Pets, like cats and dogs, are welcome to join you when you fly the friendly skies, but did you know you typically wouldn’t be able to bring your furry friend along if you traveled by train?
Luckily, that might be changing: Amtrak announced this week that it is launching a test program to allow pets on trains starting in May.
While service animals have long been allowed on Amtrak trains, pets have never been permitted on the passenger rail. But this new pilot program may change that.
Through a partnership between Amtrak and the Illinois Department of Transportation, riders will be able to bring a pet for a $25 fee between May 5 and Nov. 2.
There are a few caveats, though. First, only dogs and cats less than 20 pounds will be allowed to ride. They’ll have to ride in a pet carrier similar to those used for air travel, and they’ll be placed at the owner’s feet or under the seat.
The pilot program is also limited to train travel in Illinois, and pets may only check in at staffed stations in Chicago, Naperville and Galesburg. Advanced reservations are also required.
Still, success with this pilot program could mean more options for train travel with pets in the future.
“By listening to and accommodating all passengers, I am hopeful we can create a long-term policy that allows pets on trains and makes traveling on Amtrak even more appealing to a wider audience,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider.
(Main image: jpmueller99)
