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Dogs on trains · Commuter rail
Can I bring my dog on exo trains?
exo's commuter trains around Montreal are stricter than the métro: pets ride only in a closed carrier, never on a leash.
Last checked against exo (Réseau de transport métropolitain)'s own published rules on . Last updated .
The short answer Pets in a closed carrier
Only in a closed carrier. On exo trains and buses, pets must stay in a closed cage or container made for carrying animals, which cannot block the aisle or take up an extra seat. Leashed pet dogs are not allowed, but guide and assistance dogs can ride on a leash.
- VerdictPets in a closed carrier
- Pet feeNo pet fare listed
For every train in one place, start at our can my dog ride the train guide. Nearby, families also ask about dogs on the Montreal métro, dogs on VIA Rail, dogs on Amtrak.
Quick check
Will my dog fit on exo commuter trains?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against exo commuter trains's rule above.
exo commuter trains pet rules, line by line
- On exo territory or in an exo vehicle, animals must be in a closed cage or container properly designed for the purpose at all times.
- The carrier must not block passenger movement.
- The carrier must not occupy an additional seat.
- The animal's behaviour must not interfere with the work of exo employees.
- Guide and assistance dogs may travel with you and must be kept on a leash.
Popular dog breeds on exo commuter trains
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against exo commuter trains'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 | Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Poodle (Miniature) | 10 to 15 lb | Yes | Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Poodle (Standard) | 40 to 70 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| French Bulldog | 16 to 28 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Labrador Retriever | 55 to 80 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Golden Retriever | 55 to 75 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| German Shepherd Dog | 50 to 90 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Dachshund (Miniature) | 8 to 11 lb | Yes | Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Dachshund (Standard) | 16 to 32 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Chihuahua | 2 to 6 lb | Yes | Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Shih Tzu | 9 to 16 lb | Yes | Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Pomeranian | 3 to 7 lb | Yes | Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 13 to 18 lb | Yes | Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Beagle | 20 to 30 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Goldendoodle (Miniature) | 15 to 35 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Goldendoodle (Standard) | 50 to 90 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Siberian Husky | 35 to 60 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Boston Terrier | 12 to 25 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Australian Shepherd | 40 to 65 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Miniature American Shepherd | 20 to 40 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Maltese | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Havanese | 7 to 13 lb | Yes | Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11 to 20 lb | Yes | Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Pit Bull (American Pit Bull Terrier) | 30 to 60 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | 40 to 70 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Great Dane | 110 to 175 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Bulldog (English) | 40 to 50 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 24 to 30 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. |
Service dogs on exo commuter trains
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs may travel with their handler on exo trains and buses.
- They must be kept on a leash.
- exo's pet page does not describe documentation requirements or what staff may ask.
Emotional support dogs: exo does not mention emotional support animals; they are treated as pets and must be in a closed carrier. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding exo commuter trains with kids and a dog
- Choose a carrier that fits on your lap or at your feet, since it may not take a seat or block the aisle on crowded peak trains.
- If you continue into the city, the STM métro and the REM allow leashed, muzzled dogs at set hours, but exo itself does not, so a carrier is needed for the exo leg.
- Some exo lines share Gare Centrale with the REM, where entrances are in buildings REM does not own, so check where dogs may walk before you go.
A page from Rally's ride
In the book, kids lean over the seats to pet Rally. On a real train, teach your kids the other side of that page too: always ask the owner before petting someone else's dog. The aisle page is in our free coloring and activity pack.
Questions about dogs on exo commuter trains
Can I bring my dog on exo trains?
Only in a closed carrier. exo requires animals on its territory and vehicles to stay in a closed cage or container designed to carry animals at all times. The carrier cannot block the aisle or take an extra seat. Leashed pet dogs are not allowed on exo trains or buses.
Does my dog need a carrier on exo?
Yes, unless it is a guide or assistance dog. Every pet must be in a closed cage or container made for transporting animals for the whole time it is on exo property or vehicles. Guide and assistance dogs ride on a leash instead.
Can large dogs ride exo commuter trains?
Only if they fit in a closed carrier. exo sets no stated weight limit, but the carrier must not block passengers or occupy an extra seat, which in practice limits pets to sizes you can carry. Large guide and assistance dogs may ride on a leash.
Are emotional support dogs allowed on exo?
Only in a closed carrier like other pets. exo's rules mention guide and assistance dogs but not emotional support animals, so an emotional support dog follows the pet rule.
What are exo's rules for service dogs?
Guide dogs and assistance dogs may travel with you on exo, and they must be kept on a leash. exo's pet page does not list documentation requirements.
Do pets need a ticket on exo trains?
No pet fare is listed. exo's pet rules cover carriers, seats and behaviour but list no fare for animals. Only the people in your group pay.
Can I take my dog on the REM instead of exo?
Yes, during the REM pilot, with different rules. The REM allows leashed, muzzled dogs except weekdays from 7 to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 6 p.m., starting Aug 17, 2026, with one dog per passenger and a 1.25 m maximum leash. Other animals on the REM must be in closed carriers.
Can I bring a poodle on exo trains?
Yes for Toy Poodles (4 to 6 lb). Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. Yes for Miniature Poodles (10 to 15 lb). Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. No for Standard Poodles (40 to 70 lb). Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a French Bulldog on exo trains?
Maybe for a typical adult French Bulldog (16 to 28 lb). Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a golden retriever on exo trains?
No for a typical adult Golden Retriever (55 to 75 lb). Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pets must stay in a closed carrier that does not block the aisle or take an extra seat; leashed dogs are not allowed. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Where these rules come from
- exo: Travelling with your pet on public transit(opens in a new tab)
- REM: Can I take the REM with my pet?(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 exo (Réseau de transport métropolitain).
- 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.
