Can I Bring My Dog on Metro-North? (2026 Pet Policy)
- Home
- Dogs on Trains
- Metro-North Railroad
Dogs on trains · Commuter rail
Can I bring my dog on Metro-North?
Metro-North is the big-dog train of the Northeast. A Lab, a shepherd or a corgi can ride from Grand Central to the Hudson Valley or Connecticut on a leash.
Checked against Metro-North Railroad's own published rules on .
The short answer Leashed dogs allowed
Yes, and big dogs too. Metro-North lets your pet ride in a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash throughout the trip, as long as it isn't offensive to other riders.
- VerdictLeashed dogs allowed
- Pet feeNo pet fare.
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 NJ TRANSIT Rail.
Quick check
Will my dog fit on Metro-North Railroad?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against Metro-North Railroad's rule above.
Metro-North Railroad pet rules, line by line
- Your pet must be carried in a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash throughout the journey.
- Your pet must not be offensive to other riders.
- Metro-North doesn't list a size or weight limit.
Popular dog breeds on Metro-North Railroad
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against Metro-North Railroad'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 | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Poodle (Miniature) | 10 to 15 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Poodle (Standard) | 40 to 70 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| French Bulldog | 16 to 28 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Labrador Retriever | 55 to 80 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Golden Retriever | 55 to 75 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| German Shepherd Dog | 50 to 90 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Dachshund (Miniature) | 8 to 11 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Dachshund (Standard) | 16 to 32 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Chihuahua | 2 to 6 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Shih Tzu | 9 to 16 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Pomeranian | 3 to 7 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 13 to 18 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Beagle | 20 to 30 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Goldendoodle (Miniature) | 15 to 35 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Goldendoodle (Standard) | 50 to 90 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Siberian Husky | 35 to 60 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Boston Terrier | 12 to 25 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Australian Shepherd | 40 to 65 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Miniature American Shepherd | 20 to 40 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Maltese | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Havanese | 7 to 13 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11 to 20 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Pit Bull (American Pit Bull Terrier) | 30 to 60 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | 40 to 70 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Great Dane | 110 to 175 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Bulldog (English) | 40 to 50 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 24 to 30 lb | Yes | In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. |
Service dogs on Metro-North Railroad
- Service animals ride in all MTA facilities, under control by leash, harness or tether, with no ID required.
Emotional support dogs: Emotional support dogs can ride the same way any pet can, in a container or on a leash. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding Metro-North Railroad with kids and a dog
- Keep the leash short and your dog at your feet. The rule is securely controlled, and a crowded aisle is not the place for a long lead.
- The Hudson Line to Cold Spring and Beacon makes a great dog day trip, with trails near the stations.
- Transferring to the subway or the LIRR means switching to a container.
A page from Rally's ride
Halfway through the book, Mr. Conductor stops to say hello, and Rally decides he's found a new friend. On Metro-North Railroad, the crew is the one who decides whether a pet can stay, so a calm, quiet dog makes that first hello go well. Kids can color Rally's conductor page in the free coloring and activity pack.
Questions about dogs on Metro-North Railroad
Can I bring my dog on Metro-North?
Yes, and big dogs too. Metro-North lets your pet ride in a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash throughout the trip, as long as it isn't offensive to other riders.
Does my dog need a carrier on Metro-North Railroad?
No. In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. No size limit is published.
Can I bring an emotional support dog on Metro-North Railroad?
Emotional support dogs can ride the same way any pet can, in a container or on a leash.
Are service dogs allowed on Metro-North Railroad?
Service animals ride in all MTA facilities, under control by leash, harness or tether, with no ID required.
Can big dogs ride Metro-North?
Yes. MTA's rule lets pets ride in a kennel or similar container or securely controlled on a leash throughout the trip. It doesn't set a size limit, as long as your pet isn't offensive to other riders.
Can I bring a poodle on Metro-North?
Yes for Toy Poodles (4 to 6 lb). In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. Yes for Miniature Poodles (10 to 15 lb). In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip. Yes for Standard Poodles (40 to 70 lb). In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip.
Can I bring a French Bulldog on Metro-North?
Yes for a typical adult French Bulldog (16 to 28 lb). In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip.
Can I bring a golden retriever on Metro-North?
Yes for a typical adult Golden Retriever (55 to 75 lb). In a kennel or similar container, or securely controlled on a leash for the whole trip.
Where these rules come from
- MTA: Pets on subways, buses and railroads(opens in a new tab)
- MTA: Service animals(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 MTA Metro-North Railroad.
- 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.