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Amtrak's Pet Program Gets An Expansion

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—A popular pet program on Amtrak gets an expansion that's easing the worries of passengers.

Gigi Barnett explains.

The "all people, no pets approach" to train travel at Baltimore's Penn Station is changing.

Starting this weekend, Amtrak says passengers and their pets can now come aboard.

"Passengers have been asking; lots of people don't want to travel without their pets," said Vernae Graham, Amtrak spokesperson.

So back in October Amtrak tested it out, allowing pets no bigger than 25 pounds get to ride along underneath their owner's seat in a carrier.

It was such a hit that rail company is now expanding the program to include trips up to seven hours long and the time-buster Acela Express train on the weekends.

"I travel so much for work during the week that when I get to travel on the weekend for fun, I get to bring my little buddy with me and it's so easy," said Paula Fynbow.

Paula Fynbow has traveled with her dog Oscar on a plane and she says the fare was size times more than the $25 train ticket.

Now, her little buddy is quiet and close by.

"He is pretty hidden in here, so a lot of people don't even know I have him," she says.

Amtrak says two types of passengers will pick this program: those who've never traveled without their pet and had to avoid the train altogether and the long-time train travelers who now get to bring their furry friends along.

"Those that are able to---that have been bringing their pets are ecstatic about the fact that they no longer have to drive or find other alternatives," said Graham.

More than 2700 pets and passengers on board just since the program started back in October and there are only five spots each train designated for pets.

Amtrak says Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. were the top departure cities for the pet travel program.

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