Animal lovers planning summer travel with their pets can now take advantage of Amtrak’s expanded pet policy across its five-state Midwest network. The updated rules allow dogs and cats on regional trains in that area, making it easier for passengers to bring their companions along for shorter trips.
Travelers must make a reservation for their pet and pay a $25 fee each way, or redeem 800 Amtrak Guest Rewards points per trip. Pets eligible under the policy include dogs and cats weighing up to 20 pounds; they must remain in a carrier that fits under the seat for the duration of the journey.
This expansion follows significant track upgrades along the Chicago–St. Louis corridor, a route served by Lincoln Service and Texas Eagle trains. Those infrastructure improvements have supported service enhancements that include the broader pet program.
Since the beginning of its pet program, Amtrak has carried thousands of animals through its Chicago hub. The company first tested onboard pet travel with a pilot program in Illinois in 2014 and made the arrangement permanent in the state in 2015. The Midwest expansion builds on that experience and standardizes the policy for regional trips within the area.
Under the current terms, Amtrak’s pet policy applies nationwide for trips lasting up to seven hours. Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily, serving over 500 destinations across 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, and it connects an additional 400 destinations through its Thruway bus network. Pet owners should confirm specific route eligibility and availability when booking, as capacity and carrier requirements can vary by train and service.