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Dogs on trains · Streetcar
Can I bring my dog on the QLINE?
The QLINE runs free up Woodward Avenue, but it's one of the strictest lines in the country for dogs: service animals only, no carriers.
Last checked against Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA); built and formerly owned and run by M-1 Rail's own published rules on . Last updated .
The short answer Service animals only
No. QLINE's rules say no animals except service animals, so pet dogs cannot ride, even small ones in a carrier. A trained service dog is welcome.
- VerdictService animals only
- Pet feeNot applicable. Pets can’t ride.
For every train in one place, start at our can my dog ride the train guide. Nearby, families also ask about dogs on Amtrak, dogs on VIA Rail.
Quick check
Will my dog fit on Detroit QLINE?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against Detroit QLINE's rule above.
Detroit QLINE pet rules, line by line
- No animals are allowed except service animals.
- Passengers may not ride with pets other than service animals.
- The rule has no carrier exception for small pets.
- Do not block doorways or emergency exits, and keep personal items limited.
“No animals except service animals”
From Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA); built and formerly owned and run by M-1 Rail's published rules.
Popular dog breeds on Detroit QLINE
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against Detroit QLINE'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 Detroit QLINE
- Service animals are the only animals allowed on QLINE.
- QLINE's rules do not list documentation, ID cards or seat rules for service animals.
- Reserved areas for disabled and elderly riders are marked in the center of the streetcar.
Emotional support dogs: QLINE's rules say nothing specific about emotional support animals. Because only service animals are allowed, an emotional support dog that is not a trained service animal should not be expected to ride. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding Detroit QLINE with kids and a dog
- QLINE is free and runs every 15 minutes or less, so walking the dog along Woodward is a practical alternative for short hops.
- Strollers are welcome and ride in the center section, where the level floor areas are.
- Check the hours before you go: Monday to Saturday 8AM to midnight and Sunday 8AM to 9PM.
A page from Rally's ride
Before Rally's trip, he packs his own bag: a turtle toy, a green bone and a yellow ball. Let your kids pack a small bag for your dog too, with water, a bowl, treats and a towel. The packing page is in our free coloring and activity pack.
Questions about dogs on Detroit QLINE
Can I bring my dog on the QLINE in Detroit?
No. QLINE's Passenger Code of Conduct says no animals except service animals. That applies to every pet, including small dogs. Only a trained service animal can ride the streetcar along Woodward. If you are visiting with a pet, plan to walk the Woodward corridor or use another way to get around, since the operator will not let the dog board.
Can a small dog in a carrier ride QLINE?
No. Unlike many transit systems, QLINE does not make an exception for pets in carriers. The How to Ride page says passengers are not permitted to ride with pets other than service animals. A carrier does not change the answer, so leave a small dog at home or plan another way to travel along Woodward Avenue between Grand Boulevard and Congress Street.
Are big dogs allowed on the QLINE?
No, unless the dog is a service animal. QLINE's rule bans all animals except service animals, so size does not matter. A leashed pet dog of any size will not be allowed to ride. If you are traveling with a large family dog, plan to walk or drive, because there is no size, leash or muzzle option for pets.
Can I bring an emotional support dog on QLINE?
Probably not. QLINE allows service animals only and does not mention emotional support animals. An emotional support dog that is not trained to do tasks for a person with a disability is treated as a pet. If you rely on a dog for emotional support, contact QLINE through its website contact form before your trip to ask about your situation.
Are service dogs allowed on QLINE?
Yes. Service animals are the only animals allowed. QLINE's rules do not list any ID card or paperwork requirement. Reserved seating for riders with disabilities is in the center of the streetcar. Keep the animal close and out of the doorways and aisle so other riders can board.
Do dogs pay a fare on QLINE?
No fare applies because pet dogs cannot ride, and the QLINE itself is free for everyone. Service animals ride with their handlers at no cost. Because pets are not allowed on board, there is nothing to pay for a dog, and you will not need a ticket of your own either.
Can I take my dog to a Lions or Tigers game on the QLINE?
Only if it is a service animal. QLINE stops near the stadiums and arenas downtown, but the no-animals rule applies on game days too. Plan to walk or drive with a pet dog. Since QLINE runs along Woodward close to the downtown venues, walking with your dog to the game is often a workable alternative.
Can I bring a poodle on the QLINE?
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 the QLINE?
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 the QLINE?
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
- QLINE Rules of the Rail (Passenger Code of Conduct)(opens in a new tab)
- QLINE How to Ride(opens in a new tab)
- QLINE 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 Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA); built and formerly owned and run by M-1 Rail.
- 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. $16.99 on Amazon.
