Can I Bring My Dog on SMART (Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit)? (2026 Pet Policy)
- Home
- Dogs on Trains
- SMART
Dogs on trains · Commuter rail
Can I bring my dog on SMART (Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit)?
SMART runs from Larkspur to Windsor through wine country, and small dogs are welcome aboard in a lap-sized carrier.
Checked against SMART's own published rules on .
The short answer Small dogs in a lap carrier
Yes, small pets in a carrier that fits on your lap or on the floor in front of you while you're seated.
- 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 SMART?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against SMART's rule above.
SMART pet rules, line by line
- Small pets ride in a carrier that fits on your lap or the floor in front of you.
- The carrier can't sit on a seat or table, and animals in carriers can't be in the aisle.
Popular dog breeds on SMART
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against SMART'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 SMART
- Service animals individually trained to perform tasks ride on a leash or harness, unless that interferes with their work.
- They stay under control, in a down or sit position, and can't pose a direct threat to others.
Emotional support dogs: Only trained service animals ride outside a carrier. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding SMART with kids and a dog
- Tables are tempting for carriers, but the rule says no tables. Keep it on the floor.
- Larkspur connects to the ferry, so plan for a carrier the whole way if the dog is coming into the city.
A page from Rally's ride
Rally spends most of his ride with his nose to the glass, saying hello to a seagull. Whatever your dog's spot on SMART turns out to be, a few minutes at the window before the trip, looking at the pictures together, helps kids know what's coming. Our free coloring and activity pack starts with that window page.
Questions about dogs on SMART
Can I bring my dog on SMART (Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit)?
Yes, small pets in a carrier that fits on your lap or on the floor in front of you while you're seated.
Does my dog need a carrier on SMART?
Yes. On SMART 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 SMART?
Only trained service animals ride outside a carrier.
Are service dogs allowed on SMART?
Service animals individually trained to perform tasks ride on a leash or harness, unless that interferes with their work. They stay under control, in a down or sit position, and can't pose a direct threat to others.
Can I bring a poodle on SMART (Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit)?
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 SMART (Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit)?
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 SMART (Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit)?
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
- SMART Riders' Guide(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 Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit 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.