Traveling by Amtrak with Your Pet: Everything You Need to Know

A Comprehensive Guide to Traveling with Pets on Amtrak

If you’re planning to take a train trip across the country with your furry companion in tow, Amtrak is generally a pet-friendly option. However, there are some important rules and restrictions to be aware of. In this guide, I’ll provide answers to all the key questions prospective pet owners may have about making reservations, ensuring safety and comfort, and more.

Can I Bring My Pet on Amtrak?

Yes, Amtrak allows most common pets to travel as long as they meet certain criteria. Specifically, dogs and cats are permitted as long as they remain in an enclosed pet carrier or kennel for the duration of the trip. Other small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, potbellied pigs, and birds are also allowed as long as they stay properly contained. However, reptiles, amphibians, insects, rodents and farm animals are prohibited.

What Are the Rules for Pet Carriers?

Pets must travel in an enclosed, leakproof soft-sided or rigid pet carrier. The carrier cannot exceed sizes of 18x14x8 inches for under-seat storage or 21x14x9 inches for services allowing larger carriers. Carriers must be kept at the customer’s feet or on their lap at all times with no exceptions. This is both for the pet’s safety and the comfort of other passengers. No paper or plastic bags, receptacles or baskets are allowed.

How Do I Book Travel for My Pet?

When booking Amtrak tickets online or by phone, you’ll need to indicate that you are traveling with a pet. You’ll be required to purchase a $26 pet fee on all trips, except for pets under 20 pounds traveling on short-distance routes who may travel for $16. No more than two pets are permitted per passenger. Once booked, you’ll receive an e-ticket or call center record confirming your pet’s trip.

What Are the Health Rules for Pets?

All pets must have proof of current rabies vaccination, which can be a certificate from your vet. Pets also need to be at least 8 weeks old on trip date. While boarding, pets must be fed, exercised, and cared for. Any out-of-control or noisy pets may be removed from trips at the conductor’s discretion. To avoid travel stress or illness, consider consulting your vet about medications like anti-anxiety aids or pet-safe calming treats.

Where Can Pets Be Brought Onboard?

For most trains beyond short-distance routes, pets must stay in carriers and cannot be removed except for boarding and disembarking in the station. Use common sense when handling carriers, keep them sealed, and flag them clearly as containing a pet to avoid accidental opening by others. On longer trips, certain trains have designated pet-friendly cars where carriers can be stored in overhead space or under seats. Ask station agents which cars to use.

What About Stops and Layovers?

During station stops, you are allowed to briefly remove leashed pets from carriers to allow exercise and relief provided the pet remains under control. In such cases, be sure to clean up afterwards properly. At layovers over 4 hours, kennels may be available at select staffed stations to provide access to exercise areas. However, pets must never be left unattended or allowed to roam freely on station platforms. Be responsible!

What Should I Bring for My Pet?

Pack plenty of water, food, and supplies for your pet’s needs. Bring their own familiar blankets, toys, and feeding/water dishes if possible. Well-stocked grooming wipes, paper towels, enzyme-based odor and stain removal cleaners are essential for cleanups. Also pack your pet’s leash, collars, licenses or ID tags, medications, medical records and waste bags. Don’t forget your pet’s rabies certificate! Over-prepare better than under-prepare. Comfort comes first.

What About Special Needs?

Pets with special needs may require extra accommodations, so it’s best to notify Amtrak well in advance of travel dates. For instance, service animals should be tagged clearly as seen here. Pets with medical issues will need documentation for items including medications, syringes, IV fluids or special food if allowed onboard for preparation. Approach station agents kindly about unique needs – most are eager to help anxious pets and owners travel stress-free.

How Can I Ensure My Pet’s Comfort?

Though pets love car rides, train travel presents new sights, sounds and vibrations that may alarm them. Take steps to minimize stress – use Anxiety Wrap or Thundershirt vests, calming sprays/wipes, plug-in diffusers or calming music. Prepare them gradually with short practice trips before your big journey. Consider sedative aids but check with your vet. Talk gently and provide favorite toys/treats. Bring pee pads in case of emergencies. Stay calm yourself so pets can feed off your reassurance!

In my experience, taking Amtrak has been a basically decent way for me and my furry friend to travel across the country. When I moved to a new city a few years ago, I had to load Muffins the cat into her carrier on the train. She was sort of anxious at first, but I brought her familiar blankets and toys and she chilled out after a while. I also asked the conductors about where to let her stretch her legs during stops, which was helpful. Basically just be prepared and address any special needs if your pet has them. With the right planning, Amtrak can work pretty smoothly for transporting critters. Is it perfect? Of course not, but it’s an affordable and stress-reducing option compared to flying or driving long distances with an animal.

