Ashwin Lewis
Amtrak's pet policy allows small cats and dogs weighing 20 pounds or less to travel in carriers for trips up to seven hours on most routes. Pets are permitted in Coach Class and Acela Business Class, but not in First Class seating, First Class private rooms, non-Acela Business Class, food service cars, or other accommodations. Some routes designate a specific Coach car for pets, while on other pet-friendly routes, travellers can ride with their pets in any Coach car. Service animals, which are not considered pets, are allowed on all Amtrak services. However, there have been reports of passengers bringing their pets on board and claiming them as service animals, which Amtrak employees cannot verify due to HIPAA regulations. This has led to concerns about the impact of untrained pets on board, including incidents of urination and defecation in sleeper cars. While some customers have expressed a desire to bring larger pets or have their pets accompany them in sleeper cars, Amtrak's current policies restrict these options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pets allowed | Cats and dogs |
| Pet weight limit | 20 pounds or less |
| Pet carrier weight | Included in the pet weight limit |
| Pet carrier size limit | 19" long x 14" wide x 10.5" high |
| Pet carrier requirements | Soft or hard-case; the pet must be able to sit, lie down and remain entirely inside without touching the sides of the carrier |
| Pet travel time limit | 7 hours or less |
| Pet fee | Applicable for each travel segment |
| Pet reservation | Required for unreserved trains |
| Pet reservation validity | Only for the date specified on the ticket |
| Pet check-in | 45 minutes before departure at staffed stations |
| Pet restrictions | Not allowed in Acela First Class seating, First Class private rooms, non-Acela Business Class, food service cars, Amtrak station lounges, First Class waiting areas, or Quiet Cars on Keystone and Pennsylvanian trains |
| Pet eligibility | Confirmed by signing a Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement for each travel segment |
| Pet vaccination | Up-to-date vaccination records required |
| Pet liability | Assumed by the owner; Amtrak does not accept liability for the health and well-being of pets |
| Service animals | Welcome on all Amtrak services; not considered pets |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Pets allowed on some routes and in specific cars
Amtrak allows small cats and dogs that weigh 20 pounds or less and are at least eight weeks old on trips up to seven hours on most routes. However, there are some restrictions on specific routes and train classes. Pets are not permitted on the Adirondack, Maple Leaf, Amtrak Cascades, Auto Train, San Joaquins, or Amtrak Connection services. They are also not allowed in Acela First Class seating, non-Acela Business Class, First Class private rooms, food service cars, or other accommodations.
Some routes designate a specific Coach car for pets, including the 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, passengers with pets 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, passengers must complete a Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement for each travel segment and check in at the ticket office 45 minutes before departure at staffed stations. At unstaffed stations, the conductor will validate the pet's eligibility and paperwork onboard.
It is worth noting that service animals are not considered pets and are welcome on all Amtrak services. However, there have been reports of passengers bringing their pets on board and claiming them as service animals, which Amtrak employees cannot verify without violating HIPAA regulations.
Passengers are responsible for ensuring their pets are up to date on all vaccinations and must accept liability for their pets by signing a pet release document at check-in. Amtrak does not accept liability for the health and well-being of pets. Additionally, pets must remain in a carrier that complies with size restrictions and fits under the passenger's seat, except on Amtrak Cascades trains, where carriers can be placed on the floor in front of the seat next to the owner.
Sleep Apps: Safe or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Weight and carrier size restrictions
Amtrak allows small cats and dogs that weigh 20 pounds or less (including the carrier's weight). Pets must remain in a soft or hard-case carrier that does not exceed the maximum dimensions of 19" long x 14" wide x 10.5" high. The carrier must be able to fit under your seat, except on Amtrak Cascades trains, where it can be placed on the floor in front of the adjacent seat.
Your pet must be able to sit, lie down, and remain entirely inside the carrier without touching the sides. It must stay in the carrier while in stations and onboard trains and must not be left unattended at any time.
Amtrak does not allow pets in Acela First Class seating, First Class private rooms, non-Acela Business Class, food service cars, or other accommodations. Additionally, pets are prohibited in any Amtrak station lounge or First Class waiting area.
It is important to note that Amtrak maintains the right to refuse or remove any pet from stations or trains. To travel with a pet, you must certify that your pet is up to date on all vaccinations and accept liability by signing a Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement for each travel segment.
Service animals are not considered pets and are welcome on all Amtrak services. However, some people have expressed concerns about the legitimacy of certain "service animals" encountered on Amtrak trains, noting that legitimate service animals are highly trained and can control their toilet needs for extended periods.
Combining Naproxen and Sleeping Pills: Safe or Risky?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Check-in process and fees
Amtrak allows small cats and dogs that weigh 20 pounds or less and are at least eight weeks old on its trains. The combined weight of the pet and carrier is considered for this 20-pound limit. These pets are allowed only on trips up to seven hours on most routes. Only one pet is allowed per customer, and they must remain in a soft or hard-case carrier that counts as carry-on baggage.
