Everything You Need To Know About Traveling With Your Pet By Train

For many people around the world, having a pet is one of life's greatest joys, and over half of the households in the United States have at least one pet. For those who want to enjoy stress free travel with their pet, trains could be a wonderful choice. If you're someone who considers your pet part of the family, leaving them behind when you embark on a vacation can be really challenging — but when you choose to travel via train, you might not have to. With Amtrak's pet friendly policies you won't have to worry about finding  someone to watch your four-legged friend, or paying a small fortune for an in-home pet sitter or kennel while you're away. 

Taking your pet along on an adventure can be a wonderful experience, leaving you with life-long memories to cherish. There are plenty of destinations in the United States where dog lovers will absolutely thrive, but unfortunately, traveling long distances with your pet can be challenging. Luckily, Amtrak — a major American passenger train service with routes to some of the most epic destinations all over the country — allows pets to travel with you with a few restrictions. The process of traveling by train is often much simpler and less stressful than traveling by plane or driving your own vehicle. Boarding a train is a much faster process, and trains often make short stops along the way that last long enough for pet owners to hop off if their dog has to use the bathroom. Planning your trip may take a little extra effort, but taking the train makes traveling with pets easier than ever. 

Amtrak trains are happy to accommodate you if you're interested in vacationing with your pet, but there are some restrictions – just like when you travel by plane. Pets can only travel on the train for trips under seven hours long, including layovers. Only cats and dogs are allowed to board the trains. Any other types of pets will not be permitted, even if they otherwise fit the requirements. Unfortunately, common household pets like rabbits, snakes, turtles, and birds will not be allowed to join you on your Amtrak journey. There are currently no exceptions.

Dogs and cats have to weigh under 20 pounds. The weight of your pet and their approved carrier can not exceed the weight limit. French bulldogs or terriers, for example, are a few breeds that usually weigh around 20 pounds. Unfortunately, that means popular large breeds like retrievers, doodles, and shepherds will have to stay at home if you're taking the train.All pets boarding Amtrak trains must be older than 8 weeks. There are no breed restrictions, but they must be "odorless, harmless, not disruptive, and require no attention during travel," according to Amtrak's website. Service animals are permitted, but emotional support animals who are not trained to perform a specific task are not, according to the Amtrak website.

In order to travel with your pet you will need to fill out a Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement for each segment of your trip. You'll find the form at the end of the reservation process. You will also need to check in about 45 minutes before your train's departure so station personnel can verify your paperwork and check to make sure your pet fits the requirements. Conductors on board may also ask to verify your pet. Only a certain number of animals are allowed on some trains, so it's a good idea to make your reservation for you and your pet well in advance. The available spots for pets are first come, first served.

Reservations are required and each person can only bring one pet. You'll be permitted to travel in either Coach Class or Acela Business Class, but will not be allowed in Acela First Class, Private Rooms, or non-Acela Business Class. Pets are not allowed in cars that serve food for hygiene and allergy purposes. If you're connecting between other public transit or commuter railroads, you should check their pet policy ahead of time. 

The number of pets permitted varies between certain trains. According to a spokesperson from Amtrak, "space does vary based on the train being booked." If the trains are partially paid for by certain states, the number of pets allowed on the train will be determined by the state's Department of Transportation. Most state funded Amtrak trains do allow pets, but some may allow as many as eight pets on board, while others may only allow one. 

On Northeast Regional Services, Acela Services, and New York Empire Services up to eight pets are allowed. California's Capitol Corridor Service allows up to six pets. Amtrak's Long Distance Trains, Washington State and Oregon's Cascade Service, California's Pacific Surfliner Service, Texas and Oklahoma's Heartland Flyer, and Amtrak's Midwest Service all permit up to five pets on board. These numbers apply to fully equipped trains and, according to Amtrak, are subject to change based on the equipment. The Auto Train, San Joaquins, or Thruway Connecting Services do not permit pets on board, and traveling with pets to Canada is not permitted on Adirondack, Maple Leaf, or Amtrak Cascades.

In addition to the size requirements, pets must remain inside an approved carrier for the duration of the trip, which includes the time you spend in a train station, and you have to keep your pet with you at all times. Your pet carrier will count as your carry on bag. Pets are not able to be checked as baggage on any Amtrak route. You will need to pay a fee that ranges from $29 to $39 for the pet container, which may be soft or hard sided. It must have adequate ventilation and be waterproof in case your pet has an accident on the train. Your pet carrier can not exceed 19 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 10.5 inches high and there must be enough room within for your pet to sit down, lay down fully, and stand without touching the sides of the carrier. 

Once you board the train, you will place your pet (in their approved carrier) underneath your seat. Unlike airplanes, the space underneath the seat in front of you is not where you will stow your baggage. Use your own seat on the train instead.

The rules for traveling by train with animals are much stricter in the United States than they are in other parts of the world, so when traveling internationally with your pet you're in luck. Both large and small breeds of dogs are permitted on many trains throughout Europe, sometimes without any additional cost for passengers.

In France, small dogs are permitted to travel with you in a "bag or basket" for around $7. Large dogs are permitted to ride with you as well, but you'll have to buy a discount. The discount for a large dog is generally 50% off the cost for a human ticket. Large dogs must be muzzled and leashed at all times. You can't purchase their tickets online — you'll need to call the station or buy it in person instead. Each passenger may bring two dogs. In Germany, there is no extra fee for small dogs. Specific seats cannot be reserved ahead of time for large dogs, but may be purchased at 50%. Tickets purchased for dogs will be mailed and cannot be printed.

In the United Kingdom, traveling with any size dog is free and available for all passengers as long as they are well behaved and don't create a disturbance. They cannot sit in seats, and must remain on a leash at all times. Only service animals are allowed in the dining cars. You can also travel with most other species of small animals as long as they don't create a disturbance. The limit is two pets per passenger. Many countries in Europe follow similar protocols when it comes to traveling with pets, but check the rules for each individual country ahead of time to be sure. The Rail Europe website is an excellent resource for planning your travel with pets.