For Olivia Peloquin, Amtrak is the ideal way to travel from New York City to visit family in Boston, and it’s also perfect for her dog, Betty. This 2-year-old Chihuahua-Jack Russell mix comfortably makes the round trip four times a year in her chic olive-green carrier.

“She’s a Velcro dog; she stays close to me, which I appreciate,” said Peloquin, who hails from the coastal town of Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Last year celebrated a decade since Amtrak began allowing dogs and cats to accompany their owners on trains, providing a convenient alternative to finding a pet sitter. According to Amtrak’s Senior Public Relations Manager Marc Magliari, the pet-friendly policy gained popularity amid the rise of remote work, as people found themselves away from home while still clocking in at their jobs.

While there are certain rules for traveling with pets, Magliari noted that the policy has generally been well-received, attracting little to no complaints from fellow passengers.

“It’s reassuring for people. If your pet travels well and doesn’t need to relieve itself frequently, just ensure you have the right carrier, make a reservation, and hop on board,” Magliari advised.

Peloquin mentioned that Betty can be a bit anxious while traveling, but she remains calm and doesn’t bark or disturb fellow passengers during the journey. Upon arriving in Massachusetts, the pair get to enjoy time outdoors, including visits with Peloquin’s sister’s two dogs at Gloucester’s Wingaersheek Beach.

“She’s full of energy with a vibrant personality,” the 35-year-old Peloquin said. “When I walk her on a leash, she sometimes does flips, she loves to play fetch, and she’s friendly with both people and other dogs.”

Can my pet travel on Amtrak?

Amtrak permits only small dogs and cats on board, provided they are in a carrier, according to Magliari.

Here are some rules regarding Amtrak pet travel:

• Pets can only be taken on journeys that are less than seven hours.
• The combined weight of the pet and carrier should not exceed 20 pounds.
• Animals must be at least eight weeks old.
• Pet carriers may be hard or soft-sided and must fit in the seat in front of you.
• Only one pet per passenger is permitted.
• Each carrier can contain just one pet.
• The pet must remain in its carrier at all times.
• No separate seat is required for the pet; however, fees may vary based on your Amtrak reservation.

Magliari revealed that Amtrak first embraced pet travel on its Midwestern routes back in 2014, after the Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider requested to bring her dogs when traveling between Chicago and Springfield.

“After the initial trial proved successful, we expanded the program,” Magliari said.

Tips for pet parents

If your dog or cat typically dislikes traveling, it might be best to leave them at home with a caretaker, Magliari suggested.

Peloquin and Betty are well-acquainted with subway travel in New York City; Peloquin often takes her dog on the 1-train from their Upper West Side home to her pet-friendly workplace in Tribeca.

Before their train journeys to New England, Peloquin ensures Betty has a bathroom break at New York’s Penn Station, guaranteeing a comfortable ride to Boston. If she does not have a designated seat, Peloquin is courteous and asks fellow passengers for permission to sit beside them with Betty.

For many people, traveling by train with a pet is a practical choice, as noted by Peloquin, especially for those who prefer not to drive or fly.

“Betty feels like family to me, and the train is my favorite means of traveling between New York and Boston,” said Peloquin. “She plays such an important role in my life, and I want her by my side.”