Evie Summers
Travelling with pets can be a stressful experience for both owners and their furry friends. Some train services accommodate pets, but there are often restrictions in place. For example, the Caledonian Sleeper allows up to two domestic pets in their rooms for a fee of £30 per journey, but they are not allowed in the Seated Coach or Club Car, and must remain on the floor. Similarly, Amtrak allows small dogs and cats up to a combined weight of 20 pounds (including the carrier) on trips up to seven hours on most routes, but they must remain in a carrier and are not allowed in First Class seating or food service cars. Service animals are usually allowed on trains, but emotional support or security animals may need to be booked through a pet program.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pets Allowed | Only dogs and cats are allowed. |
| Pet Weight | Pets weighing up to 20 pounds (combined weight of pet and carrier) are allowed. |
| Pet Carrier | The maximum size for pet carriers is 19" long x 14" wide x 10.5" high. |
| Pet Requirements | The pet must be at least eight weeks old, odourless, harmless, and not disruptive. It must remain inside the carrier without touching the sides. |
| Pet Fee | The Caledonian Sleeper charges £30 per journey for pets, while the Pacific Surfliner charges $29 or 1,000 Amtrak Guest Rewards points. |
| Pet Restrictions | Pets are not allowed in bedrooms, Acela First Class seating, non-Acela Business Class, food service cars, or station lounges. |
| Service Animals | Service animals are allowed on all routes and do not count towards the pet limit. |
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What You'll Learn
Rules for taking pets on Amtrak trains
Amtrak allows only cats and dogs as pets onboard. Pets are not allowed on certain routes, including Adirondack, Maple Leaf, and Amtrak Cascades, and services such as Auto Train, San Joaquins, and Amtrak Connection. Pets are also not allowed in sleeper cars, bedrooms, Acela First Class seating, First Class private rooms, non-Acela Business Class, food service cars, or any Amtrak station lounge.
Pets are welcome in Coach Class and Acela Business Class. Some routes designate a specific Coach car for pets, including Amtrak Cascades, Carl Sandburg, Illinois Zephyr, Illini, Lincoln Service, Saluki, Pere Marquette, Wolverine, Blue Water, Hiawatha, and Missouri River Runner. On other pet-friendly routes, you and your pet may ride in any Coach car.
To travel with a pet, you must make a reservation for your pet, which is only valid for the date specified on your ticket. Reservations are limited to one pet per customer, and a pet fee is assessed for each travel segment. The pet must be at least eight weeks old, be odorless, harmless, not disruptive, and require no attention during travel. The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 20 pounds, and the pet must remain inside the carrier at all times while in stations and onboard trains. The carrier must be placed under your seat, except on Amtrak Cascades trains, where it can be placed on the floor in front of the seat next to you. The maximum carrier size is 19" long x 14" wide x 10.5" high.
Before travelling, you must complete a Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement for each travel segment and certify that your pet is up to date on all vaccinations. At staffed stations, you must check in at the ticket office 45 minutes before departure for validation of pet eligibility and paperwork. At unstaffed stations, the conductor will validate the paperwork onboard.
Please note that Amtrak maintains the right to refuse acceptance and may remove any pet exhibiting disruptive behaviour from stations or trains.
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Rules for taking pets on Caledonian Sleeper trains
The Caledonian Sleeper train service offers a unique travel experience for passengers travelling with their pets. Here are some rules to keep in mind when travelling with your furry friends:
Booking and Accommodation:
- The Caledonian Sleeper welcomes pets in their berths, which are dog-friendly. You can book a private two-bunk room for the overnight journey, accommodating up to two pets.
- A cleaning surcharge of £30-£40 per room is applicable for steam-cleaning the cabin after your journey.
- The Caledonian Sleeper does not require train changes, ensuring a smooth journey for you and your pets.
Dining and Amenities:
- Pets are not allowed in the dining car or lounge car. However, room service is available for hot dinners, breakfast, and drinks throughout the journey.
- You will be notified of longer stops where you can disembark with your pet for toilet breaks and exercise.
- The Caledonian Sleeper provides complimentary water for your pet, and free treats made from 100% natural ingredients.
Safety and Convenience:
- Once you board the train, neither you nor your pet can leave until you reach your destination. This is an important safety measure to prevent accidental disembarkment at the wrong station.
- The Caledonian Sleeper is known for its safety, with dedicated staff and security ensuring the comfort and protection of all passengers.
- The train's geography may cause occasional disruptions in Wi-Fi connectivity, so it is advisable to download any necessary entertainment before boarding.
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Rules for taking pets on European Sleeper trains
If you're planning to travel on European Sleeper trains with your pet, there are a few important rules you need to follow. Firstly, only dogs and cats are allowed on board, and you must book a private compartment for your journey. This rule applies to the European Sleeper trains that operate on the Bruxelles-Amsterdam to Berlin route. Guide dogs for the visually impaired and people with restricted mobility are also welcome without the need for a private compartment. No other types of pets are permitted on these trains.
When it comes to ticket prices, different countries and operators have varying policies. For example, on Ouigo trains, up to two dogs weighing less than 6 kg can travel for free if they are placed in pet carriers with specific dimensions. If your dog weighs more than 6 kg or you don't use a carrier, you'll need to purchase a ticket with a flat rate of €15. On daytime trains across Europe, you can usually buy a ticket for your dog, with prices ranging from €1 to €5 depending on the day of the week. On night trains, you can bring a maximum of two dogs, but they are not permitted in couchette or sleeping cars on certain services, such as those run by PKP, ČD, and MÁV-START.
