Most trains allow dogs, but the rules depend on the railroad and your dog's size
Whether you can bring your dog on a train depends on which railroad you're traveling with and how large your dog is. Most major U.S. railroads — Amtrak, commuter rail systems, and regional carriers — do permit dogs, but they have different rules about where your dog sits, what you pay, and whether your dog needs to be in a carrier or on a leash.
Small dogs (usually under 20 pounds) are almost always allowed in a carrier or on a leash. Large dogs are often restricted to certain routes or may not be allowed at all on some trains. Service dogs are treated separately and have different rules than pet dogs. Before you book, you need to check the specific railroad's pet policy, because the rules are not the same across all carriers.
Key Takeaways
- Amtrak allows dogs on most routes for a flat fee (typically $25 to $35 per trip), but only in a carrier or on a leash in designated areas.
- Commuter rail systems like MARC, LIRR, and Caltrain have their own pet policies — some allow dogs free during off-peak hours, others charge a fee or restrict dogs to certain cars.
- Service dogs are exempt from pet fees and size restrictions on all railroads and do not need to be in a carrier.
- You will need to book in advance on some railroads if you are traveling with a dog, because pet spaces are limited.
- Your dog must have a collar with ID and current vaccination records in case you are asked to show proof.
Amtrak's pet policy and how to book
Amtrak allows one dog per passenger on most long-distance and regional routes. Your dog must be in a carrier, crate, or on a leash at all times, and you will be charged a pet fee of $25 per pet, per trip (a trip is a one-way journey, so a round trip costs $50). The fee is non-refundable even if you cancel your reservation.
You must tell Amtrak when you book that you are traveling with a dog. You cannot add a pet to an existing reservation online — you have to call Amtrak's reservations line at 1-800-872-7245 or book through an Amtrak ticket agent. Pet spaces are limited, so booking early is important, especially during peak travel seasons.
Your dog will travel with you in the coach or sleeping car you book. You cannot leave your dog unattended in a sleeping car, and your dog cannot occupy a seat by itself. On some routes, Amtrak designates specific cars or areas where pets are permitted, so ask when you book which car your reservation will be in.
Commuter rail rules vary by system and region
Commuter railroads have different pet policies depending on the system. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) allows dogs in carriers or on leashes, free during off-peak hours (after 10 a.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends), but charges a pet fare during peak hours. The Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train allows dogs in carriers on all trains at no charge. Caltrain (San Francisco Bay Area) allows dogs in carriers or on leashes for free.
The Northeast Regional Rail Association, which runs systems like the MBTA in Boston and NJ Transit in New Jersey, has its own rules — most allow dogs in carriers or on leashes, often for free or a small fee. Before you travel, check your specific commuter rail system's website or call their customer service line, because policies change and vary by route.
Some commuter systems restrict dogs to certain cars or require you to stand rather than sit in a seat with your dog. A few systems do not allow dogs at all during certain hours or on certain routes. Call ahead to confirm, especially if you are traveling during rush hour or on a weekend when trains are crowded.
Service dogs are treated differently than pet dogs
A service dog is a dog trained to perform a specific task for a person with a disability — such as guiding someone who is blind, alerting someone to a seizure, or retrieving items for someone in a wheelchair. Service dogs are not pets and are not subject to pet fees, size restrictions, or carrier requirements on any railroad.
Service dogs must be under control at all times (on a leash or harness) and must be housebroken. You may be asked to show documentation that your dog is a service dog, though the railroad cannot require a specific form or certification. An ID card, letter from your doctor, or vest identifying your dog as a service dog is usually sufficient.
Emotional support animals (ESAs) and therapy dogs are not the same as service dogs and do not have the same rights on trains. ESAs are not trained to perform a task and are treated as pets under railroad policy. If you have an ESA, you will need to follow the pet policy of the railroad you are using.
What to bring and how to prepare your dog
Bring your dog's collar with an ID tag that has your name and phone number. If your dog gets loose or separated from you during travel, the ID tag is the fastest way for someone to contact you. You should also carry a recent photo of your dog on your phone in case you need to describe your dog to railroad staff.
Bring water and a collapsible bowl so your dog can drink during the trip. Trains do not always have long stops, and your dog may become thirsty, especially on longer journeys. Pack any medications your dog takes, along with food if your dog eats at specific times. Bring waste bags and plan to clean up when ready if your dog has an accident.
If your dog is anxious or has never traveled by train, take a short trip first to see how your dog reacts to the noise, motion, and crowds. Some dogs become stressed in enclosed spaces or around strangers. If your dog is very anxious, talk to your veterinarian about whether sedation or calming supplements might help before your trip.
Regional and private railroads have their own rules
Some regional and scenic railroads have different pet policies than Amtrak or commuter systems. The Alaska Railroad allows dogs in carriers on most routes. The Rocky Mountaineer (which runs in Canada) does not allow pets. The Glacier Park Inc. train in Montana allows dogs on leashes in certain cars. Before you book a ticket on any railroad other than Amtrak or your local commuter system, check that railroad's website or call their reservations line to ask about their pet policy.
Private excursion trains, dinner trains, and heritage railways often have stricter rules because they are smaller and have less space. Many do not allow dogs at all, or only allow service dogs. If you are planning to travel on a specialty train, assume dogs are not allowed unless the website explicitly says they are.
What happens if your dog causes a problem on the train
If your dog barks excessively, bites, or has an accident that you do not clean up, the railroad staff can ask you to leave the train at the next stop. You will not receive a refund for your ticket or your pet fee. Your dog could also be banned from future travel on that railroad. Keep your dog calm, on a leash or in a carrier, and clean up any messes when ready to avoid problems.
If your dog injures another passenger or another animal, you may be liable for medical bills or damages. Make sure your dog is vaccinated and well-behaved around strangers before you travel. If your dog has a history of aggression, do not bring your dog on a train — the risk to other passengers and to your dog is too high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog sit in a seat next to me on the train?
No. On Amtrak and most commuter systems, your dog must be in a carrier, crate, or on a leash on the floor or in your lap. Your dog cannot occupy a seat by itself. If your dog is large and cannot fit in your lap, your dog must be on a leash at your feet or in a carrier under the seat in front of you.
What if my dog has an accident on the train?
Clean it up when ready with the waste bags you brought. Tell a crew member what happened so they can note it. If you do not clean it up, the railroad may charge you a cleaning fee and could ban your dog from future travel. Some railroads have designated relief areas at stations where you can take your dog during longer stops.
Can I bring my dog in a soft-sided carrier instead of a hard crate?
Yes. Most railroads accept soft-sided carriers as long as your dog fits inside and the carrier is find. The carrier must be able to close or zip so your dog cannot escape. Check with the specific railroad before you travel to confirm their carrier requirements.
Do I need a health certificate or vaccination records for my dog to travel on a train?
Railroads do not typically require health certificates for domestic travel. However, you should carry proof of your dog's current rabies vaccination in case you are asked. If you are traveling across state lines, some states may have entry requirements for dogs, so check the destination state's rules before you travel.
What if the train is very crowded — can I still bring my dog?
Yes, but your dog must remain in a carrier or on a short leash to avoid blocking aisles or disturbing other passengers. If the train is extremely crowded and your dog cannot fit safely, you may want to reschedule your trip. Call the railroad ahead of time if you are concerned about space.