Tips for taking puppy on Amtrak (train stations, best, carry-on, routes)

[DragonflyMom]

I've never traveled on Amtrak before, so I'm a complete newbie. I have a 10 lb puppy I'll be taking with me, and I know all the rule about having him on board. He will be in my roomette with me.

My question is....how long do the trains stop at each station....long enough to take the puppy for a potty walk?

[Stagemomma]

In general, no!!!

I regularly take the train from Raleigh NC to DC, and if the train is running on time (which is rarely is) there is a cigarette break allowed in Richmond.

But think about it...trains are LOUD, there will be people getting on and off, and there is not likely to be a patch of grass nearby. The train stations I'm familiar with are mostly concrete. Not a good place for a puppy to piddle.

You need to call Amtrak and ask. Only they can really answer the question adequately based on your route.

[DragonflyMom]

Is that the Silver Star route?

[reed303]

Originally Posted by dlking58

I've never traveled on Amtrak before, so I'm a complete newbie. I have a 10 lb puppy I'll be taking with me, and I know all the rule about having him on board. He will be in my roomette with me.

My question is....how long do the trains stop at each station....long enough to take the puppy for a potty walk?

Have you read Amtrak's info and policy at:

https://www.amtrak.com/carry-on-pets or
https://www.amtrak.com/service-animals-and-pet-policy where it say:
"Some routes may have limited or no stops for the duration of your trip, so we encourage you to check schedules before you make your travel plans."

https://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/403/677...16-rev-rev.pdf

[DragonflyMom]

Thank you...I had not read that part. I will try to find info on the duration of stops. Thanks!

[Jkgourmet]

Bring puppy pads, regardless of the length of the stops.

[Alaskan Mutt]

Originally Posted by dlking58

I've never traveled on Amtrak before, so I'm a complete newbie. I have a 10 lb puppy I'll be taking with me, and I know all the rule about having him on board. He will be in my roomette with me.

My question is....how long do the trains stop at each station....long enough to take the puppy for a potty walk?

You might want to re-read the fine print regarding traveling with pets on Amtrak. Pets are only allowed on legs of 7 hours or less. Also they are only allowed in the coach cabin designated for traveling with pets. Roomettes are considered first class.


Most station stops will not be long enough to walk your pet.

[leastprime]

"Most station stops will not be long enough to walk your pet."
No grass, anyway. Our's is a sniffer and she takes forever.

[patches403]

Originally Posted by dlking58

I've never traveled on Amtrak before, so I'm a complete newbie. I have a 10 lb puppy I'll be taking with me, and I know all the rule about having him on board. He will be in my roomette with me.

My question is....how long do the trains stop at each station....long enough to take the puppy for a potty walk?

OP, Amtrak is a very bad idea with a puppy, assuming they'll even let you bring the puppy to begin with, unless you're talking about a train trip of not more than 2 hours. Puppies can't hold it very long and most train stops you won't be allowed to get off the train at all and certainly not long enough for a potty walk.

If you must travel with the puppy either drive or take a flight that has short hops. Driving would by far be your best bet with a puppy.

[eureka1]

^^^^^^^what they said.