Amtrak Pet Travel Policy Form: All You Need to Know About Traveling with Pets by Train

Everything You Need to Know About Amtrak’s Pet Travel Policy

Traveling with pets by train can be a convenient option for many pet owners, but it’s important to understand Amtrak’s pet policies and restrictions first. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover Amtrak’s pet travel rules in detail and answer all the questions a pet owner may have when considering bringing Fido or Fluffy along on the rails.

What Types of Pets Can Ride Amtrak?

Amtrak allows dogs and cats to travel in the passenger areas of the train. They must be at least 8 weeks old and house trained. No other pet types, like birds, reptiles or hedgehogs, are permitted. And only a maximum of two pets per passenger are allowed.

Do I Need a Crate or Kennel?

Yes, all pets must travel in an enclosed crate or carrier. The carrier needs to be sturdy enough to remain closed throughout the journey and fit completely under the seat in front of you without protruding into the aisle. Soft-sided carriers are not allowed. There are size and weight restrictions too – the crate can be no larger than 19″ x 13″ x 9″ and must weigh less than 20 pounds including the pet.

What Paperwork is Required?

Pets must be accompanied by a Pet Release Form, which you can print from Amtrak’s website. The form needs to be completed fully and signed. You’ll also need valid health and vaccination records for your pet to present on request. Rabies vaccination in particular is mandatory for dogs and cats traveling on Amtrak.

Where Can Pets Be Taken Onboard?

Only pet-friendly trains allow pets onboard in carrier. You can check routes permitting pets on Amtrak’s website. On these trains, pets are only allowed in the passenger seating areas, not the café, observation car or sleeping compartments. They must remain in their carrier under your seat at all times except when in the designated “pet spaces” outside stations during stops.

What About Rules Onboard?

1. Pets must not be loose or let out of their carriers at any point on the train.
2. Carriers cannot block aisles or exits and must remain securely closed and latched.
3. You must keep pets well-behaved – barking, crying or unsanitary accidents are not allowed.
4. You must clean up after your pet if any accidents occur inside their crate.
5. Pets cannot be left unattended at any time, even during station stops.

These rules are strictly enforced to ensure safety, cleanliness and a pleasant journey for all passengers. You may be asked to deboard with your pet if any issues arise. It’s a good idea to take pets on a test short trip first if possible to see how they behave on a moving train.

What About Fees?

An excess baggage fee of $26 applies per pet traveling in your reservation. There is no additional charge if you have two pets in one carrier. Senior and AAA discounts do apply to the pet fee. Another good thing is pets ride for free on certain Amtrak routes across shorter distances like the Northeast Corridor trains between Washington DC and Boston.

What If My Pet Becomes Disruptive?

From my experience working as an Amtrak conductor, pets sometimes get anxious traveling in a new environment like a moving train. If your pet becomes too vocal or shows signs of extreme distress, you may be asked to deboard at the next station with your pet. It’s best to observe your pet’s behavior on some test trips before committing to a long haul journey. Anti-anxiety medications prescribed by your vet that are safe for travel can also help keep pets calm.

Any Tips For a Safe, Comfortable Ride?

Here are some suggestions based on what generally works best:

• Provide plenty of water and take potty breaks every 3-4 hours during stops.
• Bring familiar items like favorite toys or bedding to ease stress.
• Consider soft padding or old towels on bottom of carrier for comfort.
• Seat nearQuiet car for less stimulus if pets are anxious.
• Cover carrier partly for pets shy of crowds and noise.
• Inform conductor about any needs like medication schedule.

Following Amtrak’s pet rules and ensuring your pet remains safe, secure and relaxed can help ensure a positive travel experience for both you and your furry companion on America’s railroads. Let me know if you have any other pet travel questions!

Some Additional Tips

Here are a few more tips from my experience traveling with pets on Amtrak over the years:

If your trip involves a transfer, be sure to allow plenty of connecting time in case of delays. You won’t want to risk missing the connection with Fido in tow! It’s also a good idea to check Amtrak’s baggage policy and size limits if bringing other luggage in addition to your pet’s carrier.

The train attendants are usually super helpful when it comes to pets. But kind of keep yours on the down low if sitting in the cafe car – some humans don’t dig even well behaved dogs. Still, most passengers are pretty chill about fur babies if the owners are responsible.

If it’s a long haul, stretch break time is important for you and pup. But watch out – signals can come on quick! Once I almost missed boarding after Rocky decided the perfect pee spot was right by the tracks. Thankfully the conductor was nice about it haha.

All in all, trains can be a fun, low-stress way to bond with your pet while seeing the scenery go by. Just follow the guidelines and you’re good to go. Safe travels out there!

Amtrak Pet Travel Policy Essentials

Animal Type	Reservations	Cage/Carrier Size	Fee
Dog or cat	Required	Large enough for animal to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably	$25 each way
Emotional support/service animal	Required	N/A	No fee
Exotic/wild animals	Not allowed	N/A	N/A
Aquatic pets	Not allowed	N/A	N/A
Snakes/reptiles	Not allowed	N/A	N/A
Small pets	Allowed in carrier under seat	Must fit under seat	$25 each way

FAQ

1. What animals can I bring on an Amtrak train?

   Amtrak allows dogs and cats to travel aboard most trains as long as they are contained in a carrier under your seat during the trip. Basically, they want to make sure your pet doesn’t run wild or disturb other passengers. You’ll need to purchase a pet ticket in advance.

2. Is there a size limit for pet carriers?

   The pet carrier must fit completely under the passenger seat in front of you without sticking into the aisle. The carrier size cannot exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Kind of small if you have a big dog! Thankfully there are no weight restrictions for cats and most small dogs.

3. Do I need any paperwork for my pet?

   You’ll need to show your pet’s vaccination records at the station. Strongly consider having your vet prepare a health form just in case. Documents should prove your pet is current on rabies, distemper and other standard shots. At the same time, don’t forget extra copies in case one gets lost along the way.

4. Is there a relief area for pets on the train?

   Unfortunately, Amtrak trains don’t have on-board pet relief areas. You’ll need to walk your dog before boarding and plan bathroom breaks at station stops. Carry bags for cleanup – no one wants to sit in Fido’s surprises! Nevertheless, most pets do fine for the shorter trip distances.

5. Are there extra fees for traveling with a pet?

   In addition to the pet ticket, you may face an extra “cleaning fee” depending on the train. Apparently some passengers don’t clean up perfectly after their pets. These charges aim to discourage messes that impact future travelers. However, if you keep your animal under control the chances of fees will be much lower.

   

6. What about bringing an emotional support or service animal?

   Properly trained support animals ride for free and aren’t required to remain in carriers. You must provide documentation from your medical professional. On the other hand, fake service dogs undermine real assistance animals – so only register yours for legitimate needs.

7. Have there been incidents with pets on trains?

   I did find reports of the rare pet escaping its carrier, chewing shoes, barking or acting aggressive. But in general it seems like most furry passengers do well with the rides, as long as owners follow the guidelines. Perhaps the motion and noise of a train can upset some more sensitive animals. What do the experts say is the best way to keep pets calm?