Amtrak Welcoming Pets Aboard Select Northeast Corridor Trains

WASHINGTON (WJZ) -- Amtrak announced Thursday is would allow passengers to travel with their small pets from Boston to Lynchburg, Newport News and Norfolk, Va, throughout the Northeast corridor.

After successfully launching the program in Illinois, Amtrak decided to bring this to the East Coast.

"We have listened to our passengers looking for other transportation options while traveling with their pets," said Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman. "We are pleased to bring this pilot program to the region."

Passengers can take their pets in enclosed carrier on trips up to seven hours in length and they will be asked to place the pet under their seat.

The pet and carrier must be a combined weight of 20 pounds.They must also be at least 8 weeks old with a current vaccination record.

"Expanding the Pets on Trains program in the Northeast Corridor is a victory for American pet owners and for Amtrak, which can now serve individuals and families traveling with small dogs and cats," said Rep. Jeff Denham of California. "This change will increase ridership and revenue for Amtrak while building on the success of the pilot program, paving the way for the future of pets on trains nationwide."

Passengers must make the reservation for their pet ahead of time and a $25 surcharge will be assessed for travel.  They are also required to arrive 30 minutes prior to train departure to check-in at a ticket counter and sign a pet waiver form.