Public Transport Pet Policies across the USA
Our definitive guide covers the to up to date Public Transport Pet Policies for over 20 cities, holiday destinations and transport operators:
New York
- New York City
California
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- San Diego
Florida
- Miami-Dade County
- Orlando
Illinois
- Chicago
District of Columbia
- Washington D.C.
Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia
Arizona
- Phoenix
Massachusetts
- Boston
Texas
- Houston
- Austin
Private Operators
- Greyhound
- Amtrak
- Megabus
- Uber
- Lyft
New York City
Our in-depth guide covers the Pet Policies for ALL forms of Public Transport in New York City:
- Subway
- Bus
- PATH Trains
- LIRR (Long Island Railroad)
- MNR (Metro-North Railroad)
- Fire Island ferry
- Staten Island Ferry
- NJ Transit
- AirTrain JFK
- Seastreak Ferry
- Amtrak
- Uber and Lyft
- Dog / Pet Taxi services
Public Transit Pet Policy for ALL forms of Public Transit New York City
California
Los Angeles
Public Transportation Pet Policies Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation (Metro)
Pets and emotional support, therapy, comfort, and companion animals are welcome aboard Metro Public Transit services when they:
- Are secured in enclosed carriers and do not block the aisle or a doorway
- Do not deprive a customer of a seat
- Do not interfere with the comfort or convenience of other customers
- Please be aware that a bus operator or other Metro representatives may ask if the animal is a service animal required because of disability and what task the animal has been trained to perform.
Note: These service animal guidelines apply on Metro services and at Metro facilities. Different rules may apply in other public places.
Public Transportation Pet Policies for LA MetroLink
MetroLink is a Public Transit commuter and regional rail system operating in Southern California. The system is made up of seven lines and 62 stations operating in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties, as well as to Oceanside in San Diego County.
MetroLink connects with the Los Angeles County Metro Rail system, the San Diego Coaster commuter rail and Sprinter light rail services, and with Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, Coast Starlight, Southwest Chief, and Sunset Limited intercity rail services.
Public Transportation Pet Policies Metrolink
Any pet fully enclosed in a pet carrier that fits either on the passenger’s lap or under the passenger’s legs is permitted.
This option is really only suitable for small dogs in a compact pet carrier.
Los Angeles MetroLink Public Transit Pet Policy
Other L.A. transit providers that allow small pets in carriers, other than service animals, include:
Big Blue Bus
Culver CityBus
FlyAway Bus (full fare purchase required)
Glendale Beeline
Gold Coast Transit
Long Beach Transit
Norwalk Transit
OmniTrans
Orange County Transportation Authority.
San Francisco
Public Transportation Pet Policies for BART - Bay Area Rapid Transit
BART allows pets to be brought aboard at no additional charge. The only requirement is that the pet must be secured in a container that is specifically manufactured for transport of a pet.
Animals at-large or on a leash or harness (other than service dogs) are not allowed. For more information about service animals, visit the Accessibility Services section.
San Diego
Public Transportation Pet Policies for MTS - Metropolitan Transit System
Pet Policy
Trained service animals accompanying persons with disabilities are always welcome on board bus and Trolley services.
Non-service animals must be fully contained inside an enclosed carrier that you can hold on your lap and transport by yourself.
Animals must be kept under your control at all times.
Operators have the right to refuse to transport your animal because of noise or odor.
Florida
Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) is the primary public transit authority of Miami, Florida, United States and the greater Miami-Dade County area.
Public Transportation Pet Policies for MDT
It is unlawful to board an animal on Transit when:
The animal/pet is not in a properly enclosed container such as a cage, kennel, or other pet carrier like a bag or a backpack while inside the bus or train.
The pet and/or container interferes with the operation of the bus or train.
The pet/animal container is not kept out of the aisles and stairwells or steps while aboard Metrobus, Metrorail or Metromover.
The size of the container impedes a passenger's safe egress from the vehicle or bus; this excludes service animals (i.e. guide dogs, signal dogs, or other animals individually trained to perform tasks for customers with a disability).
