Can I Bring My Dog on The MBTA? (2026 Pet Policy)
- Home
- Dogs on Trains
- MBTA (the T)
Dogs on trains · Subway, light rail and commuter rail
Can I bring my dog on the MBTA?
Boston is one of the best cities in the country for riding with a big dog: off-peak, a leashed Lab can ride the T.
Checked against MBTA (the T)'s own published rules on .
The short answer Leashed dogs allowed
Yes. Small pets in a secure carrier can ride any time. Larger dogs that don't fit in a carrier can ride on a leash, but not during weekday peak hours.
- VerdictLeashed dogs allowed
- Pet feeNo pet fare.
- HoursLarge dogs: not weekdays 7 to 9 a.m. or 4 to 7 p.m.
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 MBTA (the T)?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against MBTA (the T)'s rule above.
MBTA (the T) pet rules, line by line
- Small domestic animals are allowed at all times in a secure animal carrier, on your lap if possible and away from doors.
- Larger pet dogs that don't fit in a carrier are not allowed during peak hours: weekdays 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.
- Off-peak, larger dogs are allowed on a leash.
- Animals can't be off leash, out of carriers when required, or on vehicle seats.
- Avoid holidays and large events like the Boston Marathon. Staff can restrict pets for crowding or behavior.
Popular dog breeds on MBTA (the T)
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against MBTA (the T)'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 | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Poodle (Miniature) | 10 to 15 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Poodle (Standard) | 40 to 70 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| French Bulldog | 16 to 28 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Labrador Retriever | 55 to 80 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Golden Retriever | 55 to 75 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| German Shepherd Dog | 50 to 90 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Dachshund (Miniature) | 8 to 11 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Dachshund (Standard) | 16 to 32 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Chihuahua | 2 to 6 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Shih Tzu | 9 to 16 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Pomeranian | 3 to 7 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 13 to 18 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Beagle | 20 to 30 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Goldendoodle (Miniature) | 15 to 35 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Goldendoodle (Standard) | 50 to 90 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Siberian Husky | 35 to 60 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Boston Terrier | 12 to 25 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Australian Shepherd | 40 to 65 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Miniature American Shepherd | 20 to 40 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Maltese | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Havanese | 7 to 13 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11 to 20 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Pit Bull (American Pit Bull Terrier) | 30 to 60 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | 40 to 70 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Great Dane | 110 to 175 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Bulldog (English) | 40 to 50 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 24 to 30 lb | Yes | Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. |
Service dogs on MBTA (the T)
- Service animals are allowed on the T at all times.
Emotional support dogs: MBTA's rules separate service animals from pets, so other animals follow the carrier or off-peak leash rules. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding MBTA (the T) with kids and a dog
- Plan big-dog trips for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or after 7 p.m. on weekdays, or any time on the weekend.
- Skip Marathon Monday and big Fenway nights. Staff can turn pets away when it's crowded.
A page from Rally's ride
Rally meets the conductor in a blue uniform and hopes the ride never ends. Train crews on MBTA (the T) enforce the pet rules, and they remember the families who follow them. If your kids want to practice a polite hello, the conductor page is in our free coloring and activity pack.
Questions about dogs on MBTA (the T)
Can I bring my dog on the MBTA?
Yes. Small pets in a secure carrier can ride any time. Larger dogs that don't fit in a carrier can ride on a leash, but not during weekday peak hours.
Does my dog need a carrier on MBTA (the T)?
No. Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. No size limit is published.
Can I bring an emotional support dog on MBTA (the T)?
MBTA's rules separate service animals from pets, so other animals follow the carrier or off-peak leash rules.
Are service dogs allowed on MBTA (the T)?
Service animals are allowed on the T at all times.
What are the MBTA's dog hours?
Small pets in carriers can ride any time. Larger dogs on a leash can ride outside weekday peak hours, so not 7 to 9 a.m. or 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays.
Can I bring a poodle on the MBTA?
Yes for Toy Poodles (4 to 6 lb). Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. Yes for Miniature Poodles (10 to 15 lb). Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours. Yes for Standard Poodles (40 to 70 lb). Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours.
Can I bring a French Bulldog on the MBTA?
Yes for a typical adult French Bulldog (16 to 28 lb). Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours.
Can I bring a golden retriever on the MBTA?
Yes for a typical adult Golden Retriever (55 to 75 lb). Small pets in carriers any time; larger dogs on a leash only outside weekday peak hours.
Where these rules come from
- MBTA Rider Rules and Regulations(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 Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
- 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.