Can I Bring My Dog on The Cleveland RTA Rapid? (2026 Pet Policy)
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Dogs on trains · Rapid transit
Can I bring my dog on the Cleveland RTA Rapid?
Cleveland is one of the few transit systems that publishes an actual number: 25 pounds, and the pet stays in its carrier.
Checked against Cleveland RTA Rapid's own published rules on .
The short answer Small dogs, with a weight limit
Yes, pets up to 25 pounds in a carrier for the entire ride. Pets over 25 pounds can't board.
- VerdictSmall dogs, with a weight limit
- Pet feeNo pet fare is listed.
- Weight limit25 lb (pet)
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 Metra, dogs on CTA 'L' Trains, dogs on South Shore Line.
Quick check
Will my dog fit on Cleveland RTA Rapid?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against Cleveland RTA Rapid's rule above.
Cleveland RTA Rapid pet rules, line by line
- Pets must weigh no more than 25 pounds and stay in a pet carrier the entire ride.
- The carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat.
- Large pets over 25 pounds may not board RTA vehicles.
Popular dog breeds on Cleveland RTA Rapid
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against Cleveland RTA Rapid'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 Cleveland RTA Rapid
- Service animals are welcome without restrictions.
Emotional support dogs: Only service animals are exempt from the 25 pound carrier rule. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding Cleveland RTA Rapid with kids and a dog
- RTA's 25 pounds is the pet's weight, so a corgi on the light end can make it if the carrier fits under the seat.
A page from Rally's ride
Rally spends most of his ride with his nose to the glass, saying hello to a seagull. Whatever your dog's spot on Cleveland RTA Rapid turns out to be, a few minutes at the window before the trip, looking at the pictures together, helps kids know what's coming. Our free coloring and activity pack starts with that window page.
Questions about dogs on Cleveland RTA Rapid
Can I bring my dog on the Cleveland RTA Rapid?
Yes, pets up to 25 pounds in a carrier for the entire ride. Pets over 25 pounds can't board.
Does my dog need a carrier on Cleveland RTA Rapid?
Yes. Cleveland RTA Rapid only takes pets in a carrier, with a 25 pound limit for the pet.
Can I bring an emotional support dog on Cleveland RTA Rapid?
Only service animals are exempt from the 25 pound carrier rule.
Are service dogs allowed on Cleveland RTA Rapid?
Service animals are welcome without restrictions.
Can I bring a poodle on the Cleveland RTA Rapid?
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 the Cleveland RTA Rapid?
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 the Cleveland RTA Rapid?
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
- RTA How to Ride(opens in a new tab)
- RTA Customer Service FAQ(opens in a new tab)
- RTA 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 Greater Cleveland Regional Transit 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.