Can I Bring My Dog on ACE? (2026 Pet Policy)
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Dogs on trains · Commuter rail
Can I bring my dog on ACE?
ACE connects Stockton and the Tri-Valley to San Jose, and it's one of the few California trains that won't take a pet even in a carrier.
Checked against ACE (Altamont Corridor Express)'s own published rules on .
The short answer Service animals only
No. Pets and other animals aren't permitted on ACE except service animals, service animals in training with a trainer, and law enforcement animals.
- VerdictService animals only
- Pet feeNot applicable.
- Not allowedAll ACE trains and facilities.
For every train in the country in one place, start at our can my dog ride the train guide. Nearby, families also ask about dogs on Pacific Surfliner, dogs on Capitol Corridor, dogs on Gold Runner.
Quick check
Could my dog ride ACE (Altamont Corridor Express)?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against ACE (Altamont Corridor Express)'s rule above.
ACE (Altamont Corridor Express) pet rules, line by line
- Pets and other animals are not permitted in or on SJRRC facilities.
- Exceptions: service animals allowed by law, animals being trained as service animals by a trainer, and law enforcement animals.
- Service animals and service animals in training must be leashed or harnessed at all times.
Popular dog breeds on ACE (Altamont Corridor Express)
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against ACE (Altamont Corridor Express)'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 | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Poodle (Miniature) | 10 to 15 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Poodle (Standard) | 40 to 70 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| French Bulldog | 16 to 28 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Labrador Retriever | 55 to 80 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Golden Retriever | 55 to 75 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| German Shepherd Dog | 50 to 90 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Dachshund (Miniature) | 8 to 11 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Dachshund (Standard) | 16 to 32 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Chihuahua | 2 to 6 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4 to 7 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Shih Tzu | 9 to 16 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Pomeranian | 3 to 7 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 13 to 18 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Beagle | 20 to 30 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Goldendoodle (Miniature) | 15 to 35 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Goldendoodle (Standard) | 50 to 90 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Siberian Husky | 35 to 60 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Boston Terrier | 12 to 25 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Australian Shepherd | 40 to 65 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Miniature American Shepherd | 20 to 40 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Maltese | 4 to 7 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Havanese | 7 to 13 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11 to 20 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Pit Bull (American Pit Bull Terrier) | 30 to 60 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | 40 to 70 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Great Dane | 110 to 175 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Bulldog (English) | 40 to 50 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 24 to 30 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
Service dogs on ACE (Altamont Corridor Express)
- Service animals are welcome and must be leashed or harnessed at all times.
- Service animals in training are allowed when accompanied by their trainer.
Emotional support dogs: ACE's code doesn't make an exception for emotional support animals, so they can't ride. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding ACE (Altamont Corridor Express) with kids and a dog
- Service animal handlers are fine, and trainers can bring dogs in training.
- Families with a small dog headed to San Jose may find Capitol Corridor or BART connections work better.
A page from Rally's ride
The first page of Rally's trip is all packing: a suitcase, a sleepy corgi, and a pile of favorite toys. Before a ride on ACE (Altamont Corridor Express), letting kids pack a small bag for the dog (water, treats, a towel for the floor) turns the rules into part of the fun. Rally's suitcase is in the free coloring and activity pack.
Questions about dogs on ACE (Altamont Corridor Express)
Can I bring my dog on ACE?
No. Pets and other animals aren't permitted on ACE except service animals, service animals in training with a trainer, and law enforcement animals.
Does my dog need a carrier on ACE (Altamont Corridor Express)?
Pets can't ride ACE (Altamont Corridor Express) at all, carrier or not. Only trained service animals can.
Can I bring an emotional support dog on ACE (Altamont Corridor Express)?
ACE's code doesn't make an exception for emotional support animals, so they can't ride.
Are service dogs allowed on ACE (Altamont Corridor Express)?
Service animals are welcome and must be leashed or harnessed at all times. Service animals in training are allowed when accompanied by their trainer.
Can I bring a poodle on ACE?
No for Toy Poodles (4 to 6 lb). Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. No for Miniature Poodles (10 to 15 lb). Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. No for Standard Poodles (40 to 70 lb). Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a French Bulldog on ACE?
No for a typical adult French Bulldog (16 to 28 lb). Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a golden retriever on ACE?
No for a typical adult Golden Retriever (55 to 75 lb). Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Where these rules come from
- ACE Passenger Code of Conduct (2024)(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 San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission.
- 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. $13.99 on Amazon.