Can I Bring My Dog on DC Metro? (2026 Pet Policy)
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Can I bring my dog on DC Metro?
DC Metro writes its animal rule into its official tariff, and it's simple: pets, exotic animals and emotional support animals ride in a carrier.
Checked against WMATA Metrorail's own published rules on .
The short answer Dogs in an enclosed carrier
Yes, if the animal is enclosed in a carrier. Pets, exotic animals and emotional support animals aren't allowed on Metrorail or Metrobus otherwise.
- VerdictDogs in an enclosed carrier
- Pet feeNo pet fare.
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 SEPTA, dogs on PATCO Speedline, dogs on MARC Train.
Quick check
Will my dog fit on WMATA Metrorail?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against WMATA Metrorail's rule above.
WMATA Metrorail pet rules, line by line
- WMATA's tariff (Tariff #49, effective July 1, 2026): pets, exotic animals, or emotional support animals are not permitted on Metrorail or Metrobus without the animal enclosed in a carrier.
- Metro's rider guide: pets must be in a secure container to ride.
Popular dog breeds on WMATA Metrorail
How the most popular breeds in the U.S. do against WMATA Metrorail'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 WMATA Metrorail
- Service animals ride without a carrier.
Emotional support dogs: WMATA's tariff names emotional support animals specifically: they need a carrier. Our service dog guide explains the difference.
Tips for riding WMATA Metrorail with kids and a dog
- Metro's escalators are long. Carry the carrier, and use elevators with kids and strollers.
A page from Rally's ride
Rally gets scared in a dark tunnel, then hears happy cheers and sees the sun. Underground stations and tunnels on WMATA Metrorail can rattle a nervous dog the same way. Read the tunnel page together before you go; it's in our free coloring and activity pack.
Questions about dogs on WMATA Metrorail
Can I bring my dog on DC Metro?
Yes, if the animal is enclosed in a carrier. Pets, exotic animals and emotional support animals aren't allowed on Metrorail or Metrobus otherwise.
Does my dog need a carrier on WMATA Metrorail?
Yes. On WMATA Metrorail 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 WMATA Metrorail?
WMATA's tariff names emotional support animals specifically: they need a carrier.
Are service dogs allowed on WMATA Metrorail?
Service animals ride without a carrier.
Can I bring a poodle on DC Metro?
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 DC Metro?
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 DC Metro?
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
- WMATA Tariff #49 (July 1, 2026)(opens in a new tab)
- Metro manners(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 Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
- 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.