Can I Bring My Dog on The Tide light rail? (2026 Pet Policy)
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Dogs on trains · Light rail
Can I bring my dog on the Tide light rail?
Norfolk's Tide is a no-pets ride, carriers included, so plan another way for the dog.
Checked against The Tide (Hampton Roads Transit)'s own published rules on .
The short answer Service animals only
No. Pets aren't allowed on Hampton Roads Transit, including the Tide. Service animals are welcome.
- VerdictService animals only
- Pet feeNot applicable.
- Not allowedBuses, the Tide and the ferry.
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 Brightline, dogs on Tri-Rail, dogs on SunRail.
Quick check
Could my dog ride The Tide (Hampton Roads Transit)?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against The Tide (Hampton Roads Transit)'s rule above.
The Tide (Hampton Roads Transit) pet rules, line by line
- Animals aren't allowed on light rail vehicles except those assisting a person with a disability or assisting in training activities.
- HRT says pets aren't allowed on its buses, the Tide or the Elizabeth River Ferry.
Popular dog breeds on The Tide (Hampton Roads Transit)
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against The Tide (Hampton Roads Transit)'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 | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Poodle (Miniature) | 10 to 15 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Poodle (Standard) | 40 to 70 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| French Bulldog | 16 to 28 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Labrador Retriever | 55 to 80 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Golden Retriever | 55 to 75 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| German Shepherd Dog | 50 to 90 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Dachshund (Miniature) | 8 to 11 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Dachshund (Standard) | 16 to 32 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Chihuahua | 2 to 6 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4 to 7 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Shih Tzu | 9 to 16 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Pomeranian | 3 to 7 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 13 to 18 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Beagle | 20 to 30 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Goldendoodle (Miniature) | 15 to 35 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Goldendoodle (Standard) | 50 to 90 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Siberian Husky | 35 to 60 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Boston Terrier | 12 to 25 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Australian Shepherd | 40 to 65 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Miniature American Shepherd | 20 to 40 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Maltese | 4 to 7 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Havanese | 7 to 13 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11 to 20 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Pit Bull (American Pit Bull Terrier) | 30 to 60 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | 40 to 70 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Great Dane | 110 to 175 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Bulldog (English) | 40 to 50 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 24 to 30 lb | No | Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. |
Service dogs on The Tide (Hampton Roads Transit)
- Service animals are welcome, and animals in training may ride.
Emotional support dogs: HRT doesn't list an emotional support animal exception. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding The Tide (Hampton Roads Transit) with kids and a dog
- Amtrak trains from Norfolk use Amtrak's carry-on pet program on most routes. Check that your train allows pets when you book.
A page from Rally's ride
Rally's story starts the morning of the trip, when he spots the suitcase and packs his turtle toy, green bone and yellow ball so he won't miss out. Some families have to tell their dog the opposite on The Tide (Hampton Roads Transit): this trip is a stay-home one. Reading Rally's packing scene is a gentle way to explain who's coming along. The free coloring and activity pack includes Rally's packing page to color.
Questions about dogs on The Tide (Hampton Roads Transit)
Can I bring my dog on the Tide light rail?
No. Pets aren't allowed on Hampton Roads Transit, including the Tide. Service animals are welcome.
Does my dog need a carrier on The Tide (Hampton Roads Transit)?
Pets can't ride The Tide (Hampton Roads Transit) at all, carrier or not. Only trained service animals can.
Can I bring an emotional support dog on The Tide (Hampton Roads Transit)?
HRT doesn't list an emotional support animal exception.
Are service dogs allowed on The Tide (Hampton Roads Transit)?
Service animals are welcome, and animals in training may ride.
Can I bring a poodle on the Tide light rail?
No for Toy Poodles (4 to 6 lb). Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. No for Miniature Poodles (10 to 15 lb). Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. No for Standard Poodles (40 to 70 lb). Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a French Bulldog on the Tide light rail?
No for a typical adult French Bulldog (16 to 28 lb). Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a golden retriever on the Tide light rail?
No for a typical adult Golden Retriever (55 to 75 lb). Pets can't ride. Trained service animals only. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Where these rules come from
- HRT FAQs(opens in a new tab)
- HRT Passenger Code of Conduct(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 Hampton Roads Transit.
- 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.