
If you're planning a trip with your furry friend, it's important to know the rules around bringing pets on sleeper trains. Amtrak, for example, has a specific pet policy that outlines the requirements for travelling with pets. While pets are allowed on most routes, there are restrictions on the type of carriage they can travel in, the duration of the journey, and the size and weight of the pet. So, can you take pets in sleeper cars?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pets allowed | Only small dogs and cats weighing up to 20 lbs (including the weight of the carrier) are allowed |
| Trip duration | Allowed on trips up to seven hours long |
| Carrier size | Maximum size: 19" long x 14" wide x 10.5" high |
| Carrier placement | Must be placed under the seat (not under the seat in front) except on Amtrak Cascades trains where the carrier can be placed on the floor in front of the adjacent seat |
| Pet fee | $26 per trip |
| Pet agreement | Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement must be signed before boarding |
| Vaccinations | Pets must be up to date on all vaccinations |
| Pet health | Pets must be healthy and free of illnesses |
| Pet behaviour | Pets showing aggressive behaviour or causing disruptions may not be allowed to board |
| Service animals | Allowed on all Amtrak services without charge |
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What You'll Learn

Pets are allowed on journeys up to 7 hours long
If you're planning a journey with your pet, it's important to be aware of the restrictions that may apply. While it may be tempting to bring your furry friend along for the ride, certain conditions must be met for a smooth trip.
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that Amtrak only permits pets on journeys up to 7 hours long. This restriction applies to most standard trains, with certain routes imposing further limitations during peak times or busy seasons. Additionally, pets are not allowed in sleeper cars, bedrooms, Business Class, café cars, or First Class seating and waiting areas. This means that both you and your pet will need to be accommodated in Coach Class or Acela Business Class, where designated pet areas are available.
To ensure your pet's comfort and safety, they must remain inside an approved carrier that fits under the seat throughout the journey. The carrier should provide proper ventilation and enough space for your pet to sit, lie down, and turn around. The maximum size for pet carriers is 19" long x 14" wide x 10.5" high. It's also important to note that your pet's carrier will count as one piece of carry-on baggage.
Before embarking on your journey, there are several essential steps to take. Firstly, ensure your pet is healthy, vaccinated, and free of any illnesses. You may be required to provide documentation as proof. Secondly, familiarize your pet with its carrier to reduce travel anxiety. Thirdly, check-in at the ticket office at least 45 minutes before departure at staffed stations, or have the conductor validate your pet's eligibility onboard for unstaffed stations. Lastly, be mindful of any additional fees, such as the pet fee, which is typically around $26 per trip.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can confidently travel with your pet on journeys up to 7 hours long while ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for all passengers, including your furry companion.
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Pets must be in a carrier that fits under a Coach seat
Amtrak has a strict pet policy that must be adhered to when travelling with pets. Pets are not allowed in sleeper cars, and the only pets allowed on board are dogs and cats. The pet and carrier must not exceed a combined weight of 20 pounds, and the carrier must be well-ventilated and able to fit under a Coach seat. The carrier should be no larger than 19" long x 14" wide x 10.5" high.
Pets must remain in their carriers at all times while onboard, and the carrier counts as one piece of carry-on baggage. The pet must be able to sit, lie down and remain entirely inside the carrier without touching the sides. It must be placed under your seat, not the seat in front, except on Amtrak Cascades trains, where it can be placed on the floor in front of the adjacent seat.
Some routes designate a specific Coach car for pets, including the Amtrak Cascades, Carl Sandburg, Illinois Zephyr, Illini, Lincoln Service, and Saluki, among others. On other pet-friendly routes, you and your pet may ride in any Coach car. It is important to note that pets are not allowed in any Amtrak station lounge or First Class waiting area.
To travel with a pet, you must complete the Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement for each travel segment before boarding, and you may be required to provide documentation of your pet's health and vaccination status. It is also your responsibility to ensure your pet remains calm throughout the trip.
Additionally, there is a small additional fee for travelling with a pet, typically around $26 per trip.
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Pets are not allowed in bedrooms or sleeper cars
If you're planning to travel with your furry friend, it's important to understand the restrictions that may apply. While it may be tempting to want to keep them close, certain transport providers do not allow pets in bedrooms or sleeper cars.
Amtrak, for example, has a strict policy regarding pets in sleeper cars and bedrooms. Pets are not permitted in these areas, and there are also restrictions on the duration of the journey. Pets are only allowed on trips up to seven hours long, and they must remain in their carriers at all times. The carrier must be able to fit under a Coach seat, and the pet must not exceed 20 pounds in weight, including the weight of the carrier.
