Amtrak: Pets now welcome aboard Northeast Regional, Downeaster trains

That means passengers traveling on the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Lynchburg, Newport News or Norfolk, Va., will be permitted to ride with their small pets, as will riders traveling in New England between Boston and Brunswick, Maine.

Amtrak says it is starting the service Monday after a successful launch in Illinois.

Pets will have to be in carriers and the carrier must weigh no more than 20 pounds with the animal inside. Pets also needs to stay least 6 several weeks old and have now all of their vaccines. “We applaud Amtrak for keeping pets on the right side of the tracks and pioneering such a progressive program”.

“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 in a statement.

Advance registration will be required to bring pets on board, and it will cost $25. Passengers must come 30 minutes of time just before instruct aside to effectively check-in for a permit inhibit and signal your pet agreement sort.

The agency said its policy on service animals, which are allowed on trains with no additional charge, is unchanged.