Can I Bring My Dog on Brightline? (2026 Pet Policy)
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Dogs on trains · Intercity rail
Can I bring my dog on Brightline?
Brightline's Miami to Orlando run is one of the most pet-ready trains in the country, with relief areas at two stations and a $10 local pet fare.
Checked against Brightline's own published rules on .
The short answer Small dogs, with a weight limit
Yes. Dogs and cats under 25 pounds ride in a carrier no bigger than 17" x 10" x 10", added to your reservation, for $10 within South Florida or $45 to and from Orlando.
- VerdictSmall dogs, with a weight limit
- Pet fee$10 within and between Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. $45 between Orlando and any other station.
- Weight limit25 lb (pet)
- BookingAdd the pet in passenger details when you book.
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 Tri-Rail, dogs on SunRail, dogs on Miami-Dade Metrorail and Metromover.
Quick check
Will my dog fit on Brightline?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against Brightline's rule above.
Brightline pet rules, line by line
- Dogs and cats only. Brightline describes small dogs under 25 pounds traveling in carriers.
- Carrier: closed, approved, hard or soft sided, leak proof, no bigger than 17" x 10" x 10", under your seat or on your lap.
- One pet per adult passenger (13+). The carrier plus one personal item is your limit; no extra carry-on bag.
- Add the pet to your reservation at least 10 minutes before departure, or it may be refused.
- Leashed in the lobby and outside the station; inside the carrier past security, in lounges and on the train.
- Pets must be 8 weeks or older, odorless, harmless and not disruptive. No pets as checked baggage.
Popular dog breeds on Brightline
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against Brightline'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 | 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. |
| Poodle (Miniature) | 10 to 15 lb | Yes | 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. |
| Poodle (Standard) | 40 to 70 lb | No | Over the 25 lb limit. |
| French Bulldog | 16 to 28 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog weighs about 25 lb or less. 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. |
| Labrador Retriever | 55 to 80 lb | No | Over the 25 lb limit. |
| Golden Retriever | 55 to 75 lb | No | Over the 25 lb limit. |
| German Shepherd Dog | 50 to 90 lb | No | Over the 25 lb limit. |
| Dachshund (Miniature) | 8 to 11 lb | Yes | 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. |
| Dachshund (Standard) | 16 to 32 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog weighs about 25 lb or less. 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. |
| Chihuahua | 2 to 6 lb | Yes | 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. |
| Shih Tzu | 9 to 16 lb | Yes | 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. |
| Pomeranian | 3 to 7 lb | Yes | 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 13 to 18 lb | Yes | 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. |
| Beagle | 20 to 30 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog weighs about 25 lb or less. 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. |
| Goldendoodle (Miniature) | 15 to 35 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog weighs about 25 lb or less. 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. |
| Goldendoodle (Standard) | 50 to 90 lb | No | Over the 25 lb limit. |
| Siberian Husky | 35 to 60 lb | No | Over the 25 lb limit. |
| Boston Terrier | 12 to 25 lb | Yes | 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. |
| Australian Shepherd | 40 to 65 lb | No | Over the 25 lb limit. |
| Miniature American Shepherd | 20 to 40 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog weighs about 25 lb or less. 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. |
| Maltese | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. |
| Havanese | 7 to 13 lb | Yes | 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11 to 20 lb | Yes | 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. |
| Pit Bull (American Pit Bull Terrier) | 30 to 60 lb | No | Over the 25 lb limit. |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | 40 to 70 lb | No | Over the 25 lb limit. |
| Great Dane | 110 to 175 lb | No | Over the 25 lb limit. |
| Bulldog (English) | 40 to 50 lb | No | Over the 25 lb limit. |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 24 to 30 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog weighs about 25 lb or less. 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. |
Service dogs on Brightline
- Service animals ride free, with advance notice: add the animal to your reservation.
- It sits under your seat, at your feet or on your lap, never in the aisle or an empty seat, and stays leashed, harnessed or tethered unless that interferes with its work.
Emotional support dogs: Brightline treats comfort animals and search and rescue dogs as pets, so they follow the carrier rules and fees. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding Brightline with kids and a dog
- Measure your carrier. Brightline's 17" x 10" x 10" is smaller than Amtrak's maximum.
- Pet relief areas are outside the West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale stations.
- The $45 Orlando pet fare applies each way, so budget $90 for a round trip.
A page from Rally's ride
Rally's ride has a pretzel break, which every kid reading the book notices. A dog on Brightline does better with its own small snack from home and a quiet spot at your feet. Print the pretzel page from the free coloring and activity pack to keep little hands busy, too.
Questions about dogs on Brightline
Can I bring my dog on Brightline?
Yes. Dogs and cats under 25 pounds ride in a carrier no bigger than 17" x 10" x 10", added to your reservation, for $10 within South Florida or $45 to and from Orlando.
Does my dog need a carrier on Brightline?
Yes. Brightline only takes pets in a carrier, with a 25 pound limit for the pet.
Can I bring an emotional support dog on Brightline?
Brightline treats comfort animals and search and rescue dogs as pets, so they follow the carrier rules and fees.
Are service dogs allowed on Brightline?
Service animals ride free, with advance notice: add the animal to your reservation. It sits under your seat, at your feet or on your lap, never in the aisle or an empty seat, and stays leashed, harnessed or tethered unless that interferes with its work.
How much is Brightline's pet fee?
$10 for trips within and between Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, and $45 for trips between Orlando and any other station. It's the same in SMART and PREMIUM.
Can I bring a poodle on Brightline?
Yes for Toy Poodles (4 to 6 lb). 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. Yes for Miniature Poodles (10 to 15 lb). 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. No for Standard Poodles (40 to 70 lb). Over the 25 lb limit. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a French Bulldog on Brightline?
Maybe for a typical adult French Bulldog (16 to 28 lb). Only if your dog weighs about 25 lb or less. 25 lb limit for the pet, in a carrier. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a golden retriever on Brightline?
No for a typical adult Golden Retriever (55 to 75 lb). Over the 25 lb limit. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Where these rules come from
- Brightline Terms of Service, Sec. 23(opens in a new tab)
- Brightline dog-friendly guide(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 Brightline Florida.
- 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.