Can I Bring My Dog on TriMet MAX? (2026 Pet Policy)
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Dogs on trains · Light rail
Can I bring my dog on TriMet MAX?
Portland is famously dog friendly, but MAX keeps it simple: carrier for every pet, leash only for service animals.
Checked against TriMet MAX's own published rules on .
The short answer Dogs in an enclosed carrier
Yes, in a secure, enclosed carrier. Pets, including dogs and companion animals, can't ride on a leash.
- 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 Pacific Surfliner, dogs on Capitol Corridor, dogs on Gold Runner.
Quick check
Will my dog fit on TriMet MAX?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against TriMet MAX's rule above.
TriMet MAX pet rules, line by line
- Pets, including dogs and companion animals, are only allowed on buses and trains in a secure, enclosed carrier.
- Unless it's a service animal, your pet stays in the carrier.
Popular dog breeds on TriMet MAX
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against TriMet MAX'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 TriMet MAX
- Service animals are welcome on TriMet with no permit required.
- They ride on a leash or in a closed carrier.
Emotional support dogs: TriMet counts companion animals as pets, so they need a carrier. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding TriMet MAX with kids and a dog
- Amtrak Cascades from Portland Union Station takes pets up to 20 pounds to Seattle and Eugene.
- The Portland Streetcar and buses follow TriMet's carrier rule too.
A page from Rally's ride
The first page of Rally's trip is all packing: a suitcase, a sleepy corgi, and a pile of favorite toys. Before a ride on TriMet MAX, letting kids pack a small bag for the dog (water, treats, a towel for the floor) turns the rules into part of the fun. Rally's suitcase is in the free coloring and activity pack.
Questions about dogs on TriMet MAX
Can I bring my dog on TriMet MAX?
Yes, in a secure, enclosed carrier. Pets, including dogs and companion animals, can't ride on a leash.
Does my dog need a carrier on TriMet MAX?
Yes. On TriMet MAX 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 TriMet MAX?
TriMet counts companion animals as pets, so they need a carrier.
Are service dogs allowed on TriMet MAX?
Service animals are welcome on TriMet with no permit required. They ride on a leash or in a closed carrier.
Can I bring a poodle on TriMet MAX?
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 TriMet MAX?
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 TriMet MAX?
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
- TriMet Rules for Riding(opens in a new tab)
- TriMet: Can I bring my dog?(opens in a new tab)
- TriMet service 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 TriMet.
- 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.