The check-in process for pets on Amtrak involves several steps and requirements, including:
- Reservations and Fees: Pet reservations are required for unreserved trains, and there is a pet fee assessed for each travel segment. It is recommended to check for pet space availability before booking, as reservations are limited to one pet per customer.
- Pet Carrier Requirements: The pet carrier must adhere to specific size restrictions, measuring no more than 19" long x 14" wide x 10.5" high. The carrier must be large enough for your pet to sit, lie down, and turn around comfortably without touching the sides.
- Check-in Time and Paperwork: At staffed stations, passengers travelling with pets should check in at the ticket office 45 minutes before departure. This allows agents to validate pet eligibility and paperwork, including the Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement, which must be signed for each travel segment. At unstaffed stations, the conductor will validate the paperwork onboard.
- Vaccination Certification: As part of the check-in process, you must certify that your pet is up to date on all vaccinations.
- Onboard Rules: Pets must remain with their owners at all times and should be kept inside a closed carrier while in stations and onboard trains. Onboard, the carrier can be placed under your seat or, on Amtrak Cascades trains, on the floor in front of the adjacent seat.
- Restricted Areas: It is important to note that pets are not permitted in certain areas, including Acela First Class seating, non-Acela Business Class, First Class private rooms, food service cars, or Amtrak station lounges and First Class waiting areas. Additionally, on Keystone and Pennsylvanian trains, pets are not allowed in the Quiet Car.
- Service Animals: Service animals are not considered pets and are welcome on all Amtrak services without the same restrictions. However, legitimate service animals are highly trained and can hold their toilet needs for extended periods.
While Amtrak's policies currently restrict pets to certain areas and impose weight limits, there have been discussions and suggestions for designated "pet cars" or allowing pets in sleepers. These discussions consider the potential benefits and challenges of accommodating pets in different areas of the train.
Sleeping Pills and Colonoscopy: Safe Mix?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Service animals are not considered pets
Amtrak allows small cats and dogs that weigh 20 pounds or less and are at least eight weeks old on most of its trains. However, pets are only permitted for trips up to seven hours, and there are restrictions on the type of carriage and seating allowed. Additionally, a pet fee is charged for each travel segment, and reservations are limited to one pet per customer.
Service animals, on the other hand, are not considered pets and are welcome on all Amtrak services. This is in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which states that service animals are allowed in public facilities and accommodations. According to the ADA, service animals are not pets, and a “no pets” policy does not allow a business to exclude service animals. This distinction is important because it ensures that individuals with disabilities who require service animals for assistance are not restricted from accessing public places and transportation.
The ADA also clarifies that emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not considered service animals. These terms describe animals that provide comfort simply by being present with a person. Unlike service animals, emotional support animals have not been trained to perform a specific job or task related to a person's disability. However, some state or local governments have laws that allow emotional support animals in public places.
It is worth noting that Amtrak does not accept liability for the health and well-being of pets, and it maintains the right to refuse or remove any pet exhibiting issues from stations or trains. Additionally, Amtrak requires that pets remain in a closed carrier while in stations and onboard trains, with specific size restrictions for the carrier. These restrictions do not apply to service animals, as they are not considered pets and are protected under the ADA.
While Amtrak's pet policy has limitations, it does provide an option for travellers wishing to bring their small pets on shorter journeys. For those requiring the assistance of service animals, Amtrak's policy aligns with the ADA, ensuring that service animals are welcome on all services without being subject to pet restrictions.
Sleep Spray Safety During Pregnancy
You may want to see also
Explore related products
No pets in first class or business class
Amtrak has strict rules regarding pets on their trains. Small cats and dogs that weigh 20 pounds or less are allowed on most Amtrak trains for trips up to seven hours. However, it is important to note that there are restrictions on where these pets can be accommodated.
Pets are not permitted in first-class seating or private rooms. This includes Acela First Class seating, non-Acela First Class private rooms, and business class. These areas are off-limits to pets, and passengers with pets are expected to respect these restrictions.
First-class and business-class passengers on Amtrak are offered an exclusive experience with enhanced amenities and services. Allowing pets in these designated areas could potentially disrupt the comfort and peace that these premium cabins aim to provide. Amtrak prioritises the comfort of all its passengers, and by separating pets from these exclusive cabins, they can maintain a pleasant journey for everyone on board.
Additionally, Amtrak has specific guidelines for service animals, which are not considered pets. Service animals are welcome on all Amtrak services, but they must be up to date on their vaccinations, and their owners must sign a pet release document at check-in. This ensures that Amtrak can accommodate those who require the assistance of service animals while also maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for all passengers.
Sleeper: Your Ultimate Fantasy Football Companion
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Only service dogs are allowed in sleeper cars. Cats and other pets are not permitted.
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 without touching the sides.
Yes, dogs and cats must weigh 20 pounds or less, including the weight of the carrier.
Yes, pets are only allowed on journeys of 7 hours or less.
Pets must remain with their owners at all times and are not allowed in any Amtrak station lounge or First Class waiting area. Only one pet is allowed per customer.
