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Can I bring my dog on the Portland Streetcar?
Portland Streetcar keeps it simple: any animal that isn't a service animal stays in an enclosed carrier, on board and at the stops.
Last checked against City of Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) with Portland Streetcar, Inc.'s own published rules on . Last updated .
The short answer Dogs in a carrier
Only in a carrier. Portland Streetcar says non-service animals must be in an enclosed carrier at all times, so a dog on a leash cannot ride. Service animals can ride under your control but not on the seats.
- VerdictDogs in a carrier
- Pet feeNo pet fare listed
For every train in one place, start at our can my dog ride the train guide. Nearby, families also ask about dogs on TriMet MAX, dogs on Amtrak, dogs on Amtrak Cascades.
Quick check
Will my dog fit on Portland Streetcar?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against Portland Streetcar's rule above.
Portland Streetcar pet rules, line by line
- Non-service animals must be in an enclosed carrier at all times.
- City code requires the animal to be kept in a secure container appropriate for its size and type, at stations as well as on board.
- The animal must be transportable without risk of injury to itself and without risk of harm or inconvenience to riders or streetcar staff.
- Service animals must be under your control and are not permitted on the seats.
- Keep bikes, strollers and other large items in the low-floor section and clear of the aisle and doorways.
“Non-service animals must be in an enclosed carrier at all times.”
From City of Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) with Portland Streetcar, Inc.'s published rules.
Popular dog breeds on Portland Streetcar
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against Portland Streetcar'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 | Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Poodle (Miniature) | 10 to 15 lb | Yes | Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Poodle (Standard) | 40 to 70 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| French Bulldog | 16 to 28 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Labrador Retriever | 55 to 80 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Golden Retriever | 55 to 75 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| German Shepherd Dog | 50 to 90 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Dachshund (Miniature) | 8 to 11 lb | Yes | Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Dachshund (Standard) | 16 to 32 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Chihuahua | 2 to 6 lb | Yes | Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Shih Tzu | 9 to 16 lb | Yes | Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Pomeranian | 3 to 7 lb | Yes | Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 13 to 18 lb | Yes | Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Beagle | 20 to 30 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Goldendoodle (Miniature) | 15 to 35 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Goldendoodle (Standard) | 50 to 90 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Siberian Husky | 35 to 60 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Boston Terrier | 12 to 25 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Australian Shepherd | 40 to 65 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Miniature American Shepherd | 20 to 40 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Maltese | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Havanese | 7 to 13 lb | Yes | Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11 to 20 lb | Yes | Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Pit Bull (American Pit Bull Terrier) | 30 to 60 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | 40 to 70 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Great Dane | 110 to 175 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Bulldog (English) | 40 to 50 lb | No | Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 24 to 30 lb | Maybe | Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. |
Service dogs on Portland Streetcar
- Service animals and service animals in training are allowed when under the handler's control by leash, harness or other control device (Portland City Code 14A.110.060).
- Service animals are not permitted on the seats.
- Police officers with trained police dogs are also allowed.
- No ID card or documentation requirement is listed.
Emotional support dogs: Portland Streetcar's rules and city code do not mention emotional support animals. Only service animals ride outside a carrier, so an emotional support dog would need to be in an enclosed carrier. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding Portland Streetcar with kids and a dog
- All TriMet fares are valid on the streetcar, and TriMet MAX also requires pets to be in carriers, so the same carrier works if you connect.
- Sit or stand in the low-floor section with a stroller and the carrier so the aisle and doors stay clear.
- Check rider alerts before you go; for example, starting November 2, 2026, shuttle buses replace streetcar service across the Broadway Bridge after 9pm during construction.
A page from Rally's ride
In the book, kids lean over the seats to pet Rally. On a real train, teach your kids the other side of that page too: always ask the owner before petting someone else's dog. The aisle page is in our free coloring and activity pack.
Questions about dogs on Portland Streetcar
Can I bring my dog on the Portland Streetcar?
Only in an enclosed carrier. Portland Streetcar's rules say non-service animals must be in an enclosed carrier at all times. A dog on a leash, even a small one, does not meet the rule. Service animals are the exception. Check the carrier size before you leave home.
Does my dog need a carrier on the Portland Streetcar?
Yes. The carrier must be enclosed and, under city code, secure and appropriate for the size and type of animal. The dog must stay inside it the entire time you are on board and at streetcar stations. Bring a carrier with a secure closure.
Can a big dog ride the Portland Streetcar?
Only if it fits in a secure carrier that you can bring on without risk to the dog or inconvenience to other riders. In practice that rules out most medium and large dogs, unless the dog is a service animal. If your dog does not fit, consider walking or another option.
Are emotional support dogs allowed on the Portland Streetcar?
Only in a carrier. The streetcar rules and Portland City Code exempt service animals, service animals in training and police dogs, and do not mention emotional support animals, so the carrier rule applies. Choose a secure carrier sized for the dog before you ride.
What are the service dog rules on the Portland Streetcar?
Service animals ride without a carrier but must be under your control, by leash, harness or a similar device, and are not allowed on the seats. People training a service animal are covered too. No ID card is listed. Keep the animal off the seats at all times.
Do dogs pay a fare on the Portland Streetcar?
No pet fare is listed. You pay your own fare with a Hop card, phone or bank card, and the streetcar rules say nothing about a charge for an animal in a carrier. With fare questions, call the Portland Streetcar office at 503-222-4200.
Can I bring a dog in a carrier from MAX to the streetcar?
Yes. TriMet fares are valid on the streetcar, and a dog that stays in its enclosed carrier meets the streetcar rule. Keep the carrier on your lap or in the low-floor area so aisles and doors stay clear. Check TriMet's own pet rules for the MAX part of the trip.
Can I bring a poodle on the Portland Streetcar?
Yes for Toy Poodles (4 to 6 lb). Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. Yes for Miniature Poodles (10 to 15 lb). Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. No for Standard Poodles (40 to 70 lb). Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a French Bulldog on the Portland Streetcar?
Maybe for a typical adult French Bulldog (16 to 28 lb). Only if your dog fits a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a golden retriever on the Portland Streetcar?
No for a typical adult Golden Retriever (55 to 75 lb). Too big for a carrier that meets the rule. Pet dogs must stay in an enclosed carrier the whole ride; only service animals ride outside one. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Where these rules come from
- Portland Streetcar Ride Guide: Rules(opens in a new tab)
- Portland City Code 14A.110.060 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 City of Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) with Portland Streetcar, Inc..
- 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. $16.99 on Amazon.
