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Dogs on trains · Streetcar
Can I bring my dog on the Seattle Streetcar?
Seattle's streetcars follow King County Metro's rules, which are some of the most dog-friendly in the U.S.: leashed dogs welcome, small lap dogs free.
Last checked against Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), operated by King County Metro's own published rules on . Last updated .
The short answer Leashed dogs allowed
Yes. The streetcar is run by King County Metro, whose rules let small dogs ride free on your lap and other dogs ride on a leash if you pay a fare for them. Dogs cannot sit on seats, and staff can ask you to leave if the dog causes problems.
- VerdictLeashed dogs allowed
- Pet feeSmall dogs on your lap ride free; fare is required for all other dogs (King County Metro rule). Non-dog pets in carriers ride free.
For every train in one place, start at our can my dog ride the train guide. Nearby, families also ask about dogs on Sound Transit, dogs on Amtrak, dogs on Amtrak Cascades.
Quick check
Will my dog fit on Seattle Streetcar?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against Seattle Streetcar's rule above.
Seattle Streetcar pet rules, line by line
- Small dogs that stay on their owner's lap ride for free.
- Fare must be paid for all other dogs.
- Pets other than dogs must be in a carrier; no fare is required for them.
- No animal may occupy a seat; an animal may sit on a passenger's lap.
- Animals may not run at large without a leash, unreasonably disturb others, or block the flow of passengers.
- Owners must not let their animal leave waste on transit property.
- If a pet's behavior threatens the safety or comfort of the driver or riders, the owner can be asked to exit with the animal, and boarding can be refused for safety reasons.
- Violations of the Metro Code of Conduct can bring a citation and a fine of up to $250.
“Small dogs that stay on their owner's lap can ride for free. Fare for all other dogs must be paid.”
From Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), operated by King County Metro's published rules.
Popular dog breeds on Seattle Streetcar
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against Seattle 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 | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Poodle (Miniature) | 10 to 15 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Poodle (Standard) | 40 to 70 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| French Bulldog | 16 to 28 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Labrador Retriever | 55 to 80 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Golden Retriever | 55 to 75 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| German Shepherd Dog | 50 to 90 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Dachshund (Miniature) | 8 to 11 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Dachshund (Standard) | 16 to 32 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Chihuahua | 2 to 6 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Shih Tzu | 9 to 16 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Pomeranian | 3 to 7 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 13 to 18 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Beagle | 20 to 30 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Goldendoodle (Miniature) | 15 to 35 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Goldendoodle (Standard) | 50 to 90 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Siberian Husky | 35 to 60 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Boston Terrier | 12 to 25 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Australian Shepherd | 40 to 65 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Miniature American Shepherd | 20 to 40 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Maltese | 4 to 7 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Havanese | 7 to 13 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11 to 20 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Pit Bull (American Pit Bull Terrier) | 30 to 60 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | 40 to 70 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Great Dane | 110 to 175 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Bulldog (English) | 40 to 50 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 24 to 30 lb | Yes | King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. |
Service dogs on Seattle Streetcar
- Service animals are welcome on the Seattle Streetcar at no additional charge, including animals in training with a trainer or a person with a disability (SDOT).
- Service animals ride Metro for free.
- They must stay on the owner's lap or on the floor without blocking the aisle; if that is not possible they may use an available seat.
- A service animal whose behavior threatens safety can be asked to leave with its owner.
Emotional support dogs: Neither SDOT nor King County Metro mentions emotional support animals. They would ride under the regular pet rules (lap dog free, other dogs pay a fare). Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding Seattle Streetcar with kids and a dog
- The SDOT streetcar pages describe service animals only; the pet rules come from King County Metro, which runs the streetcar, so ask the operator if you are unsure on a crowded car.
- Stand in the center section with a stroller and a leashed dog, and keep both out of the aisle and doorways.
- Rules change when you transfer: Sound Transit Link light rail and Washington State Ferries have their own pet policies, so check before connecting at Westlake or Pioneer Square.
A page from Rally's ride
The scariest page in Rally's book is the tunnel: dark, loud, nothing to see, until a bright light and happy cheers on the other side. Underground stretches can rattle a nervous dog the same way. Talking through Rally's tunnel with kids first helps everyone. The tunnel page is in our free coloring and activity pack.
Questions about dogs on Seattle Streetcar
Can I bring my dog on the Seattle Streetcar?
Yes. King County Metro, which operates the streetcar, allows dogs. A small dog that stays on your lap rides free, and other dogs can ride if you pay a fare for them. Keep the dog leashed, off the seats and out of the aisle.
Does my dog need a carrier on the Seattle Streetcar?
Not if it is a dog. Metro's rules let dogs ride on a lap or on a leash. Carriers are required only for pets other than dogs, such as cats or rabbits, and those pets ride without a fare. Cats and other small pets ride free in their carriers.
Can big dogs ride the South Lake Union or First Hill streetcar?
Yes, as long as you pay a fare for the dog and keep it under control. Metro's code bars animals from taking a seat, running loose without a leash, disturbing others or blocking passengers. Staff can ask you to leave if the dog's behavior is a safety problem.
How much does it cost to bring a dog on the Seattle Streetcar?
A small dog on your lap is free. For any other dog, Metro says a fare must be paid. The SDOT streetcar page lists the adult single ride at $3.00, payable with a ticket or ORCA card, so plan on paying for the dog as well.
Are emotional support dogs allowed?
Yes, but as pets. Neither SDOT nor King County Metro gives emotional support animals service animal status, so the normal dog rules apply: free on your lap, or a paid fare for a dog on the floor. Service animal protections apply only to trained service animals.
What are the rules for service dogs on the Seattle Streetcar?
Service animals ride free, including animals in training with a trainer or a person with a disability. Metro asks that they stay on your lap or the floor without blocking the aisle, and use a seat only if neither works.
Can my dog sit on a seat?
No. King County Metro's code of conduct prohibits allowing any animal to occupy a seat. An animal may sit on your lap. Only service animals get an exception when the lap or floor is not workable. Keep the dog on the floor and out of the aisle.
Can I bring a poodle on the Seattle Streetcar?
Yes for Toy Poodles (4 to 6 lb). King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. Yes for Miniature Poodles (10 to 15 lb). King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. Yes for Standard Poodles (40 to 70 lb). King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a French Bulldog on the Seattle Streetcar?
Yes for a typical adult French Bulldog (16 to 28 lb). King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Can I bring a golden retriever on the Seattle Streetcar?
Yes for a typical adult Golden Retriever (55 to 75 lb). King County Metro rules apply: small dogs on your lap ride free, other leashed dogs ride with a paid fare, and no animal may take a seat. Trained service dogs of any breed can ride.
Where these rules come from
- King County Metro: Accessibility on buses (Service animals and pets)(opens in a new tab)
- King County Metro Code of Conduct(opens in a new tab)
- Seattle Streetcar Accessibility (SDOT)(opens in a new tab)
- Seattle Streetcar (SDOT)(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 Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), operated by King County Metro.
- 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.
