Are large dogs allowed on Amtrak?

Pet owners must provide a pet carrier, which may be hard or soft sided but must be leak proof and well ventilated. Only one pet per carrier permitted. Maximum weight of pet with carrier is 20 pounds. The maximum size for pet carriers is 19 long x 14 wide x 10.5 high.



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Only one pet per carrier permitted. Maximum weight of pet with carrier is 20 pounds. The maximum size for pet carriers is 19 long x 14 wide x 10.5 high. For your pet's comfort and safety, it must be able to sit, lie down and remain entirely inside without touching the sides of the carrier.

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By Plane: Fly with your dog. Several airlines do accept large dogs by storing them in the plane's cargo. The hold is temperature-controlled and pressurized, so it is a humane way to transport them. For most airlines, pets weighing 17 pounds or more qualify as large and must travel in the hold.

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A pet's “ticket” cost is $26, and the check-in process is straightforward. Reservations are first-come, first-served, and only five pets per train are allowed. Just be sure to check in at the ticket office with your pet to complete the paperwork no less than 30 minutes before boarding.

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Your pet (cat or dog) is only allowed to travel in Coach Class on regular Amtrak trains, and only in Business Class on board Acela trains. Pets are not allowed in private rooms such as Roomettes or Bedrooms.

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Maximum weight of pet with carrier is 20 pounds. The maximum size for pet carriers is 19 long x 14 wide x 10.5 high. For your pet's comfort and safety, it must be able to sit, lie down and remain entirely inside without touching the sides of the carrier. Your pet carrier counts as one piece of carry-on baggage.

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Driving is usually the preferred option when moving cross country with pets for a couple of major reasons. First of all, driving allows your pet to stay in a more controlled and familiar environment with their loved ones. Second, it means that you can take breaks as needed.

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By Plane: Fly with your dog. Several airlines do accept large dogs by storing them in the plane's cargo. The hold is temperature-controlled and pressurized, so it is a humane way to transport them. For most airlines, pets weighing 17 pounds or more qualify as large and must travel in the hold.

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Small cats and dogs weighing up to 20 pounds can travel in a carrier with a pet care charge of $300. For medium and large pets between 20 and 65 pounds, you must purchase an additional seat at full price.

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By Plane: Fly with your dog. Several airlines do accept large dogs by storing them in the plane's cargo. The hold is temperature-controlled and pressurized, so it is a humane way to transport them. For most airlines, pets weighing 17 pounds or more qualify as large and must travel in the hold.

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Typically, large dogs are only allowed to be flown as checked baggage or cargo. Cargo is the more costly option, but it allows you to fly separately from your dog, and it is easier to track their journey since they are not attached to your passenger ticket.

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If you're considering flying with a dog If you want more space, some airlines let you buy an extra seat that you might be able to use to place your pet's carrier on during the flight. However, your pet generally needs to stay in its carrier the whole trip.

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Medication prescribed by your veterinarian: trazodone (brand name Desyrel®), gabapentin (brand name Neurontin®), and alprazolam (brand names: Xanax® and Niravam®) are examples of medications that are sometimes used to reduce the anxiety that some dogs experience when traveling.

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Most of the time, dogs travel quite easily and do well without the need for medication. Some dogs, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your dog if he doesn't travel well.

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Most airlines do not allow passengers to buy their dogs a seat on a plane. However, depending on the dog's size and breed, as well as the specific airline's rules, you may be able to pay to have your dog fly with you in the cabin.

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You + Two Bags = No Extra Charge Unlike many transportation options, traveling with Amtrak is twice as nice with our generous baggage policy. When you travel with us, you can carry-on two free pieces of luggage. Each item should not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg) and needs to be 28 x 22 x 14 inches in size.

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We've added free onboard WiFi to a lot of our trains and stations! You can check if your favorite train or nearest station has WiFi here. If you're reading this while on one of our trains, wait before setting off to do your surfing.

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