pets

[bren]

I am travelling with a small dog who is happy in a bag and flying with him is fine but I find Amtrak won't allow any pets is this rule followed to the letter or might they allow a pet in a bag - I have a journey of 90 mins on amtrak to the airport and my dog will sit in his bag for this time and be fine.

 

[amamba]

No pets are allowed on any amtrak service.

Since you are taking amtrak to the airport, I assume that you are going ot someplace like BWI or Newark? You might look into one of the commuter type rail services like MARC or NJ Transit.

I know you can take pets on the MBTA commuter rail.

 

[Ryan]

MARC allows "Only small pets, confined in closed carriers", but I can't think of a 90 minute journey on MARC to BWI.

Can you get away with it on Amtrak? Maybe.

Should you risk it? You'll probably miss your plane if you're denied boarding or put off at a grade crossing when your pet is discovered.

 

[Cho Cho Charlie]

I am totally amazed that TSA will allow a bag thru its security check points at any airport, with a dog inside.

Gee, I hope you don't run him and his bag thru the x-ray machine.

 

[user 1215]

Delta allows small pets in the cabin. Amtrak not at all. Cannot be in a kennel in baggage, either, as there is no climate control.

 

[amamba]

I am totally amazed that TSA will allow a bag thru its security check points at any airport, with a dog inside.

Gee, I hope you don't run him and his bag thru the x-ray machine.

Most carriers allow small pets, in a kennel/bag, inside the passenger cabin of the airplane. they are supposed to be stowed underneath the seat in front of them during the entire flight.

I would never fly my dog in the cargo hold - as a flat faced breed, he would must likely die. Some airlines have actually stopped allowing dogs like pugs, english bulldogs, french bulldogs and boston terriers to be flown in cargo because of the high incidence of complications due to the extreme temperature changes and air pressure issues.

 

[benjibear]

Call it a service dog and take it with you. May not be right but I just learned of an aquantenance who takes her dog everywhere and she carries a fake note from "her" doctor that it is a service animal.

 

[Cho Cho Charlie]

I would never fly my dog in the cargo hold - as a flat faced breed, he would must likely die. Some airlines have actually stopped allowing dogs like pugs, english bulldogs, french bulldogs and boston terriers to be flown in cargo because of the high incidence of complications due to the extreme temperature changes and air pressure issues.

A few years ago, several top Samoyeds were killed on a flight to their national breed show. The pilot "forgot" that there were live animals in the cargo hold, and didn't bother pressurizing/heating the area.

 

[amamba]

Call it a service dog and take it with you. May not be right but I just learned of an aquantenance who takes her dog everywhere and she carries a fake note from "her" doctor that it is a service animal.

Please don't do this. That is really not right. it is people doing stuff like this that makes others distrustful of real service animals, which can cause problems for people with actual disabilities. Don't be an entitled person who thinks that they are too good for the rules.

 

[benjibear]

Call it a service dog and take it with you. May not be right but I just learned of an aquantenance who takes her dog everywhere and she carries a fake note from "her" doctor that it is a service animal.

Please don't do this. That is really not right. it is people doing stuff like this that makes others distrustful of real service animals, which can cause problems for people with actual disabilities. Don't be an entitled person who thinks that they are too good for the rules.

I just want to say that I really wasn't suggesting that.

 

[RRrich]

Call it a service dog and take it with you. May not be right but I just learned of an aquantenance who takes her dog everywhere and she carries a fake note from "her" doctor that it is a service animal.

Please don't do this. That is really not right. it is people doing stuff like this that makes others distrustful of real service animals, which can cause problems for people with actual disabilities. Don't be an entitled person who thinks that they are too good for the rules.

I just want to say that I really wasn't suggesting that.

Really? I thought you were.

 

[Shanghai]

I am totally amazed that TSA will allow a bag thru its security check points at any airport, with a dog inside.

Gee, I hope you don't run him and his bag thru the x-ray machine.

When we travel with our dog on an airplane, we put the carrier through the x-ray machine and

carry the dog with us when going through the security portal. We put him in his carrier when

we board the airplane. Our former dog made 8 trips over the Atlantic without incident.

 

[George Harris]

I would never fly my dog in the cargo hold - as a flat faced breed, he would must likely die. Some airlines have actually stopped allowing dogs like pugs, english bulldogs, french bulldogs and boston terriers to be flown in cargo because of the high incidence of complications due to the extreme temperature changes and air pressure issues.

