Can I Bring My Dog on BART? (2026 Pet Policy)
Dogs on trains · Subway and regional rail
Can I bring my dog on BART?
BART is clear about it: any size of dog can ride, as long as it's in a real pet carrier. A leash alone doesn't count.
Checked against BART's own published rules on .
The short answer Dogs in an enclosed carrier
Yes, in a secure, enclosed carrier made for pets. Dogs on leashes aren't allowed unless they are service animals.
- VerdictDogs in an enclosed carrier
- Pet feeNo pet fare is listed.
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
Will my dog fit on BART?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against BART's rule above.
BART pet rules, line by line
- Non-service pets must travel in a secure, enclosed carrier specifically manufactured for transporting pets.
- Pets on leashes are not allowed.
- Keep animals off seats and out of aisles.
Popular dog breeds on BART
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against BART'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 | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Poodle (Miniature) | 10 to 15 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Poodle (Standard) | 40 to 70 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| French Bulldog | 16 to 28 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Labrador Retriever | 55 to 80 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Golden Retriever | 55 to 75 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| German Shepherd Dog | 50 to 90 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Dachshund (Miniature) | 8 to 11 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Dachshund (Standard) | 16 to 32 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Chihuahua | 2 to 6 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Shih Tzu | 9 to 16 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Pomeranian | 3 to 7 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 13 to 18 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Beagle | 20 to 30 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Goldendoodle (Miniature) | 15 to 35 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Goldendoodle (Standard) | 50 to 90 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Siberian Husky | 35 to 60 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Boston Terrier | 12 to 25 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Australian Shepherd | 40 to 65 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Miniature American Shepherd | 20 to 40 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Maltese | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Havanese | 7 to 13 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11 to 20 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Pit Bull (American Pit Bull Terrier) | 30 to 60 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | 40 to 70 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Great Dane | 110 to 175 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Bulldog (English) | 40 to 50 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 24 to 30 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
Service dogs on BART
- Service animals must be on a leash or harness. Animals trained to work without one should contact BART's Access and Accessibility Department.
- The task must relate directly to the person's disability. Service dogs in training may accompany disabled owners or authorized trainers in stations.
- BART recommends elevators or stairs over escalators for service dogs.
- Station agents can refuse a service animal that is behaving in a way that threatens passengers.
Emotional support dogs: Dogs whose only job is comfort or emotional support are not service animals at BART and must ride in a pet carrier. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding BART with kids and a dog
- Escalators are hard on paws. Use the elevator with the carrier and the kids.
- A wheeled pet carrier makes medium dogs possible, but it still has to stay out of the aisle on crowded trains.
A page from Rally's ride
Rally gets scared in a dark tunnel, then hears happy cheers and sees the sun. Underground stations and tunnels on BART can rattle a nervous dog the same way. Read the tunnel page together before you go; it's in our free coloring and activity pack.
Questions about dogs on BART
Can I bring my dog on BART?
Yes, in a secure, enclosed carrier made for pets. Dogs on leashes aren't allowed unless they are service animals.
Does my dog need a carrier on BART?
Yes. On BART a pet has to ride in an enclosed carrier. No size or weight limit is published, but you have to be able to carry it and keep it out of the aisle.
Can I bring an emotional support dog on BART?
Dogs whose only job is comfort or emotional support are not service animals at BART and must ride in a pet carrier.
Are service dogs allowed on BART?
Service animals must be on a leash or harness. Animals trained to work without one should contact BART's Access and Accessibility Department. The task must relate directly to the person's disability. Service dogs in training may accompany disabled owners or authorized trainers in stations.
Can I bring a poodle on BART?
Yes for Toy Poodles (4 to 6 lb). Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. Yes for Miniature Poodles (10 to 15 lb). Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. No for Standard Poodles (40 to 70 lb). Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a French Bulldog on BART?
Maybe for a typical adult French Bulldog (16 to 28 lb). Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a golden retriever on BART?
No for a typical adult Golden Retriever (55 to 75 lb). Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Where these rules come from
- BART Service Animals and Pets(opens in a new tab)
- BART FAQ(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 Bay Area Rapid Transit District.
- 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.