and ticket option (whether Saver, Value or Flexible). On the next screen, the Trip Summary screen, you’ll be displayed a list of Additional Items and be able to add your pet, along with see the price charged. The number of pets you can add depends on the number of passengers in the booking.
Click Add to Cart, and then it’s time to finalise your booking, including entering passenger details, and pay for your tickets. It’s also possible to make pet reservations through the customer call centre or at staffed Amtrak stations.
The fee for traveling with a pet varies depending on the train service and distance travelled, as of December 2023. Currently the pet fee is either $29 or $39 per segment. The full list of pet fees is displayed on this page, plus the fee is listed when you add a pet to your trip.
This fee is higher than I’ve experienced on trains in Europe (where in many countries a small pet in a carrier bag rides for free), but it is far cheaper than the fee charges for pets to fly in the cabin on US airlines.
Are Pets Allowed on Amtrak?
Both small dogs and cats are allowed on Amtrak trains, although naturally there are some restrictions. For starters, not all trains allow pets on board. (If you’re travelling with service animals, they are welcome on all Amtrak services and these rules don’t apply.)
Pets are not allowed to travel on the Auto Train, San Joaquins, Capitol Corridor and Thruway Connecting Services. Pets are also not allowed to travel on board the Adirondack, Maple Leaf or Amtrak Cascades in Canada.
Note that the previous prohibition on the Keystone Service and Pennsylvanian has been removed. Double check the latest list at the top of Amtrak’s pet policy for the latest list of services where pets are not allowed.
Other key rules to keep in mind are that the maximum weight of both dogs and cats, including their carrier, is limited to 20 pounds (9kg). There is also a limit of one pet per customer (as the pet must be stowed underneath your seat except on Amtrak Cascades trains), plus your pet must be at least eight weeks old and be vaccinated.
Pets are only allowed on trips up to seven hours in duration, including transfer time for multi-segment trips. Pets are only allowed in coach class, not in first class, business class or sleeping cars, except for Acela business class. Pets are also prohibition from the Quiet Car on Keystone and Pennsylvanian trains.
Refer to the Amtrak pet policy for details of the carrier your pet needs to travel in. The maximum size is 19″ long x 14″ wide x 10.5″ high. It can be either hard or soft, but must be leak-proof, well-ventilated and large enough for your pet to sit and lie down inside without touching the sides.
Note that your pet in its carrier counts as a piece of carry-on baggage (out of your normal limit of two carry-on pieces and two personal items). Your pet must remain inside its carrier both at the train station and while on the train, and you are not allowed to leave your pet alone.
Tips for travelling with dogs on Trains | Northern
FAQ
Can you take a large dog on a train?
You can take your large dog on a train if it qualifies as a service animal. Amtrak’s large dog policy states the same restrictions. Otherwise, if it is considered a pet can ride only on San Francisco Muni (California), Connecticut CT Rail Shore Line East (Connecticut), and Metro-North Railroad (New York).
Can a dog travel on a train?
Only small dogs and cats are permitted (20 pounds or less, including the carrier). Pets must remain in a carrier at all times during the journey. The combined weight of the pet and the carrier cannot exceed 20 lbs (9 kg). Only one pet per passenger is allowed. A maximum of five pets is allowed per train, excluding service animals.
Can dogs travel on Amtrak?
While Amtrak is pet-friendly, allowing small dogs and cats on Amtrak, larger dogs are not allowed to travel as pets onboard. Acclimating your dog to the carrier is crucial for a successful pet travel experience on Amtrak. You should take your dog through this process several weeks ahead of time so they can become familiar with the carrier.
Can you bring a pet on a train?
Only one pet per passenger is allowed. A maximum of five pets is allowed per train, excluding service animals. The pet carrier must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and able to fit under your seat (maximum size: 19″ L x 14″ W x 10.5″ H). Your pet must be able to sit, stand, and lie down comfortably inside the carrier.
Can you ride a train with a pet?
Most of the time, you can ride with your pet in any coach class train car. Some route has designated a specific Coach car for pets like Amtrak Cascades, Blue Water, Carl Sandburg, Hiawatha, Illinois Zephyr, Illini, Lincoln Service, Missouri River Runner, Pere Marquette, Saluki, and Wolverine.
How do you train a dog on Amtrak?
Start by placing treats inside the carrier and let your dog explore it at their own pace. Gradually increase the time they spend inside until they become comfortable. Before making reservations with Amtrak, take short trips with your dog in their carrier to assess how well they tolerate confinement during travel.
Does Amtrak allow large dogs?
Is there any way to travel with a large dog?
Larger dogs will be required to be flown as checked baggage or cargo, depending upon the airline. If you want to know more information about what the specific requirements are regarding checking in and how your dog needs to travel, contact the airline directly.
What size dog can you take on a train?
Only one pet and one carrier per passenger will be allowed. Maximum combined weight of pet and carrier = 20 lbs. Maximum length of travel on the train will be seven hours. Passengers making connections must complete travel within seven hours from leaving their train station.
How much does it cost to take a dog on Amtrak?
Do I need to buy a special Amtrak pet ticket? You do not need to buy a special type of train ticket for yourself, but there is a $26 pet fee (per train ride, so a round-trip pet fare would cost $52).