Pet Program Flexibility

1. If I were to buy two separate tickets each for my dog and myself, could I travel over seven hours? For example, if I wanted to go from Tampa to Savannah (an 8 hour trip), could I buy tickets from Tampa to Jacksonville and Jacksonville to Savannah for the same train?

2. At extended stops, would I be able to walk the dog along the platform?

3. Would the employees allow me to have the dog on my lap for part of the trip (I would be traveling with someone, so there would not be a stranger next to me)? It seems as though this is against the rules, but I have seen other people do it on Amtrak before.

As to 2 & 3, that is contrary to the rules, pets (not service animals) are required to stay in their carriers for the duration of the trip. I have seen it also, but it is against the rules. There was an ugly incident on the NYC subway the other day, I wouldn't be surprised if it makes people more nervous about letting people slide.

I am reasonably certain that the answer to number one is also no, but I'm not sure.

I also believe 1,2,3 are a no. I hope that's the way it stays.

Sauve850 said:

I also believe 1,2,3 are a no. I hope that's the way it stays.

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Amen.

If you got off and back on, could they theoretically allow (1)?

PVD said:

As to 2 & 3, that is contrary to the rules, pets (not service animals) are required to stay in their carriers for the duration of the trip. I have seen it also, but it is against the rules. There was an ugly incident on the NYC subway the other day, I wouldn't be surprised if it makes people more nervous about letting people slide.

I am reasonably certain that the answer to number one is also no, but I'm not sure.

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Everyone's dog doesn't bite but somehow people still get bitten.

Amtrak has had relatively few issues, they are covered by ADA regs, service animals get a pass, I don't think anyone can make a real case against legit service animals. Too many people game the system with bogus "service animal" claims, and the way rules are written it is difficult to handle. Pets are subject to what seem to be reasonable regulations and fees,. Airlines, because of the Air Carrier Access Act have gotten stuck with the additional burden of "emotional support animals" and now that it has gotten completely out of hand, the people who created the problem, Congress, are looking at legislation to tighten the rules, beyond what individual airlines are starting to do. If it is a pet, it belongs in a container for the duration of its time onboard. If it or its owner can't abide by that, neither belongs aboard.

brianpmcdonnell17 said:

1. If I were to buy two separate tickets each for my dog and myself, could I travel over seven hours? For example, if I wanted to go from Tampa to Savannah (an 8 hour trip), could I buy tickets from Tampa to Jacksonville and Jacksonville to Savannah for the same train?

2. At extended stops, would I be able to walk the dog along the platform?

3. Would the employees allow me to have the dog on my lap for part of the trip (I would be traveling with someone, so there would not be a stranger next to me)? It seems as though this is against the rules, but I have seen other people do it on Amtrak before.

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Im not sure how they can stop you from #1. Some tickets - the ones purchased at a machine - don't even have your name on them. Stay low key, maybe don't sit in the same place if possible, etc. It's only 1 hour longer than allowed. If it was a significantly longer, I wouldn't try it.
As for 2, I cant remember if this is allowed or not. Call and ask. Or, if you have to walk your dog, try to do so someplace less visible if possible. But honestly, if you give your dog a good long walk/ run before the trip, he/she should be fine. Do make sure to exercise him for a significant amount of time so he'll be a bit tired during the train ride.

As for #3, no it's not allowed, but if the train isnt too crowded you could probably get away with it for a few moments. Not too long though!

Oh, so you dont get stranded, dont forget to make a plan B just in case they don't let you stay on the train that extra hour.

If you board at a staffed station with a pet reservation you must check in and do paperwork no later than 30 mins before departure. At an unstaffed station the conductor does it. He may or may not recognize you as having been on the train and trying to game the system, he might not care. Crew change may have taken place and it is a different crew. Coach attendant may care (or not) In the unlikely event that you got put off the train you would have very little recourse.

https://www.amtrak.com/pets

I would just follow the rules. Trying to get around them usually, not always, brings complications, which with a pet is even more complicated. There is always the wild card in these things, you run into a "do gooder" who complains to the Conductor.