When planning your next trip within the United States, you might not want to leave your four-legged companion’s home. Fortunately, with many train lines allowing small pets on board, there are alternatives to flying or driving.
Train travel can be less stressful for both pet and owner, with shorter check-in times and the convenience of keeping your pet on your lap for the whole voyage rather than under your seat or in the cargo area.
There’s also the cost issue, with Delta Air Lines and United charging as much as $125 to travel your pet as a carry-on, compared to Amtrak, which charges only $26.
This useful information can assist you in planning your journey and summarizes the pet policies for each train operator, which are provided by individual states.
This information only applies to pets, not legally trained service dogs, governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and allowed to travel “where the public is generally allowed to go.”
Pre-Travel Considerations
When you decide to take your pet on board a train, there are several things to consider to ensure your trusty friend’s safety and that you follow specific rules.
Travel Sickness
Some animals, like people, might experience motion sickness, so it’s best to practice short journeys before embarking on a 7-hour train voyage. Make sure you have plenty of water to keep your pet hydrated, as dehydration can only worsen motion sickness.
Behavior
Because many train operators only allow tiny pets in pet carriers, you’ll need to see how your pet reacts to being inside a cage for extended periods.
Many train companies, including Amtrak, say that pets must not be disruptive. Therefore train travel may not be appropriate if you have a dog who constantly barks in its pet carrier.
Requirements for Health and Documentation
Local railway staff are unlikely to request proof of CVI, but while using Amtrak services, travelers must sign to affirm that their pet is up to date on immunizations.
Most states require a recent Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) to transport a pet across states, indicating that the creature is free of rabies and other contagious diseases. Each state has its own set of restrictions regarding when the certificate must be received before entering the state. However, the most frequent time frame is within 30 days after admission.
Identification of Pets
Although it is not required in the United States, you may consider having your pet microchipped for their safety. If your pet went lost in an unknown location, having a microchip greatly increases the chances of finding them. You should also ensure that they wear a collar with your contact information.
Veterinarian closest to you
Even if you’re planning on a short trip, it’s a good idea to become acquainted with your local veterinarian in case your pet needs emergency care while on the road.
Rest Periods
If you’re on a lengthy train ride, you’ll want to ensure enough rest stops along the way. Check with the train operator/attendant to see if there are any scheduled stops that are longer than a few minutes so that you can relieve your pet in a suitable spot.
Checklist of Eight Principle Things to Consider
- Contact information for the veterinarian.
- Pet carrier that is well-ventilated.
- Leash and collar
- If the journey is cold, bring blankets or a jacket.
- Toys to chew on inside their carrier.
- Snacks, food, and lots of water are all recommended.
- Bowls for food and drinks
- Bags for poop.
Veterinary Inspection Certificate (CVI)
Many Amtrak train travels of 7 hours or fewer allow passengers to bring dogs or cats (up to 20 pounds) onboard. Certain mainline lines and Thruway connecting services do not allow pets (green routes on the above map and detailed by the state in the table below).
Routes for Amtrak Pet Exclusion Routes
Pets are not Permitted on Mainline Routes Listed Below
Lorton, VA (Washington, DC) – Sanford, FL Auto Train (Orlando) Auburn – Sacramento – Emeryville (San Francisco) – Oakland – San Jose Capitol Corridor
Keystone Service areas include New York City, Philadelphia, Paoli, Downingtown, Lancaster, and Harrisburg.
Pacific San Luis Obispo – Santa Barbara – Los Angeles – Anaheim – San Diego Surfliner
New York, Philadelphia, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Altoona, and Pittsburgh are all Pennsylvanian cities.
San Joaquins are grown in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Bakersfield, and Southern California.
Amtrak gives the following instructions and requirements for traveling with your pet:
- Pets must be reserved, with a maximum of 5 pets on each train journey, offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Only one pet is allowed per passenger; they can only travel in coach class, not business or sleeper services.
- Pets must be transported in an adequately ventilated pet carrier, leakproof, and measures no more than 19 x 14 x 10.5 inches.
- The pet’s total weight inside the carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds.
- Pet carriers are carry-on items and must be stored beneath the passenger’s seat.
- Pets must stay inside of the carrier or in stations for the duration of the voyage.
Amtrak Cascades, Blue Water, Carl Sandburg, Hiawatha, Illini, Illinois Zephyr, Lincoln Service, Missouri River Runner, Pere Marquette, Saluki, and Wolverine have pet-specific coaches; for other pet-friendly routes, pets are accepted in any coach car.
Documentation and Health Requirements
- Passengers must sign a Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement for each portion of the voyage.
- Be sure to get to the ticket counter 30 minutes prior to the departure time to complete the pet release form.
- Pets must be 8 weeks or older, unscented, and non-disruptive to other passengers to ride on Amtrak services.
- Passengers will attest that their pet has received all required vaccinations before traveling.
Procedure for Booking
Reservations for pets can be made at Amtrak.com or by calling 800-USA-RAIL, or in person at an Amtrak ticket counter.
Hot Tip: Pets can travel for $26 on Amtrak services.
The Carrier’s and Your Pet’s Weight
Weight limitations apply to Amtrak and several other train companies and are normally the total weight of your pet plus the carrier. If your pet is heavier, you’ll need to select a lightweight, soft carrier that is strong enough to support your pet’s weight.
Size
Finding an appropriate size carrier for your pet is crucial. If it is too big for your pet, it makes it difficult to balance and carry. If it’s too small, your pet will be uncomfortable because there won’t be enough room to stand up or stretch. As a general rule, your pet carrier should be around 1.5 times the size of your pet.
Ventilation
Traveling on a train can sometimes be hot, so choose a pet carrier with mesh sides to promote ventilation and keep your faithful companion cool.
Material
Owners can choose between hard and soft shell pet carriers, which entirely depends on their circumstances and preferences. Hardshell carriers are more durable, offer greater protection, and are easier to clean; soft carriers provide more comfort, are lighter, and are easier to store.
What About Large Animals?
Most train companies rule that only “small pets” may be taken on board; hence larger animals are now unable to travel by train.
Some passengers, however, attempt to circumvent the laws of certain operators, such as the New York Subway. It specifies that “no person shall bring any animal on or into any conveyance or facility unless confined in a container and handled in a manner which would not bother other passengers.”
Words from Bone2Travel
Over the years, there has been an argument about the frequency of pet-related deaths when your pets travel in the air, either in cargo or in the cabin; in fact, we completed a study on the best airlines for pets for that very reason. Traveling by train with your pet might be a more relaxing and safe method of transportation.
Some pets may struggle to breathe due to the increased pressure from an airplane’s altitude. Some airlines have prohibited the transportation of snub-nosed breeds such as pugs and bulldogs in the hold.
If you have a tiny pet and want to travel with it, train travel is the best option because it is both inexpensive and safe. Do you want to learn more about traveling with your four-legged companion? Explore our comprehensive guide on traveling with your pet. Safe and pleasant travel for you and your pet wished to you by Bone2Travel Founders.