Can I Bring My Dog on Metro Transit light rail and Northstar? (2026 Pet Policy)
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Dogs on trains · Light rail and commuter rail
Can I bring my dog on Metro Transit light rail and Northstar?
In the Twin Cities, every pet rides in a carrier and leashed dogs are turned away, on the Blue Line, Green Line and Northstar alike.
Checked against METRO Blue and Green Lines and Northstar's own published rules on .
The short answer Dogs in an enclosed carrier
Yes, pets in animal carriers. Pet dogs on a leash aren't allowed to board.
- VerdictDogs in an enclosed carrier
- Pet feeNo pet fare is listed.
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 Metra, dogs on CTA 'L' Trains, dogs on South Shore Line.
Quick check
Will my dog fit on METRO Blue and Green Lines and Northstar?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against METRO Blue and Green Lines and Northstar's rule above.
METRO Blue and Green Lines and Northstar pet rules, line by line
- Pets are welcome on buses and trains as long as they're kept in animal carriers.
- Pet dogs on a leash are not allowed to board.
- Service animals are exempt.
Popular dog breeds on METRO Blue and Green Lines and Northstar
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against METRO Blue and Green Lines and Northstar'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 | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Poodle (Miniature) | 10 to 15 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Poodle (Standard) | 40 to 70 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| French Bulldog | 16 to 28 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Labrador Retriever | 55 to 80 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Golden Retriever | 55 to 75 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| German Shepherd Dog | 50 to 90 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Dachshund (Miniature) | 8 to 11 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Dachshund (Standard) | 16 to 32 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Chihuahua | 2 to 6 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Shih Tzu | 9 to 16 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Pomeranian | 3 to 7 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 13 to 18 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Beagle | 20 to 30 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Goldendoodle (Miniature) | 15 to 35 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Goldendoodle (Standard) | 50 to 90 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Siberian Husky | 35 to 60 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Boston Terrier | 12 to 25 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Australian Shepherd | 40 to 65 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Miniature American Shepherd | 20 to 40 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Maltese | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Havanese | 7 to 13 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11 to 20 lb | Yes | Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Pit Bull (American Pit Bull Terrier) | 30 to 60 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | 40 to 70 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Great Dane | 110 to 175 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Bulldog (English) | 40 to 50 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 24 to 30 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. |
Service dogs on METRO Blue and Green Lines and Northstar
- Service animals are exempt from the carrier rule.
Emotional support dogs: Metro Transit's only carrier exemption is for service animals. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding METRO Blue and Green Lines and Northstar with kids and a dog
- The Blue Line runs to MSP Airport and the Mall of America, both easier with a small carrier than a big crate.
A page from Rally's ride
The first page of Rally's trip is all packing: a suitcase, a sleepy corgi, and a pile of favorite toys. Before a ride on METRO Blue and Green Lines and Northstar, letting kids pack a small bag for the dog (water, treats, a towel for the floor) turns the rules into part of the fun. Rally's suitcase is in the free coloring and activity pack.
Questions about dogs on METRO Blue and Green Lines and Northstar
Can I bring my dog on Metro Transit light rail and Northstar?
Yes, pets in animal carriers. Pet dogs on a leash aren't allowed to board.
Does my dog need a carrier on METRO Blue and Green Lines and Northstar?
Yes. On METRO Blue and Green Lines and Northstar a pet has to ride in an enclosed carrier. No size or weight limit is published, but you have to be able to carry it and keep it out of the aisle.
Can I bring an emotional support dog on METRO Blue and Green Lines and Northstar?
Metro Transit's only carrier exemption is for service animals.
Are service dogs allowed on METRO Blue and Green Lines and Northstar?
Service animals are exempt from the carrier rule.
Can I bring a poodle on Metro Transit light rail and Northstar?
Yes for Toy Poodles (4 to 6 lb). Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. Yes for Miniature Poodles (10 to 15 lb). Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. No for Standard Poodles (40 to 70 lb). Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a French Bulldog on Metro Transit light rail and Northstar?
Maybe for a typical adult French Bulldog (16 to 28 lb). Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a golden retriever on Metro Transit light rail and Northstar?
No for a typical adult Golden Retriever (55 to 75 lb). Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Must ride in an enclosed carrier you can carry. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Where these rules come from
- Metro Transit Rider Rules(opens in a new tab)
- Metro Transit Accessible Policies(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 Metro Transit (Minneapolis-St. Paul).
- 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.