I don’t fly (call me scaredy cat!)
I like trains
I like dogs
= potential good news for me!
 |
| Because I have no actual picture of a dog on a train, imagine your dog here, waiting to board! |
…because Amtrak is testing a new pilot program, allowing riders to travel with their dogs!
If it’s acceptable for air travel, it seems it should be acceptable for rail travel. Except, the voyage may be longer, and you will need to take into consideration how long Fido can stay in a carrier without needing to relieve himself.
The program is being tested with passengers traveling between Chicago and Quincy Illinois only.
1. Pets cost $25 extra
2. Cats and dogs only. (No bunnies, sorry.)
3. There is a weight limit of under 20 lbs.
4. Pets must be kept in a pet carrier under the seat.
In order to accommodate those people with pet
allergies or a deathly fear of dogs, Amtrak will designate one
or several cars of each train pet-free.
I would definitely travel by train with my dogs, except neither one is under 20 lbs. The train makes stops that, in some cases,could allow time for dogs to take a quick walk. I’ve traveled in the sleeper compartment, and think that any size dog should be allowed to travel, uncrated, with their companions there. So far that hasn’t been a consideration.
 |
| Now imagine yourself with your cat or dog in a carrier under one of these seats. |
Some of the comments on an article about the announcement complained that “smelly and yipping” dogs would annoy passengers. Others felt that Amtrak should designate only one or more cars for those with dogs, and keep the rest of the train pet-free (instead of the proposed other way around.) And those who liked the idea commented that their dogs are better behaved than most children and that they would cause no discomfort to other passengers.
I have a dream that Amtrak would have one car designated as a dog park! It would be carpeted in AstroTurf and have a little track around the perimeter and climbing toys in the middle, and of course some mighty fine sanitation and odor elimination system! I’d ride the train with my dogs and take them to the dog park car for exercise and relief. Of course I can imagine a multitude of problems with this plan as well, but of course in my dream there are no problems!!
Would you ride on Amtrak with your dog?
