Can I Bring My Dog on The CTrail Hartford Line? (2026 Pet Policy)
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Dogs on trains · Commuter rail
Can I bring my dog on the CTrail Hartford Line?
On the Hartford Line, the same tracks carry two pet rules: CTrail trains take small pets free, and Amtrak trains charge a pet fare. Both stop at 20 pounds.
Checked against CTrail Hartford Line's own published rules on .
The short answer Small dogs, with a weight limit
Yes, at no charge, if your pet and carrier together weigh 20 pounds or less. Non-service animals over 20 pounds can't ride.
- VerdictSmall dogs, with a weight limit
- Pet feeFree on CTrail Hartford Line trains (Amtrak trains on the line charge Amtrak's pet fee).
- Weight limit20 lb with carrier
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 NYC Subway, dogs on Long Island Rail Road, dogs on Metro-North Railroad.
Quick check
Will my dog fit on CTrail Hartford Line?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against CTrail Hartford Line's rule above.
CTrail Hartford Line pet rules, line by line
- Pets ride in a closed, well-ventilated, pet-safe carrier, hard or soft sided but leak proof.
- Maximum carrier size 19" long x 14" wide x 10.5" high, and pet plus carrier can't exceed 20 pounds.
- Non-service animals over 20 pounds are not permitted.
- Pets can't occupy empty seats. CTrail's help center says the carrier sits on the floor in front of your seat.
- Amtrak trains on the Hartford Line follow Amtrak's pet reservation and fee rules.
Popular dog breeds on CTrail Hartford Line
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against CTrail Hartford Line'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 | 20 lb limit including the carrier. |
| Poodle (Miniature) | 10 to 15 lb | Yes | 20 lb limit including the carrier. |
| Poodle (Standard) | 40 to 70 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| French Bulldog | 16 to 28 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog weighs about 16 lb or less. 20 lb limit including the carrier. |
| Labrador Retriever | 55 to 80 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Golden Retriever | 55 to 75 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| German Shepherd Dog | 50 to 90 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Dachshund (Miniature) | 8 to 11 lb | Yes | 20 lb limit including the carrier. |
| Dachshund (Standard) | 16 to 32 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog weighs about 16 lb or less. 20 lb limit including the carrier. |
| Chihuahua | 2 to 6 lb | Yes | 20 lb limit including the carrier. |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | 20 lb limit including the carrier. |
| Shih Tzu | 9 to 16 lb | Yes | 20 lb limit including the carrier. |
| Pomeranian | 3 to 7 lb | Yes | 20 lb limit including the carrier. |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 13 to 18 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog weighs about 16 lb or less. 20 lb limit including the carrier. |
| Beagle | 20 to 30 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Goldendoodle (Miniature) | 15 to 35 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog weighs about 16 lb or less. 20 lb limit including the carrier. |
| Goldendoodle (Standard) | 50 to 90 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Siberian Husky | 35 to 60 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Boston Terrier | 12 to 25 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog weighs about 16 lb or less. 20 lb limit including the carrier. |
| Australian Shepherd | 40 to 65 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Miniature American Shepherd | 20 to 40 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Maltese | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | 20 lb limit including the carrier. |
| Havanese | 7 to 13 lb | Yes | 20 lb limit including the carrier. |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11 to 20 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog weighs about 16 lb or less. 20 lb limit including the carrier. |
| Pit Bull (American Pit Bull Terrier) | 30 to 60 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | 40 to 70 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Great Dane | 110 to 175 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Bulldog (English) | 40 to 50 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 24 to 30 lb | No | Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). |
Service dogs on CTrail Hartford Line
- Trained service dogs assisting people with disabilities ride CTrail Hartford Line trains without restriction.
- Amtrak trains on the same tracks have their own service dog requirements.
Emotional support dogs: The Hartford Line's exception is for trained service dogs, so emotional support animals follow the 20 pound carrier rule. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding CTrail Hartford Line with kids and a dog
- Check which train you're on. CTrail trains are free for pets; Amtrak Hartford Line and Valley Flyer trains need a pet reservation.
- Weigh pet and carrier together. CTrail and Amtrak both count the carrier.
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 CTrail Hartford Line 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 CTrail Hartford Line
Can I bring my dog on the CTrail Hartford Line?
Yes, at no charge, if your pet and carrier together weigh 20 pounds or less. Non-service animals over 20 pounds can't ride.
Does my dog need a carrier on CTrail Hartford Line?
Yes. CTrail Hartford Line only takes pets in a carrier, with a 20 pound limit that includes the carrier.
Can I bring an emotional support dog on CTrail Hartford Line?
The Hartford Line's exception is for trained service dogs, so emotional support animals follow the 20 pound carrier rule.
Are service dogs allowed on CTrail Hartford Line?
Trained service dogs assisting people with disabilities ride CTrail Hartford Line trains without restriction. Amtrak trains on the same tracks have their own service dog requirements.
Can I bring a poodle on the CTrail Hartford Line?
Yes for Toy Poodles (4 to 6 lb). 20 lb limit including the carrier. Yes for Miniature Poodles (10 to 15 lb). 20 lb limit including the carrier. No for Standard Poodles (40 to 70 lb). Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a French Bulldog on the CTrail Hartford Line?
Maybe for a typical adult French Bulldog (16 to 28 lb). Only if your dog weighs about 16 lb or less. 20 lb limit including the carrier. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a golden retriever on the CTrail Hartford Line?
No for a typical adult Golden Retriever (55 to 75 lb). Over the 20 lb limit (carrier included). Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Where these rules come from
- Hartford Line Policies(opens in a new tab)
- Hartford Line Pet Policy (CTrail help center)(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 Connecticut Department of Transportation.
- 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.