What to Know About Taking Your Dog on Amtrak (Updated for 2018)
Train travel has gone to the dogs! Well, here in the LA area, at least. As recently as 2016, Amtrak, the nation’s largest nationwide rail network, began allowing pets on select routes. Based on pilot testing, Amtrak now allows pets to accompany riders on most of its highly-traveled routes, including several here in California. Amtrak’s LA station is its fifth-busiest in the entire country. Here’s what you need to know.
Which Routes are Pets Allowed On?
As of now, pets are allowed on most of Amtrak’s regional rail systems. Here’s a complete and up-to-date list for reference. In the western US, Amtrak’s pet-friendly routes include: Amtrak Cascades (*excluding Canada) California Zephyr Coast Starlight Southwest Chief Sunset Limited Texas Eagle Not available on Auto Train, Keystone Service, San Joaquins, Capitol Corridor Pacific Surfliner or Thruway Connecting Services.
Amtrak Rules for Pet Owners in CA
It’s critical that you check Amtrak’s list of pet-friendly routes before you travel; some in California still don’t allow pets for various reasons. Once you know your route is pet-friendly, consider the following:
- Which pets are allowed? Cats and dogs up to 20 pounds. Want to bring your Great Dane or your miniature pony? Sorry, not on Amtrak.
- Pets are only allowed on routes of less than seven hours, and that includes transfer times between segments. Pets are also required to stay in their carriers during the entire train ride – if your pet doesn’t travel well in a carrier, train travel may not be a good fit. Be sure to follow Amtrak’s very specific guidelines for carriers.
- Pet reservations must be made ahead-of-time. Don’t expect to show up at the station unannounced with your pet! Trains allow a maximum of five pets, excluding service animals, and popular routes are known to sell out. Each pet reservation costs $25 per segment. Call 1-800-USA-RAIL to book.
- Pets are only allowed in Coach Class; no pets in sleeper cars or Business Class! When you board your train, ask an attendant to make sure your pet isn’t required to stay confined to the designated “pet car.”
- Pets must travel with a companion over 18 years old.
Health Restrictions for Pet Travel
Like most transportation providers, Amtrak requires pets to be healthy enough to travel. Per guidelines, your pet must be, “odorless, harmless, not disruptive and require no attention during travel.” Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and fully vaccinated; be sure to talk to your vet about travel vaccinations in California or in other states. Amtrak also requires you to sign a release of liability for your pet before you board. Remember, the state you travel to may require paperwork your origin state does not! Check before you go to avoid quarantine or other disruptions. As with any method of transportation, use your best judgement regarding whether or not your pet is behaviorally capable of handling the conditions of train travel. Do you have additional questions about train travel with your pet? Contact Amtrak directly to ask specific questions about routing, scheduling, or regulations.
