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Dogs on trains · Amtrak
Amtrak pet carrier size: 19 x 14 x 10.5 inches
The carrier is the whole game on Amtrak. If your dog and its carrier together weigh 20 pounds or less and the carrier fits Amtrak's box, you're most of the way there.
Last checked against Amtrak's own published rules on . Last updated .
The short answer 20 lb including the carrier
Amtrak's maximum pet carrier size is 19 inches long, 14 inches wide and 10.5 inches high. Your pet and the carrier together can't weigh more than 20 pounds. Hard or soft sides are fine, but it must be leak proof and well ventilated, and your dog has to sit and lie down without touching the sides.
- Max size19 x 14 x 10.5 in
- Max weight20 lb, dog plus carrier
- GoesUnder your own seat
- Counts asOne carry-on bag
For every train in one place, start at our can my dog ride the train guide. Nearby, families also ask about dogs on Amtrak, the Amtrak pet fee, big dogs on Amtrak.
Quick check
Will my dog fit on Amtrak?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against Amtrak's rule above.
Amtrak's carrier rules, line by line
- Maximum size: 19 inches long, 14 inches wide, 10.5 inches high.
- Maximum weight: 20 pounds for your pet and the carrier combined.
- Hard or soft sided, but leak proof and well ventilated.
- One pet per carrier, and the carrier counts as one of your carry-on bags.
- Your pet must be able to sit, lie down and stay entirely inside without touching the sides.
- Pets stay inside the closed carrier in stations and on the train, and stay with you the whole time.
- Dogs and cats only, at least eight weeks old, on trips of seven hours or less.
Where the carrier goes on the train
Put the carrier under your own seat, not under the seat in front of you. Amtrak Cascades is the exception: there you can set it on the floor in front of the seat next to you, and pets ride only in Coach car 4. Pets can sit with you in Coach and Acela Business Class, but not in Acela First Class, sleeper rooms, regular Business Class, food service cars or the Quiet Car on Keystone and Pennsylvanian trains.
These routes put every pet in one designated Coach car: 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 can ride in any Coach car.
The 20 pound math
Most soft carriers weigh 3 to 5 pounds, so the real limit for your dog is about 15 to 17 pounds. Weigh it at home: step on a bathroom scale, then step on again holding the loaded carrier, and subtract. Our checker above uses a 4 pound carrier. If your dog is over, Amtrak has no larger option, but these trains take big dogs.
Choosing a carrier that works on Amtrak
- Under-seat space varies from car to car, so a soft-sided carrier that can flex a little is easier to fit than a rigid one.
- Pick one with a waterproof base and an absorbent liner inside, since your dog stays zipped in for the whole trip.
- Practice at home with short sessions in the closed carrier, so the first long ride isn't the first time.
- A carrier with a top opening makes it easier to calm your dog without letting it out, which isn't allowed.
Popular dog breeds on Amtrak
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against Amtrak's rule, using typical adult weights and a 4 lb carrier. Your dog may be lighter or heavier, so check its real weight above.
| Breed | Typical adult weight | Can it ride? | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poodle (Toy) | 4 to 6 lb | Yes | 20 lb limit including the carrier, so about 16 lb of dog with a 4 lb carrier. |
| Poodle (Miniature) | 10 to 15 lb | Yes | 20 lb limit including the carrier, so about 16 lb of dog with a 4 lb carrier. |
| Poodle (Standard) | 40 to 70 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| French Bulldog | 16 to 28 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog weighs 16 lb or less. 20 lb limit including the carrier, so about 16 lb of dog with a 4 lb carrier. |
| Labrador Retriever | 55 to 80 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Golden Retriever | 55 to 75 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| German Shepherd Dog | 50 to 90 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Dachshund (Miniature) | 8 to 11 lb | Yes | 20 lb limit including the carrier, so about 16 lb of dog with a 4 lb carrier. |
| Dachshund (Standard) | 16 to 32 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog weighs 16 lb or less. 20 lb limit including the carrier, so about 16 lb of dog with a 4 lb carrier. |
| Chihuahua | 2 to 6 lb | Yes | 20 lb limit including the carrier, so about 16 lb of dog with a 4 lb carrier. |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | 20 lb limit including the carrier, so about 16 lb of dog with a 4 lb carrier. |
| Shih Tzu | 9 to 16 lb | Yes | 20 lb limit including the carrier, so about 16 lb of dog with a 4 lb carrier. |
| Pomeranian | 3 to 7 lb | Yes | 20 lb limit including the carrier, so about 16 lb of dog with a 4 lb carrier. |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 13 to 18 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog weighs 16 lb or less. 20 lb limit including the carrier, so about 16 lb of dog with a 4 lb carrier. |