The animal does damage or causes a nuisance or inconvenience while using the linear park underneath the Metrorail guideway.
Miami-Dade Transit MDT Public Transit Pet Policy
Orlando
The main rail services are operated by Amtrak, Brightline and SunRail.
Bus services are operated by Greyhound and Lynx.
LYMMO is a fare-free Downtown Orlando circulator that provides a convenient, air-conditioned connection for residents, employees and visitors to Downtown restaurants, retail, entertainment, offices and services. LYMMO operates along four different routes, with wait times between buses as little as five minutes.
City of Orlando - Public Transit Pet Policy Overview
Brightline
Pets are permitted to travel on Brightline trains as checked luggage or carry-on provided that they travel inside a pet carrier placed in the car’s luggage tower onboard the train, under the guests’ seat or on the guests’ lap. Pets must remain in their pet carrier at all times. Guest must indicate their intention to travel with a pet at the time of reservation. Fees may apply.
Checked Pets
Cats and dogs may be accepted for travel as checked luggage based on space availability. No more than two pets will be accepted as checked luggage per trip per person for a maximum of four pets per train.
As a courtesy to our guests traveling with checked pets, Brightline offers two carriers on a first come first served basis. Guests may approach the Guest Service Desk to inquire on the availability of a carrier; a large-sized carrier measuring 32” x 22.5” x 24” and a medium sized carrier measuring 28”x 20.5” x 21.5” is available. All checked pets must travel in a carrier even if one is not available for their use at the station. Cats and Dogs will be accepted as checked when presented for travel in a pet carrier that meets the following requirements:
Be no larger than 32” x 22.5” x 24” such that it provides for room for the occupying animal to stand, turn, sit and lie in a natural position.
Be less than 70 lbs. (including the pet and carrier).
Be made of wood, metal, plastic or similar materials.
Be secured at the top and bottom with bolts or screws (if the carrier is designed as 2-piece), have a door made of welded or cast metal
Be leak and escape proof with a secure fastened door, have ventilation on the door and 2 sides.
Have separate food and watering dishes attached securely inside the carrier (so that if needed, pets can be fed without opening the carrier), have a small bag of food for a 24-hour period attached to the crate.
Be clean and have absorbent material or litter (no straw, hay or wood shavings).
Owners checking cats and dogs for travel must accompany their contained pet to the luggage cart at the platform level and assist in securing the carrier within the luggage cart. Pets must be on a leash at all times.
Upon arrival at their destination, guests must collect their pet directly from the luggage cart at the platform level. Brightline will provide a suitably sized flatbed cart to assist with transportation and assist the pet owner during transition. Guests are advised to provide extra time at check-in when traveling with a pet.
Carry-on Pets
Carry-on pets may only travel inside a pet carrier under a guest’s seat, lap, or in the luggage tower of the car where the guest is traveling, subject to space availability. Please refer to sizing guidelines:
If the pet is traveling on the guest’s lap or under the guest’s seat, the size of the carrier may not exceed 17”x 10” x 10”.
If the pet is traveling on the luggage tower, the size of the carrier may not exceed 28”x 20.5” x 21.5” No more than 1 pet may travel on the luggage tower of each available car. A maximum of 4 pets per available car may travel as carry-on pets. Please note that Brightline does not have carriers available for carry-on pets.
Each guest is responsible for the care and supervision of the pet they are transporting. If the animal is disruptive or uncontrollable Brightline may require guests to remove the animal and place it in the checked luggage compartment.
Sunrail
SunRail is a commuter rail system in the Greater Orlando, Florida, area.
Phase 1 comprises 12 stations along the former CSX Transportation "A" Line connecting Volusia County and Orange County through Downtown Orlando.
Public Transportation Pet Policies
Unless you have a service animal, your pets must be kept in an enclosed container. Keep carriers out of the aisles and off seats.
Lynx
Pet Policy
Pets must be in a closed pet carrier that will fit on your lap, unless they are trained service animals.
https://www.golynx.com/plan-trip/riding-lynx/guidelines.stml
LYMMO
LYMMO is a zero-fare bus service in Downtown Orlando.
