Amtrak permits small dogs and cats onboard with specific size, carrier, and route restrictions.
Understanding Amtrak’s Pet Policy: The Basics
Amtrak allows passengers to travel with their dogs and cats, but the rules are quite specific. Only small pets are permitted, and they must remain in an approved carrier throughout the journey. This policy ensures the comfort and safety of all passengers while accommodating pet owners who want to bring their furry friends along.
The pet must weigh no more than 20 pounds combined with its carrier. The carrier itself must fit under the seat in front of you, which means it cannot exceed 19″ long x 14″ wide x 10.5″ high. These size restrictions help maintain a smooth experience for everyone on board.
Pets are allowed on certain routes only, primarily those operating in the Northeast Corridor between Washington D.C. and Boston. This limitation is due to logistical challenges on longer or overnight trips where pets could be left unattended for extended periods.
Travelers must reserve a spot for their pet in advance because Amtrak limits the number of animals per train to ensure manageable conditions. The current policy allows up to two pets per passenger but a maximum of five pets per train car.
Booking Your Pet’s Spot: What You Need to Know
Booking a ticket for your dog isn’t as simple as purchasing your own ticket online or at the station. You need to notify Amtrak about your pet when making your reservation. This can be done either online or by calling Amtrak customer service directly.
The fee for traveling with a pet is $26 each way, which is charged in addition to your ticket price. This fee covers cleaning and any additional services required to accommodate animals onboard.
Once your reservation is confirmed, you’ll receive instructions on how to prepare your pet for travel. It’s essential that the pet remains inside its carrier at all times during the trip, including when boarding and disembarking.
Important Tips for Booking
- Reserve early since space for pets is limited.
- Have your pet’s vaccination records handy if requested.
- Confirm that your route allows pets before booking.
Carrier Requirements and Recommendations
The carrier is more than just a container; it’s your pet’s home during travel. Amtrak requires that carriers be leak-proof and well-ventilated to keep pets comfortable and safe.
Soft-sided carriers are preferred because they can fit more easily under seats compared to hard plastic crates. However, some hard carriers that meet size requirements may also be acceptable.
Make sure the carrier has secure closures so your dog cannot escape during boarding or while moving through stations. Padding inside helps cushion bumps during travel.
If you plan multiple trips or longer rides, consider carriers with extra pockets for storing treats, water bowls, or waste bags.
Recommended Carrier Features
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Size Compliance | Must fit under seat (19″x14″x10.5″) | Ensures safe stowage without blocking aisles |
| Ventilation Panels | Mesh sides or top panels | Keeps air circulating for pet comfort |
| Leak-Proof Bottom | Water-resistant base material | Prevents spills from damaging train interior |
| Secure Zippers/Closures | Tight locking mechanisms on openings | Keeps pet safely contained throughout trip |
The Rules During Your Journey: What To Expect Onboard
Once aboard the train, your dog must stay inside its carrier at all times except during brief moments when you’re boarding or exiting the train. Pets are not allowed in dining cars or other restricted areas.
You should place the carrier under the seat in front of you, ensuring it doesn’t block aisles or emergency exits. Train staff may ask you to adjust placement if necessary.
Keep an eye on your dog’s comfort—bring familiar blankets or toys inside the carrier to reduce anxiety. Avoid feeding large meals right before travel; small treats and water are best during transit.
Amtrak staff are trained to assist with questions about traveling with pets but won’t provide direct care for animals onboard.
Amenities and Considerations Onboard:
- No outdoor potty breaks: Pets cannot leave the train during stops.
- No service animals confusion: Service animals have different rules—they don’t need carriers.
- No unattended pets: Leaving pets alone on board is prohibited.
The Routes That Welcome Dogs: Where Can You Take Your Pet?
Amtrak limits pet travel mostly to short-distance routes within dense urban corridors where travel time is less than seven hours. The most common route allowing pets is along the Northeast Corridor (NEC), including stops like Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston.
Pets are not allowed on long-distance trains such as those traveling westward toward Chicago or California due to logistical challenges like overnight travel without access to outdoor breaks.
Here are some popular routes where dogs can ride:
- Northeast Regional (Washington D.C.–Boston)
- Acelas (limited pet spots)
- Cascades (Pacific Northwest regional)
- NJ Transit connection segments (when linked with Amtrak)
If you plan a multi-leg journey involving non-pet-friendly segments, you’ll need alternative arrangements for those legs.
