Can I Bring My Dog on CapMetro Rail? (2026 Pet Policy)
- Home
- Dogs on Trains
- CapMetro Rail
Dogs on trains · Commuter rail
Can I bring my dog on CapMetro Rail?
Austin's CapMetro is one of the strictest systems in Texas: no pets in carriers, and no emotional support animals.
Checked against CapMetro Rail's own published rules on .
The short answer Service animals only
No. CapMetro doesn't allow pets, emotional support or comfort animals. Only service animals can ride.
- VerdictService animals only
- Pet feeNot applicable.
- Not allowedAll CapMetro services.
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 DART Light Rail, dogs on TEXRail (Trinity Metro), dogs on Houston METRORail.
Quick check
Could my dog ride CapMetro Rail?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against CapMetro Rail's rule above.
CapMetro Rail pet rules, line by line
- Boarding with a pet that isn't a service animal is prohibited. Pets, emotional support and comfort animals are not allowed.
Popular dog breeds on CapMetro Rail
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against CapMetro Rail'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 CapMetro Rail
- Service animals must be under the full control of their handler at all times.
- They can't board in carts or strollers or occupy seats, and CapMetro's schedule book says they stay underneath the seat and out of the aisle.
- A service animal that threatens health or safety will be removed.
Emotional support dogs: Emotional support and comfort animals are specifically excluded in Austin. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding CapMetro Rail with kids and a dog
- Service animals can't ride in a stroller or cart on CapMetro, so plan for them to walk.
A page from Rally's ride
Rally's story starts the morning of the trip, when he spots the suitcase and packs his turtle toy, green bone and yellow ball so he won't miss out. Some families have to tell their dog the opposite on CapMetro Rail: this trip is a stay-home one. Reading Rally's packing scene is a gentle way to explain who's coming along. The free coloring and activity pack includes Rally's packing page to color.
Questions about dogs on CapMetro Rail
Can I bring my dog on CapMetro Rail?
No. CapMetro doesn't allow pets, emotional support or comfort animals. Only service animals can ride.
Does my dog need a carrier on CapMetro Rail?
Pets can't ride CapMetro Rail at all, carrier or not. Only trained service animals can.
Can I bring an emotional support dog on CapMetro Rail?
Emotional support and comfort animals are specifically excluded in Austin.
Are service dogs allowed on CapMetro Rail?
Service animals must be under the full control of their handler at all times. They can't board in carts or strollers or occupy seats, and CapMetro's schedule book says they stay underneath the seat and out of the aisle.
Can I bring a poodle on CapMetro Rail?
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 CapMetro Rail?
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 CapMetro Rail?
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
- CapMetro Code of Conduct(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 Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
- 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.