Amtrak has announced an expansion of its pet travel program, making it easier for passengers to travel with small dogs and cats on a wider range of routes. The updated policy now allows small pets on trips up to seven hours in length, and beginning Saturday the carrier will begin testing pet travel on weekend Acela Express services along the Northeast Corridor.
Amtrak’s pilot of the pet program has focused on the Northeast Corridor, where demand is highest. Since October 2015, more than 2,700 small pets have traveled on Amtrak trains, with most trips originating in Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Those early results helped shape the expanded policy and demonstrated consistent interest from passengers who want to bring their pets along for short- and medium-length rail journeys.
“We are excited to bring this service to more of our passengers throughout the country who want to travel with these cherished family members,” said Joe Boardman, president and CEO of Amtrak. “We listened to our passengers and delivered on this program, which will also help increase ridership and revenue.”
The program retains several practical limits to ensure safety, comfort and a positive experience for all travelers. Each ticketed passenger may bring one small dog or cat in a carrier. The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 20 pounds. Pets must remain inside their carrier for the duration of the trip, both for their own safety and to avoid disruption for other passengers. Reservations are required to bring a pet on board, and the current fee is $25 each way.
Stations that support the pet program offer designated pet service areas; some stations have dedicated staff to assist passengers traveling with animals. These spaces are intended to make boarding, ticketing and any required checks easier and less stressful for pets and their owners. Passengers are encouraged to arrive early and follow station guidelines for using pet service areas.
Amtrak’s expansion aims to balance passenger demand and operational considerations. By limiting pets to carriers and capping combined weight, the company seeks to keep aisles and seating areas clear, preserve onboard cleanliness, and reduce the potential for incidents involving animals. The reservation requirement helps Amtrak manage capacity and ensure that pet-friendly cars are not overbooked.
For passengers planning to travel with a pet, it is advisable to verify specific route eligibility and any additional requirements before booking. While the policy now covers trips up to seven hours and includes weekend testing on Acela Express services, availability can vary by train and time of day. Advance reservations and adherence to carrier and weight limits will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
Amtrak’s pet policy is intended for small, well-behaved dogs and cats that can remain comfortably contained in a carrier during transit. Larger animals, service animals and emotional support animals are subject to separate policies and guidelines. Passengers should consult Amtrak directly for questions about service animals or situations that fall outside the standard pet program.
With these changes, Amtrak continues to broaden its customer offerings while maintaining safety and comfort for all passengers. The program’s measured expansion and ongoing testing will help the railroad refine procedures and evaluate longer-term adoption across additional routes if demand and operational factors allow.