Can I Bring My Dog on The Downeaster? (2026 Pet Policy)
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Dogs on trains · Intercity rail
Can I bring my dog on the Downeaster?
Boston to Portland and Brunswick, Maine, the Downeaster is a classic New England ride, and small dogs can come for $29.
Checked against Amtrak Downeaster's own published rules on .
The short answer Small dogs, with a weight limit
Yes. Small dogs and cats 20 pounds or less ride in a pet carrier with a reservation, for $29 one-way.
- VerdictSmall dogs, with a weight limit
- Pet fee$29 one-way.
- Weight limit20 lb with carrier
- BookingReserve the pet 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 NYC Subway, dogs on Long Island Rail Road, dogs on Metro-North Railroad.
Quick check
Will my dog fit on Amtrak Downeaster?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against Amtrak Downeaster's rule above.
Amtrak Downeaster pet rules, line by line
- Small dogs and cats 20 pounds or less in a pet carrier.
- Pet reservations are required.
- The pet fare is $29 one-way.
- Amtrak's pet rules apply: carrier under your seat, 7 hour limit, Coach only, release form for each segment.
Popular dog breeds on Amtrak Downeaster
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against Amtrak Downeaster'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 Amtrak Downeaster
- All Downeaster trains welcome service animals.
Emotional support dogs: Emotional support animals follow Amtrak's pet rules. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding Amtrak Downeaster with kids and a dog
- Boston North Station to Portland is about two and a half hours. Walk your dog before boarding; there are no relief stops.
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 Amtrak Downeaster 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 Amtrak Downeaster
Can I bring my dog on the Downeaster?
Yes. Small dogs and cats 20 pounds or less ride in a pet carrier with a reservation, for $29 one-way.
Does my dog need a carrier on Amtrak Downeaster?
Yes. Amtrak Downeaster only takes pets in a carrier, with a 20 pound limit that includes the carrier.
Can I bring an emotional support dog on Amtrak Downeaster?
Emotional support animals follow Amtrak's pet rules.
Are service dogs allowed on Amtrak Downeaster?
All Downeaster trains welcome service animals.
Can I bring a poodle on the Downeaster?
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 Downeaster?
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 Downeaster?
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
- Downeaster FAQs(opens in a new tab)
- Pets on Amtrak(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 Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority / Amtrak.
- 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.