Route Restrictions Summary Table:
| Route Name | Status for Pets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Regional | Allowed | Main corridor; frequent service; max trip ~7 hours. |
| Acelas Express | Allowed (limited) | Slightly higher fare; fewer pet spots available. |
| Cascades (Pacific NW) | Allowed on select trains only. | Pocket-friendly regional option. |
| Long-Distance Trains (e.g., California Zephyr) | Not Allowed | No overnight pets; no outdoor breaks possible. |
The Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Pay Traveling With Your Dog on Amtrak
Traveling with a dog on Amtrak isn’t free—there’s a flat fee per trip segment charged alongside your ticket price. Here’s what you should expect financially:
- $26 fee each way per pet.
This fee applies regardless of distance traveled within eligible routes. That means whether you’re going from New York City to Philadelphia or Boston to Washington D.C., it remains $26 one-way per animal.
If traveling with two dogs (the maximum allowed per passenger), expect double this fee at $52 each way.
Note that service animals accompanying passengers do not incur any fees and have separate accommodations under ADA regulations.
The Complete Price Table For Pets Onboard:
| # of Pets Per Passenger | $ Fee Each Way Per Pet | Total Cost Example (Round Trip) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Pet | $26 | $52 (round trip) |
| 2 Pets | $26 each | $104 (round trip) |
Packing Smart: What To Bring For Your Dog On Amtrak Trips?
Packing right can make all the difference when traveling by train with dogs. Since your furry friend will spend hours confined in a carrier, comfort items are essential:
- A familiar blanket or towel inside the carrier helps reduce anxiety.
- A favorite chew toy distracts from noise and movement.
- A collapsible water bowl ensures hydration without spills.
- Tiny treats keep morale high but avoid overfeeding before departure.
- Poo bags and cleaning wipes handle any accidents quickly.
Don’t forget leash and harness for quick control during boarding/unloading stops—even though pets stay in carriers most of the time, having these ready prevents last-minute scrambling.
Also consider calming sprays or pheromone collars if your dog tends toward nervousness in new environments—but always consult your vet first before use.
Navigating Challenges While Traveling With Dogs On Amtrak Trains
While bringing dogs onboard seems straightforward after reading guidelines, real-world travel sometimes throws curveballs:
- Your dog might get stressed by noise or crowds—train stations can be hectic places full of unfamiliar sounds and faces.
- The confined space under seats can feel cramped especially if your pup isn’t used to being enclosed long periods.
- If there’s no direct food/water access inside carriers, keeping them hydrated becomes tricky without opening doors mid-trip—which isn’t allowed.
Patience goes a long way here—plan ahead by acclimating pets gradually to carriers before departure day so they associate it with safety rather than confinement alone.
If possible, pick off-peak times when trains tend to be less crowded reducing overall stress levels around you both during boarding and travel itself.
Service animals have distinct rights compared to regular pets under federal law including ADA protections that allow them free passage without carriers or fees aboard trains nationwide.
Unlike typical dogs traveling as “pets,” service animals accompany disabled passengers providing essential assistance like guiding visually impaired travelers or alerting those with medical conditions.
Because they don’t need confinement in carriers nor count toward passenger limits for animals onboard—they ride freely even on long-distance routes where regular pets aren’t permitted.
It’s important not to confuse emotional support animals (ESAs) with service animals—ESAs currently do not have guaranteed access rights on Amtrak trains unless classified as service animals by law enforcement standards.
Key Takeaways: Does Amtrak Allow Dogs?
➤ Amtrak permits small dogs on certain routes only.
➤ Pets must be in a carrier no larger than 19″x14″x10″.
➤ Only two pets per passenger are allowed onboard.
➤ A non-refundable pet fee applies per trip segment.
➤ Service animals are exempt from pet policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amtrak Allow Dogs on All Routes?
Amtrak permits dogs only on specific routes, mainly within the Northeast Corridor between Washington D.C. and Boston. Pets are not allowed on longer or overnight trips due to logistical challenges and the need to avoid leaving animals unattended for extended periods.
What Are the Size Restrictions for Dogs Allowed on Amtrak?
Only small dogs weighing up to 20 pounds combined with their carrier are allowed. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you, with maximum dimensions of 19″ long x 14″ wide x 10.5″ high, ensuring comfort and safety for all passengers.
How Do I Book a Spot for My Dog on Amtrak?
You must notify Amtrak when making your reservation to secure a spot for your dog. This can be done online or by calling customer service. There is a $26 fee each way, and pet space is limited, so booking early is highly recommended.
What Are the Carrier Requirements for Traveling with Dogs on Amtrak?
Amtrak requires carriers to be leak-proof and well-ventilated. Soft-sided carriers are preferred because they fit better under seats. Your dog must remain inside the carrier at all times during the trip, including boarding and disembarking.
Are There Limits on How Many Dogs Can Travel on Amtrak?
Amtrak allows up to two pets per passenger and a maximum of five pets per train car. These limits help maintain manageable conditions onboard and ensure the comfort of all travelers during the journey.