Amtrak Pet Policy: Can You Bring Your Pet Onboard?

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Does Amtrak Allow Pets To Travel?

Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or a weekend getaway, traveling with your pet can be a great way to bond and make memories. But what if you don’t have a car? Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, offers pet-friendly travel options for both dogs and cats.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Amtrak’s pet policy, including the types of pets allowed, the cost of travel, and the restrictions in place. We’ll also provide tips for traveling with your pet on Amtrak, so you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free journey.

Pet Type Allowed? Notes
Dogs Yes Small dogs must be in a carrier, large dogs must be leashed and muzzled.
Cats Yes Cats must be in a carrier.
Other Pets No Only dogs and cats are allowed on Amtrak trains.

Amtrak Pet Policy

What animals are allowed on Amtrak?

Amtrak allows dogs, cats, and household birds to travel on its trains. However, there are some restrictions on the type of animals that are allowed and the size and weight of the animals.

What are the size and weight restrictions for pets?

Dogs and cats must be able to fit in a carrier that is no larger than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 10 inches high. The carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin. Household birds must be in a cage that is no larger than 24 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 10 inches high. The cage must be stowed in an overhead bin.

What are the requirements for transporting service animals?

Service animals are allowed to travel on Amtrak trains without any restrictions. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times.

What are the fees for transporting pets?

There is a $25 fee for each pet that travels on Amtrak. The fee is waived for service animals.

How to Travel with Your Pet on Amtrak

How to book a ticket for your pet

When you book a ticket for your pet, you will need to provide the following information:

  • The type of animal
  • The size and weight of the animal
  • The type of carrier you will be using
  • The date and time of your trip
  • The departure and arrival stations

You can book a ticket for your pet online, by phone, or at the Amtrak station.

How to prepare your pet for travel

There are a few things you can do to prepare your pet for travel on Amtrak:

  • Start by getting your pet used to the carrier. Let your pet spend time in the carrier at home so that they are comfortable being in it.
  • Make sure your pet has a current rabies vaccination.
  • Bring along food and water for your pet.
  • Bring along a leash and collar in case your pet gets out of the carrier.
  • Bring along a blanket or towel for your pet to sleep on.
  • Bring along a toy for your pet to play with.

What to do during your journey

Once you are on your journey, there are a few things you can do to make sure your pet is comfortable:

  • Keep your pet in the carrier at all times.
  • Offer your pet food and water regularly.
  • Take your pet outside to relieve themselves as often as needed.
  • Play with your pet to keep them entertained.
  • Be patient with your pet. They may be stressed or anxious about the journey.

What to do if your pet gets lost or injured

If your pet gets lost or injured during your journey, there are a few things you can do:

  • If your pet gets lost, contact the Amtrak station where you boarded your train.
  • If your pet gets injured, contact the Amtrak conductor or train manager.
  • You can also file a lost or injured pet report online.

Amtrak will do everything they can to help you find your pet or get them the medical attention they need.

Traveling with your pet on Amtrak can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can make sure that your pet is comfortable and safe during your journey.

Does Amtrak Allow Pets To Travel?

Yes, Amtrak allows pets to travel on its trains. However, there are some restrictions and requirements that you need to be aware of before you bring your pet on board.

3. Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling with Pets on Amtrak

Can I bring my pet on the train with me?

Yes, you can bring your pet on the train with you, as long as it meets the following requirements:

  • Your pet must be a cat or dog.
  • Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old.
  • Your pet must be current on all of its vaccinations.
  • Your pet must be properly licensed and/or microchipped.
  • Your pet must be well-behaved and under your control at all times.

What if my pet is too big to travel in the cabin?

If your pet is too big to travel in the cabin, you can still bring it on the train with you, but it will need to travel in the baggage car. Pets that travel in the baggage car must be in a carrier that is at least 24 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 12 inches high. The carrier must be sturdy and well-ventilated, and it must have a secure door that your pet cannot open.

What if my pet is disruptive during the journey?

If your pet is disruptive during the journey, you may be asked to remove it from the train. Pets that are disruptive include pets that bark excessively, growl at other passengers, or try to escape from their carriers.

What if my pet gets sick or injured?

If your pet gets sick or injured during the journey, you should contact the Amtrak conductor immediately. The conductor will be able to help you find a veterinarian or animal hospital near your destination.

4. Resources for Traveling with Pets on Amtrak

  • Amtrak pet policy page: https://www.amtrak.com/pet-policy
  • Amtrak pet travel tips: https://www.amtrak.com/pet-travel-tips
  • Amtrak pet FAQs: https://www.amtrak.com/pet-faqs

Amtrak allows pets to travel on its trains, but there are some restrictions and requirements that you need to be aware of before you bring your pet on board. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your pet has a safe and enjoyable journey.

Does Amtrak allow pets to travel?

Yes, Amtrak allows pets to travel on most of its trains. However, there are some restrictions on the type of pets that are allowed and the size of the pet carrier.

What type of pets are allowed on Amtrak trains?

Amtrak allows dogs, cats, and household birds to travel on its trains. However, other types of pets, such as reptiles, amphibians, and rodents, are not allowed.

What is the size limit for pet carriers?

Pet carriers must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. The maximum size for a pet carrier is 19 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 10 inches high.

**How much does it cost to bring a pet on an Amtrak train?

The cost to bring a pet on an Amtrak train is $25 per pet, per trip.

What are the other restrictions on bringing pets on Amtrak trains?

In addition to the size and weight restrictions, there are a few other restrictions on bringing pets on Amtrak trains. Pets must be:

  • At least 8 weeks old
  • Licensed and vaccinated
  • Well-behaved
  • In a carrier at all times

Can I bring my pet on a sleeper car?

Yes, you can bring your pet on a sleeper car. However, pets are not allowed in the sleeping compartments. They must stay in the carrier in the lower level of the sleeper car.

What if my pet gets sick or injured during my trip?

If your pet gets sick or injured during your trip, you can contact the Amtrak conductor or station manager. They will be able to help you find a veterinarian or animal hospital.

Do I need to show my pet’s vaccination records when I board the train?

Yes, you will need to show your pet’s vaccination records when you board the train. The vaccination records must show that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies, distemper, and parvovirus.

What if I have a service animal?

Service animals are allowed to travel on Amtrak trains without any restrictions. Service animals must be:

  • Identified by a harness, leash, or other means
  • Under the control of the person with a disability

For more information on Amtrak’s pet policy, please visit the Amtrak website.

Amtrak does allow pets to travel on its trains, but there are some restrictions. Pets must be in a carrier that is 20 inches or less on all sides and can fit under the seat in front of you. The carrier must be stowed during the entire trip. Pets are not allowed in sleeping cars or in the dining car. There is a $25 fee per pet for each leg of the journey. Amtrak also offers a pet relief area at select stations.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • Amtrak allows pets to travel on its trains, but there are some restrictions.
  • Pets must be in a carrier that is 20 inches or less on all sides and can fit under the seat in front of you.
  • The carrier must be stowed during the entire trip.
  • Pets are not allowed in sleeping cars or in the dining car.
  • There is a $25 fee per pet for each leg of the journey.
  • Amtrak also offers a pet relief area at select stations.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.