Pet Policy
Pets must be in a closed pet carrier that will fit on your lap, unless they are trained service animals.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates mass transit services Chicago, Illinois and some of its surrounding suburbs, including the trains of the Chicago "L" and CTA bus service.
CTA Public Transportation Pet Policies
Service animals (animals that provide assistance to people with disabilities) are permitted on CTA at all times.
Only small pets in protective carriers are allowed on CTA buses and trains. Carriers cannot take up seats, seating areas or obstruct pathways on buses, trains or in stations and must be able to be carried on by a single person.
To ensure the comfort of others, animals in carriers need to behave in such a way that does not disturb others.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Pet Policy
Metra
A commuter rail system in the Chicago metropolitan area
Metra Public Transportation Pet Policies
Service animals are allowed on all Metra trains at all times.
Small pets in enclosed carriers are permitted on non-peak period weekday trains arriving in Chicago before 6:31 a.m. and after 9:30 a.m., departing Chicago before 3 p.m. and after 7 p.m., and on all weekend trains. However, there is no guarantee that pets can be accommodated. Train crews have the right to refuse pets in the event of overcrowding.
There is no additional charge for passengers with pets.
Metra’s rules for pets are as follows:
Only small pets in enclosed protective carriers are allowed.
Carriers will not be allowed to take up seats, seating areas or obstruct pathways on trains or in stations and must be small enough to be carried on by a single person. They must fit in a passenger’s lap or under the seat at all times.
Metra reserves the right to remove passengers with pets that are noisy or disturb other customers.
Owners will be responsible for the behavior and cleanup of their pets.
During special events, there is an increased likelihood that pets cannot be accommodated due to overcrowding. Such events include:
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Blues Festival
Taste of Chicago
Lollapalooza
Air and Water Show
Chicago Metra Public Transit Pet Policy
South Shore Line
Police dogs, small animals transported exclusively in small carry-on travel cages stowed under the seat, and service animals accompanying trainers or passengers with disabilities pursuant to federal law are the only animals permitted on trains. Animals must not occupy seats.
Chicago South Shore Line Public Transit Pet Policy
Washington D.C.
MARC (Maryland Area Regional Commuter) is the commuter rail system serving the Baltimore–Washington Metropolitan Area in the United States. The system is owned by the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA Maryland), and serves Maryland, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.
Connecting services include WMATA, Amtrak and VRE.
MARC Public Transportation Pet Policies
Only small pets confined in closed carriers are permitted on MARC trains.
Service or comfort animals accompanying passengers with disabilities who require the assistance of these animals are welcome on board.
Washington D.C. MARC Public Transit Pet Policy
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Public Transportation Pet Policies
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)
SEPTA currently permits the passage of small animals secured in covered containers.
The carriers must be stored on the owners’ laps, and the animals should not disturb other riders.
The rule applies to all SEPTA trains and buses.
Philadelphia SEPTA Public Transit Pet Policy
Other Philadelphia transit providers that allow small pets in carriers, other than service animals, include:
Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO)
PATCO (Port Authority Transit Corporation) Speedline, a rapid transit system which runs between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Camden County, New Jersey.
PATCO Public Transport Pet Policy
If an animal is not a service animal, it may ride PATCO only if in a carrier on the customer’s lap on the PATCO train.
Philadelphia PATCO Speedline Public Transit Pet Policy
NJ Transit Public Transport Pet Policy
A state-owned public transportation system serving the US state of New Jersey, along with portions of New York State and Pennsylvania.
Pet Policy
Only service animals accompanying customers with disabilities or their trainers, police dogs, and small pets in carry-on travel cages are allowed on-board NJ TRANSIT trains, buses and light rail vehicles.
NJ Public Transit Public Transit Pet Policy
Arizona
Phoenix, AR
Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority
Valley Metro provides bus, rail, carpool, vanpool and paratransit services in metropolitan Phoenix.
