It can be hard to leave your furry friend behind when you travel. You know the deal when it comes to flying with a pet, but can you bring your dog on Amtrak? Riding the rails is becoming more popular as travelers seek to avoid the hassle of flying, and Amtrak does allow pets to ride along with you — with restrictions.
Amtrak welcomes small dogs and cats (sorry, no parrots, snakes, fish, lizards, hamsters or any other companion critters) in a carrier, and the combined weight of the pet and the carrier must be under 20 pounds. So all you Doodle, Lab, Boxer and Dane people are out of luck. But if you have a petite pup, you can bring them along, for a small fee.
Pets are welcome on most routes that are up to seven hours. Your pet must be at least eight weeks old, up to date on all vaccinations and non-disruptive—meaning, not the barky or hissy type. Here’s the catch, though: the total number of animals allowed on a train is five, so you’ll need to make a reservation well in advance to snag a spot.
To reserve a ticket for you and your pet, go to Amtrak.com. You’ll have the option to add a pet to your reservation. Depending on the route, fees range from $30 to $40 per pet. You’ll have to read and sign a Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement before getting to the station. A few rules to note about traveling with your dog or cat on Amtrak: your pet carrier counts as a piece of luggage and must be placed under your seat (not in front of you). Your pet must stay in the carrier at all times. Pets are welcome in Coach class only. Some routes have designated pet cars, but on other routes, you can ride in any coach car.
For more information about riding the rails with your furry friend, go to amtrak.com/pets.