Can I Bring My Dog on Metrolink? (2026 Pet Policy)
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Dogs on trains · Commuter rail
Can I bring my dog on Metrolink?
Metrolink covers six Southern California counties, from Ventura to Oceanside. Small dogs can come along if they fit in a lap-sized carrier.
Checked against Metrolink's own published rules on .
The short answer Small dogs in a lap carrier
Only small pets in a ventilated carrier you can hold on your lap or store under a seat. Dogs on a leash can't ride unless they are service animals.
- VerdictSmall dogs in a lap 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 Pacific Surfliner, dogs on Capitol Corridor, dogs on Gold Runner.
Quick check
Will my dog fit on Metrolink?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against Metrolink's rule above.
Metrolink pet rules, line by line
- Small pets are allowed if enclosed in a properly ventilated carrying case.
- The case has to fit on your lap or under a seat.
- Any animal that doesn't meet those rules isn't allowed on board.
Popular dog breeds on Metrolink
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against Metrolink'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 | Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Poodle (Miniature) | 10 to 15 lb | Yes | Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Poodle (Standard) | 40 to 70 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| French Bulldog | 16 to 28 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Labrador Retriever | 55 to 80 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Golden Retriever | 55 to 75 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| German Shepherd Dog | 50 to 90 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Dachshund (Miniature) | 8 to 11 lb | Yes | Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Dachshund (Standard) | 16 to 32 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Chihuahua | 2 to 6 lb | Yes | Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Shih Tzu | 9 to 16 lb | Yes | Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Pomeranian | 3 to 7 lb | Yes | Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 13 to 18 lb | Yes | Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Beagle | 20 to 30 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Goldendoodle (Miniature) | 15 to 35 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Goldendoodle (Standard) | 50 to 90 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Siberian Husky | 35 to 60 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Boston Terrier | 12 to 25 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Australian Shepherd | 40 to 65 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Miniature American Shepherd | 20 to 40 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Maltese | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Havanese | 7 to 13 lb | Yes | Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11 to 20 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Pit Bull (American Pit Bull Terrier) | 30 to 60 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | 40 to 70 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Great Dane | 110 to 175 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Bulldog (English) | 40 to 50 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 24 to 30 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. |
Service dogs on Metrolink
- Service animals trained to assist people with disabilities are permitted.
- They can't occupy passenger seats and must be leashed or harnessed.
- Metrolink staff won't take the leash or care for the animal.
Emotional support dogs: Metrolink's carry-on pet rules apply to any animal for which no claim of service is made, so comfort animals need the carrier. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding Metrolink with kids and a dog
- Metrolink stations are often a walk from parking. A backpack carrier frees your hands for kids and tickets.
- Weekend trains to the beach and to stadium events fill up, so keep the carrier tucked under the seat.
A page from Rally's ride
Rally's ride has a pretzel break, which every kid reading the book notices. A dog on Metrolink does better with its own small snack from home and a quiet spot at your feet. Print the pretzel page from the free coloring and activity pack to keep little hands busy, too.
Questions about dogs on Metrolink
Can I bring my dog on Metrolink?
Only small pets in a ventilated carrier you can hold on your lap or store under a seat. Dogs on a leash can't ride unless they are service animals.
Does my dog need a carrier on Metrolink?
Yes. On Metrolink a pet has to ride in an enclosed carrier small enough for your lap or under the seat. No weight number is published, so the carrier size decides it.
Can I bring an emotional support dog on Metrolink?
Metrolink's carry-on pet rules apply to any animal for which no claim of service is made, so comfort animals need the carrier.
Are service dogs allowed on Metrolink?
Service animals trained to assist people with disabilities are permitted. They can't occupy passenger seats and must be leashed or harnessed.
Can I bring a poodle on Metrolink?
Yes for Toy Poodles (4 to 6 lb). Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. Yes for Miniature Poodles (10 to 15 lb). Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. No for Standard Poodles (40 to 70 lb). Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a French Bulldog on Metrolink?
Maybe for a typical adult French Bulldog (16 to 28 lb). Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a golden retriever on Metrolink?
No for a typical adult Golden Retriever (55 to 75 lb). Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Carrier must fit on your lap or under the seat. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Where these rules come from
- Metrolink Code of Conduct(opens in a new tab)
- What's Allowed Onboard(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 Southern California Regional Rail 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.