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By Rebecca Williams•Last Updated April 21, 2025

Traveling with Pets on Amtrak: Complete Guide to Policies and Tips

Travel with pets on Amtrak: what you need to know

For many pet owners, traveling mean bring along their furry companions. While airlines have retentive establish pet policies, train travel present another option worth consider. Amtrak, America’s primary passenger railroad service, has evolved its policies regard pet travel over the years. This guide cover everything you need to know about bring pets on Amtrak trains.

Amtrak’s pet policy: the basics

Amtrak begin allow pets on trains in 2015, initially as a pilot program that has since expand to most routes. Notwithstanding, their pet policy come with specific guidelines and restrictions that all passengers must follow.

Which pets are allowed oAmtrakak?

Amtrak permit exclusively dogs and cats on their trains. These pets must:

Weigh 20 pounds (9 kg )or less, include the carrier
Be at least 8 weeks old
Be odorless and harmless
Not disrupt other passengers
Require no attention during travel

Unluckily, other types of pets such as birds, rabbits, ferrets, or reptiles are not permit on Amtrak trains under any circumstances. This policy differ from some airlines that allow a wider variety of small animals.

Service animals vs. Pets

It’s important to distinguish between pets and service animals. Amtrak have separate policies for service animals, which assist passengers with disabilities. Service animals:

Are permit on all routes without size restrictions
Travel free of charge
Do not need to be in carriers
Must be trained to perform specific tasks relate to a disability

Emotional support animals are not classify as service animals under Amtrak’s policy and must follow the standard pet guidelines.

Routes and trains that allow pets

While Amtrak has expanded its pet program, not all routes and trains permit pets. Mostly, pets arallowedow on most trips up to seven hours in length on mAmtraktrak routes. Nonetheless, pets are permittedrmit on:

Auto train
Keystone service
Pennsylvanian trains
International routes to Canada
Thruway connecting services (buses )

Additionally, some state support routes have specific pet policies. Invariably check the current pet policy for your specific route when book your ticket.

Adela and northeast regional trains

Pets are welcome on Adela and northeast regional trains, which connect major cities along the northeast corridor include Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. These popular routes offer convenient options for travelers with pets in the busy northeast.

Long distance routes

For trips exceed seven hours, pets are mostly not permit. This restriction apply to most of Amtrak’s long distance routes like the California zephyr, empire builder, or southwest chief. If you’re will plan a cross-country journey, you will need to make alternative arrangements for your pet.

Book your trip with a pet

Travel with a pet on Amtrak require advance planning and reservation. Here’s what you need to know about the booking process:

Reservation requirements

To bring your pet on Amtrak:

You must make a pet reservation in advance
Reservations can be made online, via phone, or at staff stations
Exclusively five pets are allowed per train, so book other
Pet reservations can not be modified; if plans change, you must cancel and rebook

When book online, look for the pet icon after select your train. If you don’t see this option, pets may not be ppermittedon that particular route or all pet spots may already be reserve.

Pet fees

Bring your pet on Amtrak isn’t free. The current pet fee is $26, though this price is subject to change. This fee is in addition to your regular passenger fare. For the near current pricing information, check aAmtraks website or contact their customer service.

Required documentation

When travel with a pet on Amtrak, you must complete and sign a pet release and indemnification agreement for each travel segment. This form confirm that your pet meet Amtrak’s requirements and that you accept responsibility for your pet’s behavior and needs.

While Amtrak doesn’t require health certificates for pets, have recent vaccination records and health information is recommended, particularly iyourre travel across state lines.

Pet carrier requirements

All pets travel on Amtrak must remain in an approval carrier throughout the entire journey, include during boarding anddetainingg. The carrier requirements are specific:

Maximum dimensions: 19″ long x 14 ” ide x 10.5 “” gh
Must be leakproof with waterproof bottom
Must provide adequate ventilation on astatine least two sides
Must be soft sided (hard carriers are not permit )
Must fit under the seat in front of you
Must allow the pet to stand up and turn around well

The combined weight of your pet and carrier can not exceed 20 pounds. You are responsible for bringing a carrier that meet all these requirements.

