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Dogs on trains · Light rail
Can I bring my dog on Hudson-Bergen Light Rail?
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail follows NJ TRANSIT's rule, which also covers Newark Light Rail and the River LINE: small pets in carry-on cages.
Last checked against NJ TRANSIT (New Jersey Transit Corporation)'s own published rules on . Last updated .
The short answer Small dogs in a carrier
Only small pets in a carry-on travel cage. NJ TRANSIT says service animals, police dogs and small pets in carry-on cages are the only animals allowed on its trains, buses and light rail. The same rule applies on Newark Light Rail and the River LINE.
- VerdictSmall dogs in a 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 NJ TRANSIT, dogs on PATH, dogs on the NYC Subway.
Quick check
Will my dog fit on Hudson-Bergen Light Rail?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against Hudson-Bergen Light Rail's rule above.
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail pet rules, line by line
- Only service animals, police dogs and small pets in carry-on travel cages are allowed on NJ TRANSIT light rail vehicles.
- State rule N.J.A.C. 16:83 bars bringing any animal except service animals that are appropriately controlled or domestic animals restrained in appropriate carriers.
- The same rule covers Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, Newark Light Rail, the River LINE, NJ TRANSIT trains and buses, and NJ TRANSIT facilities.
- Eating and drinking are not allowed on light rail vehicles.
“Only service animals accompanying customers with disabilities or their trainers, police dogs, and small pets in carry-on travel cages are allowed on-board NJ TRANSIT trains, buses and light rail vehicles.”
From NJ TRANSIT (New Jersey Transit Corporation)'s published rules.
Popular dog breeds on Hudson-Bergen Light Rail
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against Hudson-Bergen Light Rail'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 | NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Poodle (Miniature) | 10 to 15 lb | Yes | NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Poodle (Standard) | 40 to 70 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| French Bulldog | 16 to 28 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Labrador Retriever | 55 to 80 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Golden Retriever | 55 to 75 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| German Shepherd Dog | 50 to 90 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Dachshund (Miniature) | 8 to 11 lb | Yes | NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Dachshund (Standard) | 16 to 32 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Chihuahua | 2 to 6 lb | Yes | NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Shih Tzu | 9 to 16 lb | Yes | NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Pomeranian | 3 to 7 lb | Yes | NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 13 to 18 lb | Yes | NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Beagle | 20 to 30 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Goldendoodle (Miniature) | 15 to 35 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Goldendoodle (Standard) | 50 to 90 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Siberian Husky | 35 to 60 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Boston Terrier | 12 to 25 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Australian Shepherd | 40 to 65 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Miniature American Shepherd | 20 to 40 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Maltese | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Havanese | 7 to 13 lb | Yes | NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11 to 20 lb | Yes | NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Pit Bull (American Pit Bull Terrier) | 30 to 60 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | 40 to 70 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Great Dane | 110 to 175 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Bulldog (English) | 40 to 50 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 24 to 30 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. |
Service dogs on Hudson-Bergen Light Rail
- Service animals accompanying customers with disabilities, and service animals with their trainers, are allowed.
- Service animals must be appropriately controlled (N.J.A.C. 16:83).
- NJ TRANSIT does not post an ID card or documentation requirement for service animals in its FAQ or conduct rules.
Emotional support dogs: NJ TRANSIT's FAQ and conduct rules do not mention emotional support animals. They are not listed with service animals, so an emotional support dog should ride as a small pet in a carrier. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding Hudson-Bergen Light Rail with kids and a dog
- PATH and the NYC Subway also require pets to be in carriers, so the same carrier works if you connect at Hoboken, Newport or Exchange Place.
- Use NJ TRANSIT's elevator status page or My Transit alerts before going to a station with a stroller and a pet carrier.
- The River LINE meets SEPTA at Trenton and PATCO in Camden, which have their own carrier rules, so check before transferring.
A page from Rally's ride
The scariest page in Rally's book is the tunnel: dark, loud, nothing to see, until a bright light and happy cheers on the other side. Underground stretches can rattle a nervous dog the same way. Talking through Rally's tunnel with kids first helps everyone. The tunnel page is in our free coloring and activity pack.
Questions about dogs on Hudson-Bergen Light Rail
Can I bring my dog on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail?
Only a small dog in a carry-on travel cage. NJ TRANSIT's FAQ says service animals, police dogs and small pets in carry-on travel cages are the only animals allowed on its light rail vehicles. A dog on a leash is not allowed.
Does my dog need a carrier on NJ TRANSIT light rail?
Yes. NJ TRANSIT requires small pets to be in carry-on travel cages, and its conduct rules say domestic animals must be restrained in appropriate carriers. Keep the carrier closed for the whole ride. A leash alone does not meet the rule.
Can big dogs ride the HBLR?
No, unless the dog is a service animal. The only pet exception is for small pets in carry-on cages, so a dog too big for a carrier you can bring aboard is not permitted on Hudson-Bergen Light Rail. Plan another option for larger dogs.
Are emotional support dogs allowed on NJ TRANSIT light rail?
Only as pets in a carrier. NJ TRANSIT lists service animals, their trainers and police dogs as the exceptions and does not mention emotional support animals, so the carry-on cage rule applies. Keep the carrier closed for the whole ride and out of the aisle.
What are the service dog rules on Hudson-Bergen Light Rail?
Service animals accompanying customers with disabilities, or with their trainers, are allowed, and they must be appropriately controlled. NJ TRANSIT does not post an ID card requirement. Call 973-275-5555 with accessibility questions. Keep the animal close and out of the aisle.
Is there a fare for a dog on NJ TRANSIT light rail?
No pet fare is listed. NJ TRANSIT does not post a charge for a small pet in a carrier or for a service animal. You buy and validate your own light rail ticket as usual. Call 973-275-5555 if you have questions.
Is the pet rule the same on Newark Light Rail and the River LINE?
Yes. NJ TRANSIT's answer covers all of its trains, buses and light rail vehicles, and its conduct rules apply across its equipment and facilities. Newark Light Rail and the River LINE use the same small-pet-in-a-carrier rule. Check SEPTA or PATCO rules if you continue on.
Can I bring a poodle on Hudson-Bergen Light Rail?
Yes for Toy Poodles (4 to 6 lb). NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. Yes for Miniature Poodles (10 to 15 lb). NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. No for Standard Poodles (40 to 70 lb). Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a French Bulldog on Hudson-Bergen Light Rail?
Maybe for a typical adult French Bulldog (16 to 28 lb). Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a golden retriever on Hudson-Bergen Light Rail?
No for a typical adult Golden Retriever (55 to 75 lb). Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. NJ TRANSIT allows only small pets in carry-on travel cages on light rail; service animals are allowed. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Where these rules come from
- NJ TRANSIT Frequently Asked Questions(opens in a new tab)
- N.J.A.C. 16:83 Conduct and Safety of the Public in the Use of NJ TRANSIT Equipment and Facilities (PDF)(opens in a new tab)
- NJ TRANSIT Regulations, Statutes and Bylaws(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 NJ TRANSIT (New Jersey Transit Corporation).
- 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.
