Unlike Asia and Europe, Americans don’t take trains too much, averaging only 10 million passengers annually. Compare that figure to India’s 8 billion. However, we rack up the distance with over 2.2 billion passenger kilometers. Amtrak offers plenty of opportunities to travel with 21,000 route miles in 46 states and the District of Columbia. With that said, you may be curious: Can dogs ride on Amtrak?

The answer is yes. Yet, the company has a lengthy list of conditions you must meet. They also reserve the right to refuse passage for animals that don’t meet their terms.

Traveling With Your Dog on a Train

For this post, we’re going to focus specifically on Amtrak. We’ll begin with the strictest regulation, which is certainly a deal-breaker for anyone wanting to travel with their dog. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and no more than 20 pounds, including the weight of the carrier. If you’ve ever ridden on Amtrak, you get it—there’s not much space to maneuver. Remember that many people take carry-ons with them, taking up a lot of room.

The other glaring condition is the 7-hour travel limit. That cuts out many routes and puts some on the edge, like going from Minneapolis-St. Paul to Chicago, for example. Another thing to consider is that you can only book a coach seat; you can’t take your pup in the lounge or dining cars. You also can’t let them ride in first-class private rooms. Your dog must remain in their carrier under your seat, not the one in front of you.

One of the curious conditions on Amtrak’s website is that your pet must be “…odorless, harmless, not disruptive, and require no attention during travel.” Most of that information seems like common sense. The bit about being odorless had us scratching our heads. However, we suppose it’s best to give your dog a back before your departure to ensure they don’t stink up the train.

The other consideration is pit stops. For example, the aforementioned Minneapolis-St. Paul-Chicago line has only two fresh-air breaks, as the staff refers to them. One is about 2 hours into the trip, and the other is at your destination. That’s a long time for a young pup to be stuck in a carrier. Amtrak also has specific rules for different lines.

Amtrak also charges a fee. It’s reasonable, running under $50. That puts it in line with what hotels ask for when accommodating a pet. You must complete a Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement for each travel segment. An agent must validate your pup’s eligibility to travel. Amtrak suggests arriving 45 minutes before your departure to complete this process. The exception to the rule is service animals.

Service Animals

Amtrak, by federal law, cannot refuse service animals. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines them as “…dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” Because of this distinction, you can take your pup to any place you can go. Things changed on December 2, 2020, when the US Department of Transportation updated its Air Carrier Access Act.

Before that date, emotional support animals were included in this definition. Afterward, the airlines could decide how they managed this condition. Like many airlines, Amtrak followed suit and considers emotional support animals subject to their pet guidelines, not service animals. The company is quite specific about these rules, excluding police and search-and-rescue dogs.

Commuter Trains

A review of several commuter and local lines found that most will accept pets on board if they follow similar guidelines to those that Amtrak has for carriers. They require carriers to be no more than 19 inches long x 14 inches wide x 10.5 inches high. You can’t block the aisle or take up another seat on the train. Some, like Chicago’s METRA, only allow them during certain hours. They aren’t permitted during special events.

We strongly urge you to contact the company before you travel to avoid being refused passage at the last minute because of similar rules.

Travel Tips

Undoubtedly, train travel will be stressful for your pet. The ride isn’t always the smoothest and has frequent stops. It can also be a long trip for animals not used to being confined. Ensure that your pet is up to the demands before booking a ticket. The other concern is motion sickness. We suggest discussing options with your vet. Only give your dog a small meal before you travel.

While Amtrak doesn’t require proof of vaccinations, some commuter lines do. You must also consider your destination and accommodations. Some hotels may request this information. We suggest getting a copy of your pet’s records. Include any information about your dog’s vaccinations and microchip, if applicable. Some areas may require a vet-signed health certificate.

Make sure to pack your pup’s doggie travel bag with the things your pet will need, including the following:

If possible, walk your dog before getting on the train to tire out your pet. Sleeping on the train will likely be less stressful than lying awake. It’ll also give you peace of mind if your pooch is more comfortable. Some trains have a designated pet-friendly car for passengers traveling with their animal companions. If not, find a seat that is quiet and not right by a connecting door or the restroom.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with your canine companion is an exciting venture. It’s also good for your pet to get some welcome enrichment and mental stimulation. While you can take your pup on a train, many restrictions exist. The most common one is confinement in a carrier. Trains aren’t spacious, making room to move at a premium.

Rules and regulations often change. We recommend you verify the carrier’s policy before booking your trip. Don’t forget to check with your hotel or other accommodations. A simple phone call can save you a lot of unnecessary hassle.

• See also: What Are Dog Transportation Services? Types, Uses, Pros & Cons

Featured Image Credit: Gutesa, Shutterstock