What About Stations and Connections?

The majority of Amtrak stations are pet-friendly for boarding and disembarking. However, not all connections in large network hubs have accessible platforms. Check station details in advance to plan for potential issues like needing mobility assistance when boarding with carriers. Also note that not every train arriving and departing in close succession will board from an accessible platform for pet travel. Station staff are there to help work through obstacles – be patient yet assertive about inclusion where required.

What About Potty Breaks at Stations?

Depending on the stop duration, it may be possible to take a quick break at some stations for supervised elimination. However, not all stations have pet relief areas. Your best options include –

1. Check Amtrak.com for stations with designated pet walk areas or relief spots near platforms.
2. Inquire at ticket counters or ask station employees kindly for advice on safe spots off station property.
3. Exercise pets before boarding and plan around estimated stop durations to prevent onboard accidents.

Station potty breaks help avoid issues later, but never assume availability. Always be prepared for carrier-only travel with pee pads, paper towels and cleaners in your baggage. Responsible pet ownership and containment is crucial for continued pet acceptance on Amtrak routes.

Taking pets on Amtrak can be enjoyable when done right. Here are a few tips I’ve picked up over the years: It’s important to acclimate your pet before trips through practice car rides. Bring their favorite toys and treats to de-stress them. Ask station staff about relief areas during stops. Use pet wraps or calming treats if needed. Overpack supplies just in case! With some common-sense prep, Amtrak is a stress-free way to travel with animals. Overall it’s been a pleasant experience for me and my critters. Let me know if any other pet travel questions come to mind!

Amtrak Pet Travel Policy and Fees

Type of Pet	Requirements	Fees
Dogs and cats	Must travel in sleeved carrier or tethered to owner	$25 each way
Small pets like rabbits or birds	Must remain in cages or carriers at all times	$25 each way
Snakes and other reptiles	Must be transported in leak-proof containers	$25 each way
Emotional support animals	Require documentation from medical professional	Free with documentation
Service animals	Must be properly vaccinated and behave appropriately	Travel free of charge

FAQ

1. Can I bring my dog on Amtrak?

   Basically, Amtrak allows small and medium-sized dogs to travel with owners on most trains. However, some restrictions apply depending on the route. Pets must remain in a carrier under the seat.

2. What paperwork do I need for my pet?

   You’ll need to show your pup’s shot records at the station. Vaccinations basically need to be up-to-date for things like rabies. Some trains also require the pet be licensed. It’s sorta like taking Fido to the park kinda.

3. Is my pet allowed in the sleeping car?

   At the same time, pets can ride in sleeping cars as long as the four-legged friend stays in a carrier. Appears there is sometimes extra cleaning fees involved. Nevertheless, it allows you to snooze with your animal companion.

   

4. How much does it cost to travel with a pet?

   On the other hand, taking Rover on the rails will cost you some extra dough. However, Amtrak pet fees are kinda reasonable at $25 per one-way trip for dogs under 20 pounds. Larger pets are just $50. Is that fair?

Despite some rules and charges, bringing Fluffy aboard the train can be an amazing experience if done right. At the same time, be prepared for things like barking dogs or mess accidents. Still, many furry friends do great on Amtrak according to quotes from happy owners online. Maybe ask others how their pet fared before booking your trip.

5. What if my pet acts up?

   Pups will be pups, so there’s a chance for disturbances. Amtrak basically has conductors who can move troublesome animals if needed. Appears most pooches just sleep the whole ride so it’s all good. But is it worth the anxiety of problems maybe occurring?

6. Any trains where pets aren’t allowed?

   You’ll want to check Amtrak’s website for certain routes with restrictions. Some long distance trips involving multiple tracks may not permit animals. For example, Acela Express trains going up and down the Northeast Corridor. Nevertheless, there’s usually a pet-friendly alternative available.

7. Should I try crate training first?

   It’s always a good idea to get pup acclimated to small spaces before travel day. Begin by keeping them in a crate for short periods at home. Feed pup there to associate it with positive experiences. However, some dogs take to carriers right away without training too. But is preparation worth doing just in case?

8. Can I get a refund if my pet gets anxious?

   Sorry to say, but appeares Amtrak has a non-refundable policy for pet fares once booked. On the other hand, conductors will work with you should an emergency arise. They may even stop the train if an animal seems desperately distraught. At the same time, most pets are fine if given toys and affection during rides according to sources.

   

So in summary – Amtrak allows dogs and cats basically everywhere if rules are followed. Fees are reasonable and pets usually do well despite some uncertainty. Most say the experience is worth it to travel with your furry friends. Did this help explain the options? Let me know if you have any other questions!