Additionally, Amtrak requires that pets are healthy, vaccinated, and free of illnesses. You must sign a Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement, and there is an additional fee for travelling with a pet. Service animals, however, are not subject to the same restrictions and are allowed on all Amtrak services.
It is important to respect these rules and regulations to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. While it may be inconvenient for pet owners, alternative arrangements, such as flying or driving, can be made to accommodate your pet's needs.
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Pets must be under 20 lbs (including carrier)
Amtrak allows small cats and dogs to travel with their owners on most routes, but there are some restrictions. Pets must weigh no more than 20 pounds, including the weight of their carrier. The carrier should be well-ventilated and able to fit under the seat. The maximum size for pet carriers is 19" long x 14" wide x 10.5" high. The pet must be able to sit, lie down and remain entirely inside the carrier without touching the sides.
Pets are not allowed in Acela First Class seating, non-Acela Business Class, First Class private rooms, food service cars or other accommodations. They are also not allowed in any Amtrak station lounge or First Class waiting area. Certain trains or routes may restrict pet travel during peak times or busy seasons.
To travel with a pet on Amtrak, you must complete the Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement before boarding and ensure your pet is healthy, vaccinated, and free of illnesses. You must also pay a small additional fee, typically $26 per trip.
Caledonian Sleeper services also allow pets onboard, accommodating up to two domestic pets in rooms for a cost of £30 per journey. This charge covers the cost of a deep clean. Pets are not allowed in the Seated Coach or Club Car and must stay on the floor during the journey.
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Only dogs and cats are allowed to travel as pets
Amtrak has a pet-friendly travel policy that allows small dogs and cats to travel with their owners on most routes. However, only dogs and cats are allowed to travel as pets. Here are the key points to note if you're planning to travel with your furry friend on an Amtrak train:
Pet Carriers:
Pets must remain inside an approved carrier throughout the journey. The carrier should adhere to specific size restrictions, measuring no more than 19" long, 14" wide, and 10.5" high. It should also be well-ventilated to ensure your pet's comfort and safety. The combined weight of your pet and its carrier must not exceed 20 pounds, and your pet must be able to sit, lie down, and remain comfortably inside without touching the sides.
Designated Areas:
Pets are only permitted in certain areas of the train. They are allowed in Coach Class and Acela Business Class but are not permitted in Acela First Class seating, First Class private rooms, non-Acela Business Class, food service cars, or sleeper cars. Additionally, on Keystone and Pennsylvanian trains, pets are not allowed in the Quiet Car.
Trip Duration:
Pets are only allowed on trips up to seven hours long on most routes. Certain trains or routes may further restrict pet travel during peak times or busy seasons. It's essential to check the specific rules for your desired route before planning your trip.
Reservations and Fees:
Reservations are limited to one pet per customer, and a pet fee is assessed for each travel segment. Unreserved trains require pet reservations, and you must check in at the ticket office 45 minutes before departure for agent validation of pet eligibility and paperwork.
Health and Behaviour:
Amtrak requires pets to be healthy, vaccinated, and free of illnesses. You must sign a Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement before boarding, certifying that your pet meets these requirements. Additionally, pets must remain calm and well-behaved throughout the trip. Amtrak reserves the right to refuse or remove any pet exhibiting aggressive or disruptive behaviour.
In summary, while Amtrak welcomes small dogs and cats on board, it's essential to carefully follow their pet policy, which includes specific guidelines on carrier size, weight limits, designated areas, trip duration, reservations, fees, and health and behaviour requirements. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey for both you and your furry companion.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but there are restrictions. Pets are not allowed in Business Class, the café car, or sleeper cars. They are also not allowed in First Class seating, First Class private rooms, or food service cars. The pet must remain in a carrier under your seat for the duration of the journey.
Pets must weigh no more than 20 pounds, including the weight of the carrier. The maximum size for pet carriers is 19" long x 14" wide x 10.5" high. The carrier must be well-ventilated and the pet must be able to sit, lie down and remain entirely inside without touching the sides.
Pets are limited to journeys up to 7 hours long. Certain trains or routes may restrict pet travel during peak times or busy seasons.
Yes, you must complete the Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement before boarding, and your pet must be healthy, vaccinated, and free of illnesses. Documentation may be required. Additionally, pets are not allowed to travel as checked baggage and must travel with a human.









































