Can a 60-Pound Dog Ride Amtrak? Rules and Options

Generally, no: Amtrak’s pet program limits the combined weight of a pet and its carrier to 20 pounds, so a 60-pound dog does not qualify as a pet passenger. A trained service dog is treated differently, but a dog’s size alone does not make it a service animal; the dog must be trained to perform work or tasks for a person with a disability.

If your dog is a trained service animal, review Amtrak’s service-animal rules before booking and tell Amtrak about your travel plans so you know what to expect at boarding. Your dog must remain under your control during the trip, and you should plan for relief breaks because train stops may be too short for an unhurried walk.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating what if your dog is a service animal.

For a 60-pound pet dog, driving is often the more practical choice because you can plan rest stops and use a restraint or travel crate suited to your dog and vehicle. Before leaving, confirm that your dog can settle comfortably in the available space, pack water and familiar supplies, and map out safe places to stop.

If you’re planning a road trip, our Safe Pet Rides digital guide and printable checklist can help you organize your preparations. You can also use our pre-trip checklist for safe car rides with dogs and cats as you get ready to leave.

Start by distinguishing between a pet and a trained service animal, since that determines whether Amtrak’s pet weight limit applies. If your dog is a pet, plan another way to travel rather than buying a ticket and hoping an exception will be made at the station.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating how should you make the travel decision.