How to take a dog on a train? Can dogs go on trains in the USA? Which trains allow dogs onboard?
From faithful friends to an inseparable part of life, Dogs have made their place amongst humans for centuries.
And thankfully, while exploring the world around, today, pet parents can take along their canine buddies.
New Pet parents often go through the dilemma while traveling with dogs.
Especially if it is about travelling by dogs on a train, owners come up with a bundle of questions.
From whether dogs are allowed in train? How to take dogs in train? and similar more queries.
Most of the countries across the world allow taking dogs on the train. Though depending upon the region both rules and guidelines can vary.
For example, the Indian Railways allows dogs only in their first AC compartment. Whereas in the United States, pets can only travel in the Coach class.
Moving forward, we aim to clear some more air on the topic.
How to take your Dog on a train?
Are dogs allowed to travel in trains? Yes, almost all around the world, dogs are allowed to travel in trains (of course under their owner’s supervision).
However, this travel is subject to several rules and regulations set by that specific Railway system.
From their weight to size, number, and how long the journey is, there are several regulations dog owners have to follow.
How to book Dog in train? Ticket for Dog in train
To carry along a dog in a train, one has to contact the Parcel office of their boarding station.
Depending upon the size of your Dog, you will receive a booking slip. It can cost you anywhere from $10 to $25.
This booking slip works as a ticket for dogs on the train.
How Should I prepare for my train journey with Dogs?
Pet owners who are taking their Dog for the very first time on the train, here are few tips you can follow:
- Plan for a short journey. It will make it easier for you to figure out how your canine behaves on a train. A longer journey with frustrated dogs can become a nightmare.
- Every one in six dogs suffer from motion sickness, especially the younger dogs. Thus, give medicine for travel/ motion sickness to your Dog.
- Neither let your Dog starve nor feed them full till neck. Both of the conditions can make the canines uncomfortable, leading to motion sickness.
- Several trains allow pets only when they are inside a carrier. Thus, before starting off, train your Dog to adjust inside the carrier for longer hours.
- Practicesocializing your Dog so that your co-passenger too can travel comfortably. It will also reduce the chances of them complaining or objecting to a pet travelling along.
- Reach the railway station a little early so that you have enough time to board the train.
- Ask people not to stroke your Dog unless your Dog finds it comfortable.
- Avoid travelling during rush hour.
- Train compartments can become really cold; thus, carry dog blankets/ clothes along.
- Prepare a dog bag including food and water bowl, common medicines, treats, toys, poop bags, pee pads, and muzzle.
- Do a good research of all the stop that comes between the journey. Write about where, when and for how much time the train will stop. It will help you in giving your Dog some relaxing break outside or a quick potty trip.
- Meet your Vet to confirm whether the Dog is healthy to take a long train journey or not. Along with that, research for good vets in and around your destination. It will help you in case your Dog needs any instant supervision after a long stressful train journey.
- Vaccination certificates of your Dog. Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) is mandatory in several states.
- Update your Dog’s collar with your name, address, mobile number and e-mail. Dogs with microchip prove safer. In case of any mishap, it will help you in tracking them.
- Carry pet passport (if required).
16 Things to know before taking your Dog on a train.
- Taking dogs on a train journey rather than flights is comparatively easier and comfortable. You don’t have to confine your canine, and they can actually walk, observe around and even sit in your lap.
- Most of the National railways allow Dogs within only the First AC or the Coach Class Compartment.
- While taking dogs in First AC or the Coach Class Compartment, your dog can only stay inside with the concurrence of fellow passengers. In case any of them object, dog or dogs will be deported to the guard’s van.
- Several railways do not allow a journey longer than 7 hours for dogs.
- Few routes are restricted for dog travel; thus, check beforehand.
- While some Railways allow dogs to travel free, whereas other ask owners to pay for every Dog separately.
- While taking small dogs in train is easy, but not all trains are easily accessible for larger dogs.
- Pet parents Should keep their dogs in an enclosed setting (kennel or carrier).
- In no circumstances will the railway allow you to let your Dog sit on a seat (not even when inside a carrier).
- If you haven’t booked for your Dog, the railway will charge six times the Luggage scale rate.
- In several trains, passengers have to reserve the entire compartment when taking dogs along.
- Large dogs are normally carried in a special vehicle with the same rules and rates as for horses.
- For making the dog travel in a Luggage van, one has to contact the Parcel Office two days before the journey.
- Even if a dog is inside a separate compartment, the owner has to keep them on-leased throughout the entire journey.
- Railways does not allow dogs in AC Sleeper coaches, AC Chair Cars, or second class coaches.
- In circumstances where dogs and their owners break any rule, railway staff will soon deported the dogs to the guard’s van.
Which Dog breeds are easiest to take on a train journey?
The journey can become really a handful when it comes to taking your Dog on board (train).
Though railways allow maximum dog breeds on board, some of them can prove tough handling.
For example, some masculine breeds can give a high time to your fellow travellers whereas other less obedient breeds can make a ruckus.
However, that’s not all. Several breeds make your train journey easy and memorable (positively) as well.
14 dogs which make great travel Buddies
- Dachshund
- Poodle
- German Shepherd
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Bichon Frise
- Brussels griffon
- Cavalier King Charles spaniel
- Clumber spaniel
- French bulldog
- Border Collie
- Boston Terrier
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Labradors Retriever
The train travels with Dogs- Is it Really Safe?
Traveling with Pets on Trains within the U.S.
Train travel with dogs is safe when your canine buddy is accompanying you inside the coach.
However, on the other hand, the condition of Dog Boxes (in Guard Van) is not really great.
Cramped spaces to no regulation of temperature and so can make dogs really uncomfortable.
Also, dogs who are habitual of staying in the temperature-regulated environment can find high time surviving in dog boxes.
Hence, unless you cannot accommodate Dog with yourself in the compartment, their journey is really not easy and safe.
Which Amtrak trains allow pets? and the Routes lines.
- Acela Express (pets are allowed during weekends and holidays only)
- Adirondack
- Amtrak Cascades
- Blue Water
- California Zephyr
- Capitol Limited
- Cardinal
- Carl Sandburg
- Carolinian
- City of New Orleans
- Coast Starlight
- Crescent
- Illini
- Illinois Zephyr
- Lakeshore Limited
- Lincoln Service
- Maple Leaf
- Piedmont
- Saluki
- Silver Meteor
- Silver Star
- Southwest Chief
- Sunset Limited
- Texas Eagle
- Vermonter
- Wolverine
- Downeaster
- Missouri River Runner
- Northeast Regional
- Palmetto
- Pere Marquette
- Empire Builder
- Empire Service
- Ethan Allen Express
- Heartland Flyer
- Hiawatha
Partying words
And with all the above discussion, we believe your next train journey with dogs will become easy.
Train travel is cheap, safe, and relatively comfortable than flights for pets.
Especially when you have booked an entire cabin or coach, they can feel more relaxed and less confined.
Before going forward, remember that no matter if it is a pup or an adult dog, once your co-passengers object, you have no option to shift them to the brake van.
Amtrak does not ship pets or allow dogs to travel as in baggage without an attendee. but allows dogs and cats on some train lines with a human supervisor and these rules are not valid for service dogs.