| Beagle | 20 to 30 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Goldendoodle (Miniature) | 15 to 35 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog weighs 16 lb or less. 20 lb limit including the carrier, so about 16 lb of dog with a 4 lb carrier. |
| Goldendoodle (Standard) | 50 to 90 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Siberian Husky | 35 to 60 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Boston Terrier | 12 to 25 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog weighs 16 lb or less. 20 lb limit including the carrier, so about 16 lb of dog with a 4 lb carrier. |
| Australian Shepherd | 40 to 65 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Miniature American Shepherd | 20 to 40 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Maltese | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | 20 lb limit including the carrier, so about 16 lb of dog with a 4 lb carrier. |
| Havanese | 7 to 13 lb | Yes | 20 lb limit including the carrier, so about 16 lb of dog with a 4 lb carrier. |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11 to 20 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog weighs 16 lb or less. 20 lb limit including the carrier, so about 16 lb of dog with a 4 lb carrier. |
| Pit Bull (American Pit Bull Terrier) | 30 to 60 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | 40 to 70 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Great Dane | 110 to 175 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Bulldog (English) | 40 to 50 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 24 to 30 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
A page from Rally's ride
In the book, Rally's family finds their seat and settles in before the train pulls away. If your kids are excited to bring the dog, read that page together and talk about where your dog will ride. It's in our free coloring and activity pack.
Questions about dogs on Amtrak
What size pet carrier does Amtrak allow?
Up to 19 inches long, 14 inches wide and 10.5 inches high. It can be hard or soft sided but must be leak proof and well ventilated, and your pet must be able to sit and lie down inside without touching the sides.
Does Amtrak's 20 pound limit include the carrier?
Yes. Amtrak's limit is 20 pounds for the pet and carrier combined. With a typical 3 to 5 pound carrier, your dog needs to weigh about 15 to 17 pounds or less.
Can I use an airline carrier on Amtrak?
Usually, if it's no bigger than 19 x 14 x 10.5 inches. Many airline-approved soft carriers are smaller than that, so they work. The 20 pound total weight limit still applies.
Where does my dog's carrier go on Amtrak?
Under your own seat, not the seat in front of you. On Amtrak Cascades you can put it on the floor in front of the seat next to you. It can't go in the aisle, and your dog has to stay inside it.
Can my dog come out of the carrier on Amtrak?
No. Amtrak says pets should stay entirely inside a closed carrier in stations and on trains, and stay with you at all times. Plan relief breaks before you board, since trips are limited to seven hours.
Does the pet carrier count as carry-on luggage on Amtrak?
Yes. Your pet carrier counts as one piece of carry-on baggage, so pack the rest of your bags with that in mind.
Can I bring two dogs in one carrier on Amtrak?
No. Amtrak allows one pet per carrier and one pet per customer. A second traveler in your party could book a second pet in its own carrier.
Can I bring a poodle on Amtrak?
Yes for Toy Poodles (4 to 6 lb). 20 lb limit including the carrier, so about 16 lb of dog with a 4 lb carrier. Yes for Miniature Poodles (10 to 15 lb). 20 lb limit including the carrier, so about 16 lb of dog with a 4 lb carrier. No for Standard Poodles (40 to 70 lb). Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a French Bulldog on Amtrak?
Maybe for a typical adult French Bulldog (16 to 28 lb). Only if your dog weighs 16 lb or less. 20 lb limit including the carrier, so about 16 lb of dog with a 4 lb carrier. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a golden retriever on Amtrak?
No for a typical adult Golden Retriever (55 to 75 lb). Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Where these rules come from
- Amtrak: Pets(opens in a new tab)
- Amtrak Cascades: Pets(opens in a new tab)
- Pacific Surfliner: Pets(opens in a new tab)
Rules can change without notice, and crews have the final say on board. Check the operator's page before you ride. Rally Takes the Train isn't affiliated with Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corporation).
- Checked at the sourceEvery rule on this page comes from the railroad's own website, not a pet blog.
- Re-checked oftenPet rules change. We note the date we last checked each one at the top of the page.
- A real corgiRally is the family's actual dog, which is why we care whether he'd fit under the seat.
Bring Rally on every ride
A five-minute, hand-painted picture book about a corgi's first train trip. $16.99 on Amazon.
