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Amtrak is a passenger railroad service in the US and Canada that provides journeys of all distances around the two countries. Just recently, small well-behaved pets have been allowed on Amtrak as long as they no larger than 20 pounds and on a trip no longer than 7 hours.

Service animals are allowed in all areas of Amtrak trains that passengers are allowed to go. This provides full support for the service dog users. The Amtrak staff may ask what tasks the service animal performs however they do not follow the restrictions that pets have to follow when on the train.

Service animals are animals that have been trained to assist with and perform specific tasks to help someone who has a disability. This includes physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disability. In the US, only dogs are considered service animals however a number of states it is legal to have a service ‘animal’ and could include a cat, bird and even a wolf. In the US it is also legal to train your own service animal to let your pet become your service animal and provide support to your disability. Service animals are trained to do work for the person who has a disability.

Service Animals Vs. Regular Pets On Amtrak

On Amtrak trains, they allow service animals that have been trained to perform specific tasks for the person with a disability. Amtrak has stated that comfort animals, search and rescue dogs and police dogs are not classed as service dogs and technically considered pets. They are allowed on Amtrak trains but as pets, not service dogs and should follow the carry-on pet guidelines to be able to travel.

There are some guidelines to follow for having a service animal on board an Amtrak train, however, these are similar, if not the same as most public places and what a service animal will be trained to do. Firstly, service animals should be under control at all times. The animal should always be on a leash or harness unless this is not possible due to the owner's disability (in an extreme case). If a service animal is not under control, an Amtrak employee can ask for the service animal to be removed from the train or station. They can be classed as being out of control if they are causing disruption, barking loud unnecessarily or causing a threat to others.

Service Animals On The Train

Service animals must also always remain not the floor. They will be trained to do this anyway but it is important that when onboard an Amtrak train that they do not sit on the seats, beds or in the aisles as this can cause obstruction or possibly harm the dog. A service animal should sit by the passenger's feet or under the passenger's seat.

Start Your Official Service Animal Registration

If a service animal and their user is taking a long journey and there is a break of journey at a station, they are permitted to walk the service animal. This is to allow the dog to receive themselves. However, it is important that the owner makes sure they have enough time to return to the train. It is advised to notify the conductor and stay in close proximity to the train so that re-boarding can be quick. Many routes do not stop for the duration of the trip so it important to check before making travel plans.

Reservations

Reservations can be made for customers who are planning to travel with a service dog. When making a reservation, Amtrak will reserve an accessible seat and space for the passenger and service animal. Information will be given about intermediate stops and seating and train arrangements.