A few years ago, several top Samoyeds were killed on a flight to their national breed show. The pilot "forgot" that there were live animals in the cargo hold, and didn't bother pressurizing/heating the area.

I have heard this both ways. That is, that the deaths were not really caused as said. I have also heard that the pressursation in the baggage area of planes set up for passengers is connected to the passenger compartment is such a way that there can be not differences in pressure. The poit was made with this that otherwise there would be too high of potential for aerosol cans to explode, and that absolutely any of the pump type dispensers would fill your luggage with liquid when the pressure dropped.

I do know this: When we came back from Taiwan our dog rode across the ocean as baggage. We had to take her out of her cage for it to go through X-ray and then put her back. She was not happy with the entire process, but she made it fine despite being a rather elderly pooch at that time. The only problem: It took her a couple of months to forgive us for putting her through it. What I have heard: Do not give your animal any form of sedative before the trip. If you do, then it is more likely to succumb or have difficulties to any distress due to pressure changes or whatever else during the trip as their body is less able to respond. And, there is pressure change as anybody with the least sensitivity in their ears can attest.

 

[leemell]

I would never fly my dog in the cargo hold - as a flat faced breed, he would must likely die. Some airlines have actually stopped allowing dogs like pugs, english bulldogs, french bulldogs and boston terriers to be flown in cargo because of the high incidence of complications due to the extreme temperature changes and air pressure issues.

A few years ago, several top Samoyeds were killed on a flight to their national breed show. The pilot "forgot" that there were live animals in the cargo hold, and didn't bother pressurizing/heating the area.

I have heard this both ways. That is, that the deaths were not really caused as said. I have also heard that the pressursation in the baggage area of planes set up for passengers is connected to the passenger compartment is such a way that there can be not differences in pressure. The poit was made with this that otherwise there would be too high of potential for aerosol cans to explode, and that absolutely any of the pump type dispensers would fill your luggage with liquid when the pressure dropped.

I do know this: When we came back from Taiwan our dog rode across the ocean as baggage. We had to take her out of her cage for it to go through X-ray and then put her back. She was not happy with the entire process, but she made it fine despite being a rather elderly pooch at that time. The only problem: It took her a couple of months to forgive us for putting her through it. What I have heard: Do not give your animal any form of sedative before the trip. If you do, then it is more likely to succumb or have difficulties to any distress due to pressure changes or whatever else during the trip as their body is less able to respond. And, there is pressure change as anybody with the least sensitivity in their ears can attest.

That is correct, passenger commercial aircraft baggage areas are pressurized as they are in the same pressure envelope as the passenger compartment. It is like a balloon, the entire tube, more or less, must be the same pressure of rupture is much more likely to occur. That is one of driving reasons for the tube structure. Temperature is another matter, but is usually the same as the rest of the ship.

 

[Swadian Hardcore]

NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!

YOU CANNOT TAKE PETS ONBOARD AMTRAK UNLESS IT IS A SERVICE ANIMAL! NO COMFORT ANIMALS ALLOWED! PERIOD!

I hate people who disobey rules, even if they get away with it!

 

[Montanan]

I've met a few people over the years who take their non-service dogs places where only service animals are normally allowed ... and I always secretly root for them.

Actually, that's not true -- I root for them openly. The rail networks in other, more civilized countries have very workable systems for allowing companion dogs and cats on their trains, and it's appalling that Amtrak won't even make the attempt.

 

[fairviewroad]

Actually, that's not true -- I root for them openly. The rail networks in other, more civilized countries have very workable systems for allowing companion dogs and cats on their trains, and it's appalling gratifying that Amtrak won't even make the attempt.

Fixed it for you.

 

[John Bobinyec]

The rail networks in other, more civilized countries have very workable systems for allowing companion dogs and cats on their trains, and it's appalling that Amtrak won't even make the attempt.

They have carried pets. Back in 1974 my wife and miniature schnauzer made a trip in a bedroom from Dayton to Newark on the National Limited, and back.

Here's a write-up by NARP as to what changed: http://www.narprail.org/cms/index.php/resources/more/pet/

jb

 

[Texan Eagle]

I've met a few people over the years who take their non-service dogs places where only service animals are normally allowed ... and I always secretly root for them.

Actually, that's not true -- I root for them openly.

Do you also root for people who drive at 90 mph on highways where speed limit is 65 mph? How about rooting for 16 year olds drinking at bars where legal drinking age is 21? Now before someone jumps in saying this is not an apple to apple comparison, let me clarify, the point I am trying to put across is- a rule is a rule, whether you like it or not, and citizens of a civilized society are expected to abide by them. If Amtrak's rules say pets not allowed, they are not allowed. Simple. If you don't like it, use alternate means of transport, but do not encourage bending the rules.

