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Dogs on trains · Amtrak
Emotional support dogs on Amtrak
Amtrak draws a clear line: a service dog rides anywhere, free. An emotional support dog rides as a pet, with every pet rule that comes with it.
Last checked against Amtrak's own published rules on . Last updated .
The short answer Allowed only as a pet
Amtrak says an emotional support animal is not a service animal under DOT regulations and must follow the carry-on pet rules. That means a pet reservation and fee, a carrier, a 20 pound limit for dog plus carrier, and trips of seven hours or less on routes that allow pets. A letter from a doctor doesn't change that.
- Status on AmtrakA pet, not a service animal
- Size limit20 lb with the carrier
- FeePet fee, per segment
- PaperworkA letter doesn't change the rules
For every train in one place, start at our can my dog ride the train guide. Nearby, families also ask about dogs on Amtrak, service dogs on trains, the Amtrak pet fee.
Quick check
Will my dog fit on Amtrak?
Pick a breed or enter your dog's weight. We check it against Amtrak's rule above.
“An emotional support animal is not a service animal under DOT regulations and is subject to the same requirements as a pet.”
From Amtrak's service animal page.
Emotional support dog vs. service dog on Amtrak
| Emotional support dog | Service dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Pet fee for each segment | Free |
| Carrier | Required the whole trip | Not required; on a leash or harness |
| Size | 20 lb including the carrier | Any size |
| Trip length | Seven hours or less | No limit |
| Where | Coach and Acela Business Class only | All areas passengers can go, including sleepers |
| Routes | Not on Auto Train, Gold Runner or into Canada on three routes | All Amtrak services |
| Paperwork | Pet reservation and Pet Release form | None; staff may ask what task it performs |
If your dog is a psychiatric service dog
A dog trained to do a specific task related to a disability, like interrupting a panic attack or alerting to a medical episode, is a service animal, and Amtrak welcomes it on every service at no charge. Amtrak staff may ask what active task the dog performs. You can note the service animal in the booking questionnaire, and call 1-800-USA-RAIL if you need room for a large one. What Amtrak won't accept is an untrained animal described as a service animal: it says misrepresentation can get an animal removed, and in many states may be a crime.
If your emotional support dog is over 20 pounds
It can't ride Amtrak. Amtrak doesn't carry pets as checked baggage, and the Auto Train takes no pets at all. For a bigger dog, look at trains with leash or baggage-car rules, like Metro-North, the MBTA, GO Transit, VIA Rail's baggage car or the Alaska Railroad. Our big dogs on Amtrak guide lists every option.
A page from Rally's ride
Rally's ride to see his grand-paw-rents has a scary tunnel in the middle, and he gets through it because his people are right there. If your dog helps someone in your family feel brave, read the tunnel page together before the trip. It's in our free coloring and activity pack.
Questions about dogs on Amtrak
Are emotional support dogs allowed on Amtrak?
Yes, but only as pets. Amtrak says an emotional support animal is not a service animal under DOT rules, so it needs a pet reservation, a carrier and a combined weight of 20 pounds or less with the carrier, on a route and trip of seven hours or less that allows pets.
Does Amtrak accept ESA letters?
An ESA letter doesn't change anything on Amtrak. Emotional support animals follow the pet rules whether or not you have a letter, and Amtrak doesn't ask for one. Service animals don't need paperwork either.
Do emotional support dogs ride free on Amtrak?
No. They pay the same pet fee as any pet, charged for each segment of the trip. Only trained service animals ride free.
Can my emotional support dog ride the Auto Train?
No. Amtrak doesn't allow pets on the Auto Train, and emotional support animals follow the pet rules. Trained service animals can ride the Auto Train, with a relief stop at Florence, South Carolina.
Can my emotional support dog sit on my lap on Amtrak?
No. As a pet, it has to stay inside a closed carrier under your seat for the whole trip, in stations as well as on board.
What can Amtrak staff ask about a service dog?
Amtrak personnel may ask what active task the service animal performs. They don't require an ID card or certificate. Service animals have to stay under your control and be housebroken.
Is it illegal to call an emotional support dog a service dog on Amtrak?
Amtrak says passengers shall not misrepresent untrained animals, including emotional support animals, as service animals. It warns that doing so risks the animal being denied travel or removed from the train, and in many states may be a crime.
Where these rules come from
- Amtrak: Traveling with Service Animals(opens in a new tab)
- Amtrak: Pets(opens in a new tab)
- Amtrak: Prohibited Items(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 Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corporation).
- 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.