Valley Metro Public Transportation Pet Policies
Companion, comfort and therapy animals are not permitted in Valley Metro facilities or on Valley Metro buses and light rail vehicles unless they can be stowed within an enclosed pet carrier that fits on the customer’s lap or on the floor beneath the customer’s seat.
Phoenix AR Valley Metro Public Transit Pet Policy
Massachusetts
Boston, MA
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
MBTA
Both small and large dogs are allowed on the Boston T.
Small dogs may be transported in a carrier.
Larger dogs may be taken on the T during off-peak hours and must be leashed and controlled at all times.
At no time should a pet compromise safety, get in a passenger's way or occupy a seat.
The T provides access to the city center from most surrounding towns and neighborhoods.
The subway is both underground and above ground, depending on the line and location along the route.
The same rules apply to the T buses as well, which can be a great option for you and your pet to travel on.
Boston MA MBTA Public Transit Pet Policy
Texas
Houston, TX
Metropolitan Transit Authority (“Metro” or “MTA”)
Metro Public Transportation Pet Policies
Customers can carry a pet on the bus and the rail as long as it is caged properly. Service animals are allowed to accompany riders with disabilities.
Houston TX Metro (MTA) Public Transit Pet Policy
Austin, TX
Capital Metro Public Transportation Pet Policies
Service animals assisting a rider with a disability and service animals in training are allowed on board our vehicles, but they may not occupy a seat or block the aisle.
Pets, emotional support and comfort animals are not allowed on Capital Metro vehicles.
Austin TX Capital Metro (CapMetro) Public Transit Pet Policy
Greyhound
No dogs, cats, birds or other animals will be transported.
However, a properly documented service animal, trained for the purpose of accompanying a disabled person, will be permitted to travel with the disabled person at no additional charge.
Amtrak
Amtrak Pet Program:
A total of five pets are allowed per train, one pet per customer, and pet reservations are made on a firstcome, first-served basis. Service animals do not count towards this limit.
Cats and Dogs weighing 20 pounds or less allowed.
Fee $25 for each travel segment.
Signing a waiver is required for each leg of travel. Pets may travel in Coach Class, but are not allowed in food service cars and other areas such as
Sleeping cars or Business Class.
Your pet may travel on trips of up to seven hours on most routes.
Your pet must be at least eight weeks old.
The maximum size for pet carriers is 19" long x 14" wide x 10.5" high.
The carrier may be hard or soft sided but must be leak proof and well ventilated.
For your pet's comfort and safety, it must be able to sit and lie down without touching the sides of the carrier.
Your pet carrier counts as one piece of carry-on baggage.
To confirm pet eligibility, you need to read and sign a Pet Release and Indemnification Agreement for each leg of travel.
At staffed stations, check in at the ticket office no later than 30 minutes before departure to take care of the confirmation.
At unstaffed stations, the conductor will confirm pet eligibility and provide you with the document to sign.
Before your trip, find your station and check to see if it is staffed.
Some restrictions apply: Acela Express on weekends and holidays only; travel with pets in Canada not available on Adirondack, Maple Leaf and Amtrak Cascades; not available on Auto Train, Keystone Service, San Joaquins, Capitol Corridor Pacific Surfliner or Thruway Connecting Services.
Megabus
Pets and Animals.
Megabus Operating Carriers are unable to carry animals, with the exception of trained service animals that allow Passengers with Disabilities to perform necessary activities.
Service animals must be properly harnessed and under the direct control of the passenger at all times.
Uber Pet Policy
In accordance with local and federal laws in your area, service animals are permitted to accompany riders at all times.
If you're planning to ride with a non-service pet, it's good practice to contact the driver who accepts your ride request. Use your app to send a text message or call to let the driver know you'd like to bring a pet.
Please help drivers keep vehicles clean for all riders by bringing a crate or blanket to reduce the risk of damage or mess. Some drivers may keep a blanket in the trunk.
Lyft Pet Policy
Unless the passenger has a service animal, it's entirely up to the driver whether or not to allow the passenger’s pet in the vehicle.
We advise passengers to call their drivers after their ride request is accepted to confirm that it's OK to bring their pets.
