Traveling can be stressful, and for pet owners, deciding whether to leave furry friends behind is a common dilemma. If you’re considering train travel with your beloved companion, you might be asking, “Can I Take My Pet On Amtrak?” The answer is yes, Amtrak welcomes small dogs and cats on many of its routes, offering a convenient way for you and your pet to travel together. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Amtrak’s pet policy, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for both you and your four-legged friend.
Amtrak understands that pets are family, and their pet policy is designed to accommodate small pets on most routes across the country. Initially launched and recently expanded to routes like the popular Pacific Surfliner service in Southern California, Amtrak’s pet program allows you to bring your dog or cat along for the ride, making travel more inclusive and less stressful for pet owners. The Pacific Surfliner, managed by the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, now allows pets on its scenic route stretching 351 miles through vibrant Southern California counties like San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. This expansion highlights Amtrak’s commitment to catering to passenger needs and preferences, especially for those who consider their pets integral travel companions.
However, there are specific guidelines to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, including your pet. Firstly, size matters. Amtrak’s pet policy restricts pet travel to dogs and cats weighing no more than 20 pounds. This weight limit includes the carrier, ensuring that pets are comfortably contained and manageable within the train environment.
When it comes to fees and reservations, bringing your pet onboard Amtrak does involve a small charge. For routes like the Pacific Surfliner, a pet travel fee of just $26 or 800 Amtrak Guest Reward points applies. It’s essential to make a pet reservation in advance, as Amtrak limits the number of pets allowed per train to ensure a comfortable environment for everyone. This reservation can be made when booking your own ticket.
Carriers are mandatory for pets traveling on Amtrak. Your pet must remain safely and comfortably inside a carrier throughout the journey. The carrier must be placed under your seat, further emphasizing the size restriction and ensuring pets are safely stowed and don’t obstruct walkways or other passengers. While pets are welcome in most cars, there are some exceptions. Pets are not allowed in Business Class cars or the Café car, ensuring these areas remain pet-free for passengers who prefer or require it.
It’s important to remember that while Amtrak’s pet policy caters to typical pets, service animals are always welcome on board Amtrak trains without any charge or restriction. This is in accordance with Amtrak’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity for all passengers with disabilities.
Before you embark on your Amtrak journey with your pet, ensure you review and sign the Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement. This agreement outlines your responsibilities as a pet owner and ensures you understand Amtrak’s pet policy fully.
In conclusion, for those wondering “Can I take my pet on Amtrak?”, the answer is a resounding yes, with certain conditions. Amtrak’s pet policy offers a fantastic option for traveling with small dogs and cats, especially on routes like the Pacific Surfliner. By adhering to the guidelines regarding carrier size, weight limits, fees, and restricted areas, you and your pet can enjoy a comfortable and convenient train journey together. For the most current and detailed information, always refer to the official Amtrak Pet Policy page at Amtrak.com/pets before planning your trip.
