Can I Bring My Dog on RTD Denver light rail and commuter rail? (2026 Pet Policy)
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Dogs on trains · Light rail and commuter rail
Can I bring my dog on RTD Denver light rail and commuter rail?
From Union Station to the A Line at Denver International Airport, small dogs ride RTD trains in a carrier.
Checked against RTD Denver Rail's own published rules on .
The short answer Dogs in an enclosed carrier
Yes, small pets in carriers. Other than service animals, animals are otherwise prohibited on RTD vehicles and in facilities.
- 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 UTA TRAX and FrontRunner, dogs on Valley Metro Rail, dogs on New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Quick check
Will my dog fit on RTD Denver Rail?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against RTD Denver Rail's rule above.
RTD Denver Rail pet rules, line by line
- Other than service animals, animals and pets are prohibited on vehicles and in facilities.
- Small pets in carriers are permitted.
- RTD's facilities policy requires animals in indoor facilities to be in an appropriate carrier.
Popular dog breeds on RTD Denver Rail
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against RTD Denver Rail'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 RTD Denver Rail
- Service animals are the one exception to RTD's no-animals rule and don't need a carrier.
Emotional support dogs: RTD only exempts service animals, so comfort animals ride in a carrier. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding RTD Denver Rail with kids and a dog
- Flying out of DEN with a small dog? The A Line works, and the same carrier usually doubles as an airline carrier.
- Carry proof of vaccinations. RTD's facilities policy mentions it.
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 RTD Denver Rail: 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 RTD Denver Rail
Can I bring my dog on RTD Denver light rail and commuter rail?
Yes, small pets in carriers. Other than service animals, animals are otherwise prohibited on RTD vehicles and in facilities.
Does my dog need a carrier on RTD Denver Rail?
Yes. On RTD Denver Rail 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 RTD Denver Rail?
RTD only exempts service animals, so comfort animals ride in a carrier.
Are service dogs allowed on RTD Denver Rail?
Service animals are the one exception to RTD's no-animals rule and don't need a carrier.
Can I bring a poodle on RTD Denver light rail and commuter rail?
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 RTD Denver light rail and commuter rail?
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 RTD Denver light rail and commuter rail?
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
- RTD Respect the Ride(opens in a new tab)
- RTD Facilities Use Policy(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 Regional Transportation District.
- 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.