Amtrak is the best way for Olivia Pelokin to travel from New York to Boston to see his family. It is also the perfect mode of transportation for her dog, Betty. The 2-year-old Chihuahua – Jack Russell Mix travels back and forth four times a year with a stylish olive green bag carrier.
“She’s a Velcro dog. She’s always next to me. I love it,” said Perokin, who grew up in the seaside town of Gloucester, Massachusetts.
Last year marked 10 years since Amtrak first allowed dogs and cats to travel on trains, bringing pets to passengers and not worrying about finding a sitter. Pet-friendly options for rail networks have also become popular in recent years at the rise of remote work, according to Mark Magliari, senior Amtrak public relations manager.
There are some restrictions on traveling with dogs and cats, but that’s a popular policy that never seems to attract complaints from other passengers, Magrilli said.
“It’s comforting for people. If your pet travels well without the need to release himself, get yourself a right pet carrier, reserve and board,” Magrilli said.
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Pelokin said Betty is always eager to travel, but he doesn’t bare or get in the way of other passengers. Once in Massachusetts, the two are able to spend quality time outdoors, including two puppies from Pelokin’s sister.
“She’s a very brave dog and she has a huge personality,” said Pelokin, 35. “If I’m walking her on a leash, she’ll usually turn over in the air, she loves to do fetches, she loves to have other people and other dogs.”
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Can my pets travel by Amtrak?
Amtrak only carries small dogs and cats, and they need to be in their carriers, Magrilli said.
Other Amtrak Pet rules include:
Pets are only permitted on travelling less than 7 hours. The total weight of a dog or cat and its carrier must be no more than 20 pounds. The animal should be older than 8 weeks. It fits in the seat in front of you. One pet is permitted per customer. The carrier can contain one pet. Animals need to stay in their carriers. There is no need to buy another seat for your pet. Pet prices vary. Amtrak reservation.
Magrilli asked the railway line if the dog could be taken by traveling between Chicago and Springfield, in 2014 Amtrak took the Midwest route. They said they started allowing pets along.
“The experiment started and after it worked very well, we continued to expand it,” Magrilli said.
Tipshe Foster training failed quickly. But that’s because “something’s gotten very right.”
Tips for pet parents
If your dog or cat doesn’t enjoy the normal trip, it’s best to leave it at home with your sitter, Magrilli said.
Pelokin and Betty have lots of practice running the New York City subway. Pelokin takes his dogs from his Upper West Side apartment of Tribeca’s design company to a one train into a dog-friendly office.
On a trip to New England, Pelokin will allow Betty to use the bathroom just before he arrives at Amtrak, Penn Station in New York. If she’s not assigned a seat, Pelokin says she’ll try to be polite and ask the other passengers if it’s okay to sit next to Betty.
Traveling by train with your pet makes sense to many people, Pelokin said.
“Betty is like a part of my family and trains are my favorite way to travel between New York and Boston,” Pelokin said. “I want her to be with me because Betty is such an important part of my life.”
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