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Dogs on trains · Light rail
Can I bring my dog on Baltimore Light RailLink?
Maryland writes its transit pet rule into state law: service animals and small animals properly packaged, which in practice means a carrier.
Last checked against Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA)'s own published rules on . Last updated .
The short answer Small dogs in a carrier
Only small pets in a carrier. Maryland law for MTA vehicles and stations bans live animals except service animals and small animals properly packaged, so a dog on a leash cannot ride. The same rule covers Metro SubwayLink.
- VerdictSmall dogs in a carrier
- Pet feeNo pet fare listed
For every train in one place, start at our can my dog ride the train guide. Nearby, families also ask about dogs on MARC Train, dogs on DC Metro, dogs on Amtrak.
Quick check
Will my dog fit on Baltimore Light RailLink?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against Baltimore Light RailLink's rule above.
Baltimore Light RailLink pet rules, line by line
- State law bars carrying live animals on MTA transit vehicles and in MTA stations, except service animals and small animals properly packaged.
- The rule applies to Light RailLink, Metro SubwayLink, buses and MARC alike.
- MTA's MARC guide states it as: only small pets confined in closed carriers are permitted.
- MTA's rider code asks for one person, one seat, with bags on laps or at feet, which applies to a pet carrier too.
- A violation of the statute is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500.
“Carry or possess any live animals, except seeing–eye animals and hearing–ear animals properly harnessed and accompanied by a blind person or a deaf person, and small animals properly packaged;”
From Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA)'s published rules.
Popular dog breeds on Baltimore Light RailLink
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against Baltimore Light RailLink'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 | Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Poodle (Miniature) | 10 to 15 lb | Yes | Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Poodle (Standard) | 40 to 70 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| French Bulldog | 16 to 28 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Labrador Retriever | 55 to 80 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Golden Retriever | 55 to 75 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| German Shepherd Dog | 50 to 90 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Dachshund (Miniature) | 8 to 11 lb | Yes | Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Dachshund (Standard) | 16 to 32 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Chihuahua | 2 to 6 lb | Yes | Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Shih Tzu | 9 to 16 lb | Yes | Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Pomeranian | 3 to 7 lb | Yes | Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 13 to 18 lb | Yes | Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Beagle | 20 to 30 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Goldendoodle (Miniature) | 15 to 35 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Goldendoodle (Standard) | 50 to 90 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Siberian Husky | 35 to 60 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Boston Terrier | 12 to 25 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Australian Shepherd | 40 to 65 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Miniature American Shepherd | 20 to 40 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Maltese | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Havanese | 7 to 13 lb | Yes | Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11 to 20 lb | Yes | Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Pit Bull (American Pit Bull Terrier) | 30 to 60 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | 40 to 70 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Great Dane | 110 to 175 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Bulldog (English) | 40 to 50 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 24 to 30 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. |
Service dogs on Baltimore Light RailLink
- Service animals accompanying passengers with disabilities are welcome on board and must be under the control of their handler (MTA MARC Rider Guide).
- The state statute's older wording names seeing-eye and hearing-ear animals; federal ADA rules for transit cover other trained service animals as well.
- MTA's online pages for pets and service animals were showing 'Page Coming Soon' in November 2026, so no documentation or ID rules are posted.
Emotional support dogs: MTA's materials do not mention emotional support animals. Only service animals are exempt from the carrier rule, so an emotional support dog should travel as a small pet in a closed carrier. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding Baltimore Light RailLink with kids and a dog
- Light RailLink reaches BWI Marshall Airport, so a small dog flying in an airline carrier can ride the train in that carrier.
- Check the MTA elevator and escalator status page before heading to underground Metro SubwayLink stations with a stroller and a carrier.
- If you connect to MARC, the same small-pet-in-a-closed-carrier rule applies, and WMATA in DC also uses a carrier rule.
A page from Rally's ride
Rally rides the whole way to his grand-paw-rents with Mom and Dad, and the best part is who's waiting at the end. If your family is visiting someone special, read the last page together before you go. The platform reunion page is in our free coloring and activity pack.
Questions about dogs on Baltimore Light RailLink
Can I bring my dog on the Baltimore Light Rail?
Only a small dog in a carrier. Maryland Transportation Article 7-705 bans live animals on MTA vehicles and in stations except service animals and small animals properly packaged. A dog on a leash cannot ride Light RailLink. Check the size of your carrier before you go.
Does my dog need a carrier on Light RailLink or the Baltimore Metro?
Yes. The law allows only small animals properly packaged, and MTA's own MARC guide describes the same rule as small pets confined in closed carriers. Keep the carrier on your lap or at your feet. A leash alone does not meet the rule on any MTA service.
Can big dogs ride the Baltimore Light Rail or Metro SubwayLink?
No, unless the dog is a service animal. The exception is only for small animals properly packaged, so a dog too big for a carrier you can hold or set at your feet is not allowed. Plan another way to travel with a larger dog.
Are emotional support dogs allowed on MTA Maryland?
Only as pets in a carrier. MTA's materials exempt service animals and do not mention emotional support animals, so a small emotional support dog should ride in a closed carrier. Keep the carrier on your lap or at your feet so it does not take up a seat.
What are the service dog rules on Baltimore Light RailLink?
Service animals ride with their handlers and must stay under the handler's control. MTA's pets and service animals web pages were not yet published in November 2026, so no ID or paperwork rule is posted. Call 410-539-5000 with questions. Keep the animal close to you.
Is there a fare for a dog on the Baltimore Light Rail?
No pet fare is listed. MTA does not post any charge for a small pet in a carrier or for a service animal. You pay your own fare as usual. If you have questions, call the Transit Information Contact Center at 410-539-5000.
Is the Metro SubwayLink pet rule the same as Light RailLink?
Yes. The state law covers every transit vehicle and station owned or controlled by MTA, so Metro SubwayLink, Light RailLink, local buses and MARC all use the small-pet-in-a-carrier rule. Plan for the same carrier on every leg of a trip that mixes subway, light rail and bus.
Can I take my dog on the light rail to BWI airport?
Yes, if the dog is small and stays in its carrier. Light RailLink serves BWI Marshall Airport, and the carrier rule applies the whole way. A large airline crate may not be practical on board. Keep the carrier with you on the platform as well.
Can I bring a poodle on Baltimore Light RailLink?
Yes for Toy Poodles (4 to 6 lb). Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. Yes for Miniature Poodles (10 to 15 lb). Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. No for Standard Poodles (40 to 70 lb). Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a French Bulldog on Baltimore Light RailLink?
Maybe for a typical adult French Bulldog (16 to 28 lb). Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a golden retriever on Baltimore Light RailLink?
No for a typical adult Golden Retriever (55 to 75 lb). Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Maryland law lets you bring only small animals properly packaged, meaning a carrier; service animals are allowed. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Where these rules come from
- Maryland Code, Transportation Article 7-705 (Maryland General Assembly)(opens in a new tab)
- MTA MARC Rider Guide 2026 (Pets and Service Animals)(opens in a new tab)
- MDOT MTA Rider Code of Conduct brochure(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 Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA).
- 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.
