Train Transportation for Pets

For many people, traveling with pets is a necessity. Leaving pets at home or kenneling them while on vacation or extended stays is not always an option for those who consider their pets to be trusted members of the family. At the same time, the Humane Society of the United States recommends that you do not travel by plane with your pet unless absolutely necessary. Traveling by train with pets is sometimes the best option.

  1. Plan Ahead

    • Contact the company you plan to travel with in order to confirm that they allow pets onboard. Consider making a set of temporary pet tags with the address you will be staying at during your travels. You will need to determine if your pet can withstand the rigors of railway travel. Speak with your veterinarian and make sure that your pet is healthy enough to accompany you. Some animals may experience serious respiratory difficulty while onboard trains. If your pet experiences anxiety while traveling or dislikes spending time in pet carriers, your vet may recommend a calming supplement like Bio-Calm. Alternatively, you may decide to leave your pet with a pet sitter or at a kennel.

    Before You Go

    • Do not feed your pet for four to six hours before you begin your journey. Make sure that your pet is fitted with a collar that cannot get stuck inside carrier doors. Clip your pet's nails so that they won't get caught in its carrier. Do not put a leash in the carrier. Pets made anxious by travel may harm themselves in their carrier and get tangled in leashes. Label your pet carrier in a highly visible location and/or in several spots. If you are traveling with a dog, take it for a walk before boarding. Make sure that your cat uses the litter box before you place it in its carrier.

    While Onboard

    • Keep your pet's current health and rabies certificates and a recent photograph of your pet with you. These documents may be needed if your pet experiences health problems or becomes separated during travel. It is your responsibility to ensure that your pet is fed and has access to water on long train rides. You may exercise your pet during rest stops. In some cases, visiting times may be arranged in advance. Speak to the service manager about this possibility before boarding.

    International Regulations

    • In the United States, only service animals are allowed onboard passenger trains like Amtrak. Passengers traveling with service animals in the United States should notify their railway company in advance of their departure. Service animals should be kept on a leash or in a cage for the duration of the trip. In Canada, certain pets are restricted from VIA Rail travel, and animal transportation can be prohibited due to lack of railway car ventilation. Cats and dogs are generally allowed on board trains, but they must stay in carriers and travel in the baggage car. Pet owners need not purchase additional tickets in order for their pet to travel with them; however, some fees may apply. Similar rules are in effect in most European countries. Pet owners traveling in Europe are strongly advised to contact railway companies directly for specific regulations.

    Once You Arrive

    • Open the carrier as soon as you reach a safe place. Examine your pet to make sure it is in good health and are not overly anxious. Dogs should be taken for a walk as soon as possible after arrival. Cats should be shown to a litter box and allowed to acclimatize themselves to their new surroundings. Make fresh food and water available to your animal.