As pet ownership continues to rise — particularly in urban areas like New York City — more travelers are seeking safe, comfortable transportation options that accommodate dogs of all sizes. According to the American Pet Products Association, 66% of U.S. households (approximately 86.9 million homes) own a pet as of 2023, and dog ownership specifically has grown significantly post-pandemic, especially in major metro areas.

Despite this trend, Amtrak currently permits only small pets (under 20 pounds) in carriers on select routes. There is no option for passengers with medium or large dogs who cannot be crated for long periods or do not meet these size restrictions — limiting access for a large portion of responsible pet owners who rely on public transportation.

We respectfully urge Amtrak to introduce a pilot program offering dog-friendly cars, where dogs of any size could travel with their owners under specific guidelines.

This program could:

• Include a pet fare surcharge to offset cleaning and operational costs
• Require that dogs be leashed or in soft-sided crates in designated areas
• Limit the number of dogs per car and require advance reservations
• Be initially tested on high-demand routes, such as the Northeast Corridor

Airlines already capitalize on this market, charging $95 to $200 per pet per flight, despite more restrictive policies. A similar pricing model on Amtrak could help offset costs while attracting a new base of loyal passengers. In fact, European rail operators (such as Germany’s Deutsche Bahn and France’s SNCF) allow large dogs on trains with a paid dog ticket, offering models Amtrak could adopt or adapt for U.S. travel.

Many pet owners, especially those who cannot or prefer not to fly with their dogs, would gladly pay an additional fare for this service. A pet fare program could not only increase ridership but also support a more inclusive, modern vision for public transportation.

There is currently a lack of viable travel options for responsible dog owners with larger pets. By offering a dedicated space for dogs on board, Amtrak would provide a safe and accessible solution while setting a new industry standard in U.S. rail travel.

Please sign this petition if you believe dog-friendly rail cars should be part of Amtrak's future — and help bring comfortable, accessible train travel to more people and their pets.