Amtrak: pets on the train

Where the pet travels

In a closed carrier under your own seat (not under the seat in front of you; on Amtrak Cascades the carrier may stand on the floor in front of the seat next to you). Allowed in Coach and Acela Business; not in Acela First, First Class private rooms, non-Acela Business, food service cars or other accommodations; on Keystone and Pennsylvanian not in the Quiet Car; not in station lounges or First Class waiting areas. On some routes, including Amtrak Cascades and Hiawatha, a specific Coach car is designated for pets.

Carrier

A pet carrier is required, provided by the owner: hard or soft sided but leak proof and well ventilated; only one pet per carrier; maximum size 19" long × 14" wide × 10.5" high. The pet must be able to sit and lie down without touching the sides of the carrier. The carrier counts as one piece of carry-on baggage.

Weight

20 lb (about 9.1 kg) — combined weight of pet and carrier.

Trip duration

Only on trips up to 7 hours on most routes (some restrictions apply). Reservations with pets are limited to seven hours total travel time, including transfer time between trains on multiple-segment trips.

Which animals

Dogs and cats only.

Fee

The pet fee is assessed for each travel segment, varies by route and is shown in the price summary at the time of reservation. The page does not state an amount.

Source: the Amtrak page.

Booking and notice

A pet reservation is required, also on unreserved trains; it is only valid for the date on your ticket and is less flexible than a standard ticket. Pets cannot be booked with multi-ride tickets, Amtrak Connection services or with unaccompanied minors. Sign the Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement for each travel segment before travel; check in at the ticket office 45 minutes before departure (staffed stations).

Where it applies

Not available: the Canada services Adirondack, Maple Leaf and Amtrak Cascades; Auto Train, Gold Runner, Amtrak Connection. Other state-supported routes may have rules of their own; not covered here.

Also good to know

Minimum age eight weeks; the pet must be odorless, harmless, not disruptive and require no attention during travel. Amtrak may refuse or remove pets. By signing at check-in the owner certifies that the pet is up to date on all vaccinations. Amtrak does not ship pets or carry them as checked baggage. Service animals are not considered pets and are welcome on all Amtrak services.