 

[Shanghai]

The rail networks in other, more civilized countries have very workable systems for allowing companion dogs and cats on their trains, and it's appalling that Amtrak won't even make the attempt.

When we lived in France and the Netherlands, we took our dog on trains (no overnight trains), restaurants and

many other public places and pets were welcome. On NJT, LIRR & PATH trains, pets are permitted in carriers.

While I would like to take my dog in my sleeper accommodation, Amtrak is not prepared to properly support pets

in their trains and stations. I think Amtrak is correct in their rule not to allow pets.

 

[benjibear]

Call it a service dog and take it with you. May not be right but I just learned of an aquantenance who takes her dog everywhere and she carries a fake note from "her" doctor that it is a service animal.

Please don't do this. That is really not right. it is people doing stuff like this that makes others distrustful of real service animals, which can cause problems for people with actual disabilities. Don't be an entitled person who thinks that they are too good for the rules.

I just want to say that I really wasn't suggesting that.

Sorry, you can't see me rolling my eyes as I type here. That is the problem with places like this. Sometimes you need to see a persons expression on their face to know what they are saying,

 

[me_little_me]

I've met a few people over the years who take their non-service dogs places where only service animals are normally allowed ... and I always secretly root for them.

Actually, that's not true -- I root for them openly.

Do you also root for people who drive at 90 mph on highways where speed limit is 65 mph? How about rooting for 16 year olds drinking at bars where legal drinking age is 21? Now before someone jumps in saying this is not an apple to apple comparison, let me clarify, the point I am trying to put across is- a rule is a rule, whether you like it or not, and citizens of a civilized society are expected to abide by them. If Amtrak's rules say pets not allowed, they are not allowed. Simple. If you don't like it, use alternate means of transport, but do not encourage bending the rules.

Or work to change the rules. But you are right. However, It is not just a rule, it cheats those that legitimately need a service animal as they are always suspect because of the cheaters.

It is potentially extra work for Amtrak people and a safety and sanitary issue. Animals may poop or urinate on the floor or seats. Their hair may cause problems with others and they might bite someone. These are MUCH less likely with TRAINED service animals. But Amtrak, like other places, takes this chance with those problems with service animals in order to accommodate the disabled - something those "civilized" countries often lack. How many of those European trains accommodate the disabled with no elevators, non-working escalators, etc? And those "civilized" countries were far behind when it came to protecting the ordinary citizens from second-hand smoke. When it comes to cleanliness, those "civilized" countries also have problems with their train restrooms that often make Amtrak's look like those of a really civilized country.

 

[fairviewroad]

It is potentially extra work for Amtrak people and a safety and sanitary issue. Animals may poop or urinate on the floor or seats. Their hair may cause problems with others and they might bite someone. These are MUCH less likely with TRAINED service animals. But Amtrak, like other places, takes this chance with those problems with service animals in order to accommodate the disabled -

While I agree with your post, I would only point out that Amtrak doesn't really deserve any credit for "taking a chance with those problems" by allowing service animals. They are more or less required by federal law to permit service animals.

 

[Montanan]

Do you also root for people who drive at 90 mph on highways where speed limit is 65 mph? How about rooting for 16 year olds drinking at bars where legal drinking age is 21? Now before someone jumps in saying this is not an apple to apple comparison, let me clarify, the point I am trying to put across is- a rule is a rule, whether you like it or not, and citizens of a civilized society are expected to abide by them. If Amtrak's rules say pets not allowed, they are not allowed. Simple. If you don't like it, use alternate means of transport, but do not encourage bending the rules.

You forget that I live in Montana ... everyone drives 90 out here.

But my response is that civil disobedience against unreasonable rules is a fundamental tenet of every free society, including ours. If that weren't historically the case, there'd be a very good chance that your rail trips through Texas would be on racially-segregated Amtrak coaches. And that's no more of an apples-to-oranges comparison than the one you attempted to make.

 

[Swadian Hardcore]

Rules are there to be obeyed, not to be disragarded! Gettiing away with breaking a rule is a dishonourable thing and should not even be tried! In fact, I think that those "civilised countries" should also adopt a No Comfort Animals Whatsoever policy on their trains like Amtrak! They have a great chance of causing high disruption on trains and would only make a trainman's job harder.