Amtrak, the national passenger railroad of the United States, allows pets to travel on most of its trains. However, there are some restrictions and requirements that pet owners must meet in order to bring their animals on board.

Does Amtrak Allow Pets to Travel?

Pet Types Allowed on Amtrak

The following types of pets are allowed to travel on Amtrak:

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Rabbits
  • Guinea pigs
  • Hamsters
  • Ferrets
  • Birds
  • Fish

Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and must be able to fit comfortably in a carrier that can be placed under the seat in front of the owner.

Pet Carriers

Pets must be transported in carriers that meet the following requirements:

  • The carrier must be made of hard or soft-sided material.
  • The carrier must be leak-proof.
  • The carrier must be large enough for the pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
  • The carrier must have ventilation on all sides.
  • The carrier must be able to be secured under the seat in front of the owner.

Pet Fees

There is a fee for bringing a pet on Amtrak. The fee is $20 for each pet, regardless of the size of the animal.

Pet Restrictions

The following pets are not allowed to travel on Amtrak:

  • Animals that are considered dangerous, such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers.
  • Animals that are sick or injured.
  • Animals that are pregnant.
  • Animals that are not properly vaccinated.
  • Animals that are not housebroken.
  • Animals that are disruptive or aggressive.

If you are planning to travel with a pet on Amtrak, it is important to make reservations in advance. You can do this by calling Amtrak's customer service line or by visiting the Amtrak website.