In terms of travel preparations, it's essential to ensure your dog has the necessary documentation, especially if you're crossing borders. Your dog should have a pet passport, a microchip, and a rabies vaccine at least 21 days before entering a new country. Some countries may also require a rabies titre test for your dog to re-enter the EU. It's always a good idea to check the specific rules for each country you'll be visiting or transiting through. Additionally, some countries have size restrictions for dogs on trains, with only smaller dogs allowed, and they must be able to travel in a pet carrier.
While European Sleeper trains have specific rules, other train services in Europe may have different policies regarding pets. For example, the Eurostar Sun and Eurostar Snow do not allow any dogs, regardless of size. In contrast, most other trains operated by Eurostar are pet-friendly. It's always recommended to check the pet rules for each train service before assuming that your furry companion will be allowed on board.
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Rules for taking pets on Pacific Surfliner trains
The Pacific Surfliner train service has introduced a pet program for small dogs and cats, allowing pets onboard for a fee of $26 or 800 Amtrak Guest Reward points. Here are the rules for taking pets on Pacific Surfliner trains:
Weight and Carrier Size Restrictions:
Pets must weigh 20 pounds or less, including the weight of their carrier. The maximum carrier size is 19" long x 14" wide x 10.5" high. The carrier can be hard or soft-sided but must be leak-proof and well-ventilated. The pet must be able to sit, lie down, and turn around comfortably inside the carrier.
Pet Reservations:
There is a limit of five pet reservations per train, excluding service animals. Pet reservations can be made by calling 800-USA-RAIL, and it is recommended to book early as spaces are limited. The pet fee is $26 each way, and reservations are fully refundable before departure.
Pet Eligibility and Paperwork:
To confirm pet eligibility, customers must read and sign a Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement for each travel segment. At staffed stations, customers should check in at the ticket office 45 minutes before departure for pet eligibility and paperwork validation. At unstaffed stations, the conductor will validate the paperwork onboard.
Pet Behavior and Requirements:
Pets must be at least eight weeks old, odorless, harmless, and not disruptive. They should require minimal attention during the journey and must remain inside their carriers at all times. Pets are not allowed to occupy seats and must stay with their owners.
Service Animals:
Service animals that have been trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities are welcome onboard at no charge. Emotional support animals are not considered service animals but may be booked through the pet program.
Pet-Friendly Destinations:
Many Pacific Surfliner destinations offer pet-friendly activities, including dog parks, off-leash beaches, and dog-friendly cafes. It is important to plan for pet comfort and bathroom breaks, especially on longer trips.
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Rules for taking pets on sleeper trains in general
Rules for taking pets on sleeper trains vary depending on the train company and the route. Here are some general guidelines to follow when considering travelling on a sleeper train with a pet:
Pet Carriers
Pet carriers are typically required for pets travelling on sleeper trains. The carrier must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and small enough to fit under the seat. The maximum size for pet carriers is usually 19" long x 14" wide x 10.5" high. The pet must be able to sit, lie down, and remain comfortably inside the carrier without touching the sides. This carrier will count as one piece of carry-on baggage.
Pet Weight and Type
Some train companies have weight limits for pets, typically around 20 pounds (combined weight of the pet and carrier). Only certain types of pets may be allowed, with dogs and cats being the most common. Service animals are typically allowed on board in addition to or instead of pets and may have different requirements.
Travel Time
There may be restrictions on the total travel time for pets, typically limited to seven hours, including transfer time between trains. Longer trips may not accommodate pets due to the lack of space and facilities.
Pet Behaviour and Health
Pets must be well-behaved, harmless, and non-disruptive during the journey. They should not require attention during travel and should remain inside their carriers at all times. Pets must also be up to date on all vaccinations, and some train companies may require a signed pet release document at check-in, indemnifying them from liability for the pet's health and well-being.
Additional Considerations
It is important to do your research before booking, as not all trains or routes allow pets. Fees and rules vary, and some trains may have specific cars or areas designated for pets. It is recommended to familiarise your pet with the carrier and the sights and sounds of the train station before the trip. Additionally, consider packing snacks for both yourself and your pet, as pets are typically not allowed in dining cars.
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Frequently asked questions
Only dogs and cats are allowed on the Caledonian Sleeper, European Sleeper, and Amtrak trains. Service animals are also allowed on these trains.
For the Caledonian Sleeper and European Sleeper, there is no mention of size or weight restrictions. For Amtrak trains, the combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 20 pounds, and the carrier must not exceed 19" long x 14" wide x 10.5" high.
The Caledonian Sleeper charges £30 per journey for each pet to cover the cost of a deep clean. For Amtrak, there is a pet fee for each travel segment, and you must sign a Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement for each travel segment.
On the Caledonian Sleeper, pets are not allowed in the Seated Coach, Club Car, or on the beds in your room. They must stay on the floor and are not allowed to walk between carriages. On Amtrak trains, pets are only allowed in Coach Class and Acela Business Class, and they must remain in a closed carrier at all times.
The Caledonian Sleeper does not mention any time restrictions. For Amtrak, pets are limited to journeys of up to seven hours.