Recommend carrier features

For the comfort and safety of your pet, consider carriers with these additional features:

Pad floor for comfort during the journey
Secure zippers or closures that pets can not open
Shoulder strap for easier carry through stations
Mesh panels for ventilation and visibility
Small pocket for store pet essentials

During your journey: rules and etiquette

East aboard the train with your pet, you must follow specific rules to ensure a pleasant experience for all passengers:

In train regulations

Your pet must remain in the carrier at all times
The carrier must stay under the seat in front of you
Pets are not allowed on seats or in food service cars
You can not leave your pet unattended at any time
No part of the pet may extend outside the carrier

If your pet become disruptive or create unsanitary conditions, you may be asked to leave the train at the next stop. This policy protect the comfort and safety of all passengers.

Designated pet areas

Unlike some European train services, Amtrak does not offer designated pet cars or pet friendly sections. Pets are exclusively permitted in coach class on most routes. They are nallowedlow in:

Business class (except on specific aAdelatrains )
First class
Sleep cars
Dining cars

This restriction mean that for overnight journeys, pets are mostly not permit since most passengers would require sleep accommodations.

Prepare your pet for train travel

A successful train journey with your pet require preparation. Hither are essential tips to ensure your pet’s comfort and comfortably being:

Before your trip

Acclimate your pet to their carrier weeks before travel
Practice short car ride in the carrier to build familiarity
Schedule a veterinary check-up to ensure your pet is healthy for travel
Trim your pet’s nails to prevent them from catch on carrier mesh
Consider a light training pad in the carrier for accidents

Pack for your pet

While your pet must remain in their carrier during the journey, you should pack essential items:

Small water bottle and collapsible bowl for breaks
Treats and a small amount of food
Waste bags or portable litter supplies
Any necessary medications
A favorite toy or item with a familiar scent
Cleaning wipes for any accidents

During the journey

To keep your pet comfortable during the train ride:

Speak quietly to reassure them, particularly during station stop
Place the carrier outside from drafty areas
Consider cover part of the carrier with a light blanket to reduce visual stimulation
Do not feed your pet a large meal before or during travel
Offer small amounts of water during longer journeys

Alternatives to bring pets on Amtrak

If your pet doesn’t meet Amtrak’s requirements, oryoure travel on a route that doesn’t allow pets, consider these alternatives:

Pet shipping services

Several specialized pet transportation services can transport your pet safely to your destination. Companies like pet air and happy tails travel offer door to door service, though these options are typically more expensive than bring your pet on Amtrak.

Pet friendly accommodations

If you’re unable to bring your pet on the train, research pet friendly hotels at your destination. Many hotel chains straightaway offer pet friendly rooms, though they may charge additional fees. Websites like bringing can help you find accommodations that welcome pets.

Pet sitting services

Professional pet sitters or boarding facilities provide another option. Services like rover connect pet owners with local sitters who can care for your pet while you’re outside. Some premium boarding facilities eventide offer webcams so you can check on your pet during your trip.

Often ask questions about pets on Amtrak

Can I bring more than one pet on Amtrak?

No, Amtrak allow exclusively one pet per passenger. If you’re will travel with multiple pets, you will need additional passengers, each responsible for one pet.

Are there any breed restrictions for dogs?

Amtrak doesn’t specify breed restrictions, but all dogs must meet the 20 pound weight limit (include carrier )and must not be disruptive. Some breeds course exexceedshis weight limit, level as puppies.

Can my pet use the restroom during the journey?

Pets must remain in their carriers throughout the journey. There be no designated pet relief areas on Amtrak trains. For longer trips, plan consequently and consider use training pads inside the carrier for emergencies.

What happens if my pet become ill during travel?

You are responsible for your pet’s advantageously being. If your pet become ill, alert an Amtrak employee who can help you identify the nearest stop with veterinary services. In emergencies, the train may not be able to make unscheduled stops.

Can I book a sleeping car accommodation with my pet?

No, pets are not permit in sleep cars on Amtrak. This restriction limit pet travel to daytime journeys or routes under seven hours.

Final thoughts on travel with pets on Amtrak

Amtrak’s pet policy offer a valuable option for travelers who want to bring their small dogs or cats along on shorter train journeys. While the restrictions may seem limit compare to some other transportation options, they ensure the comfort and safety of all passengers, include those with allergies or fears of animals.

With proper planning and preparation, travel with your pet on Amtrak can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. Invariably check the nigh current policies before booking, as pet regulations may change over time. By follow Amtrak’s guidelines and prepare your pet adequately for the journey, you can enjoy the scenic routes and convenience of train travel with your furry friend by your side.