Every pet parent has their own train horror story:
Amanda Sullivan described her experiences on MBTA Boston subways with her dog, Roxie. “My little Roxie loves to chase squirrels and other furry creatures. We were waiting for the subway to arrive and all of a sudden a rat ran across my feet. I started screaming; she started barking and tried to befriend it, and couldn’t understand why it didn’t want to play with her. The rat looked bigger than Roxie.”
But traveling with your best friend doesn’t have to be a nightmare! The unfortunate news is that on most passenger trains in North America, passage for pets is limited, or prohibited to all but service animals., but with some planning and on the right train line, riding the rails can be a breeze.
The rules about pets on trains vary. Rail Canada boasts they will allow “cats, dogs, and small rodents,” while Amtrak USA strictly forbids all but service animals on most lines. Beginning May 5th, 2014, for 6 months Amtrak will a pilot program allowing dogs and cats to ride the rails from Chicago and Quincy, Illinois for a $25 fee. GrandLuxe Rail Journeys, also known as the Orient Express, expressly forbids pets as well.
Anna Nash, a spokesperson for the luxurious train said regarding their rules “Unfortunately due to the logistics of the train we are not able to permit animals to travel onboard. Space is limited, and as the journey can be long without a stop, it is not possible for animals to travel. We also have to bear in mind the comfort of our guests.”
No fear, though; for your travel-happy pups, there are several trains that understand!
Lisa B. says “I take both of my dogs on the New York City subway! My pup goes in a doggie backpack with wheels and my Chihuahua gets carried in a front pack.” Most commuter trains like the New York Subway and the Boston commuter rail allow for pets in carriers; however, some do not or have regulations. The PATH train in New York and New Jersey also allows small pets in carriers, as does the New Jersey Transit and Long Island Rail Road. The Metro-North does them one better, though allowing all dogs on off-peak hours.
“I live in Westchester, New York and we were on the Metro-North heading into the city,” says Candice Chui. “On our way there, Penny was so excited about all the new sounds, smells and people! The ticket collector even stopped to play with her.”
According to the travel guidelines for Boston’s subways, “Certified service animals and guide dogs are allowed on the T at all times. For safety and convenience during rush hours, small domestic animals must be carried in lap-sized containers. During off-peak hours, non-service dogs are allowed at the discretion of operators. Dogs must be properly leashed and are not allowed to annoy riders or take up a seat.” These guidelines are similar in concept to most metropolitan areas. Metro-North’s commuter rails, however, allow small pets onboard, and if there’s room enough they can even perch on the seat right next to you.
In Seattle, both small and large dogs are allowed on the street cars and buses. Small dogs that fit in their owner’s lap ride for free. Large dogs are charged the same fare as their owner and should not occupy a seat. The same can be said of the San Francisco Municipal Railway, where people pay the same fare for their dog that they do for themselves, unless of course they don’t require a seat and are small enough to sit in their owner’s lap.
As with many areas of life, the rules are more lax in Europe, where pets can travel with you on most trains. Your pet is free to travel on almost all trains in France, Germany and Italy. On the UK’s National Rail and on daytime trains in Sweden, pets are welcome to travel free. However, Eurostar will not allow any animals at all unless they are guide dogs.
South Africa’s Rovos Rail luxury line expressly forbids pets, as does the nearby Blue Train.
On Russia’s Trans-Siberian line, pets are welcome. Small dogs in their carriers are allowed as long as passengers pay an extra-baggage fee, and bigger animals are welcome as well if berth compartments are reserved.
Trains can be a fun and affordable way of having a quick getaway for the whole family. Do your research and come prepared; a fun and memorable experience awaits.
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