People, Pets, and Trains

They say a society can be judged by how well they treat their animals and pets. In America we collectively have over 78 million dogs and 86 million cats. They are part of our families, often regarded in some small way as our children. These pets work with us, save and extend our lives, keep us safe, and sit on our laps on cold evenings providing comfort and love. They think, solve problems, feel anxiety, and show love. Many believe they exhibit the intelligence of a 2 to 4 year old human.

Pets are part of our families. We enjoy traveling with our pets whenever possible. Recently the hotel industry has taken a positive approach for those of us traveling with pets and made many more accommodations available. Nearly every city has a plethora of quality lodgings available for travelers with pets. Airlines also allow pet travel, and if the pets are small enough they may travel right at your seat. These companies have seen the economic and intrinsic value of allowing pet owners to travel with their cherished companions.

Unfortunately there is still one mode of travel that lingers in the unenlightened ages, specifically Amtrak trains. Don’t you just hate it when good companies throw revenue away? Let’s face it; today should be all about customer service. There have been so many times we would have loved to take a train trip rather than driving or flying, but the option to take our 8 pound Bischon/Maltese, named Makena, is forbidden on Amtrak.

We could fly today with Makena to Europe, and take her extensively throughout country after country on trains. She is quiet, non aggressive, loves everyone, and easily fits in a carrier or large purse; but train travel for her is unthinkable in America thanks to Amtrak’s regulations and monopoly. With over 164 million pets in America, you would think that Amtrak would see the light and open their doors to responsible pet owners.

Our suggestion is that Amtrak begin by allowing well-trained pets fitting standard airplane regulations access to travel on segments under 10 hours of travel time. This in turn would generate extra income for Amtrak by opening trains to many more travelers while providing extra pet fees. Small dogs could travel free or at a minimal charge, and large dogs requiring more space could travel at half the economy fare. Dogs could also be required to be kept in a traveling container and wear a leash. Amtrak might even consider labeling certain train cars as pet friendly, while limiting pet access to other parts of the train.

This proposal makes train travel more accommodating for thousands of Americans, reduces the anguish felt by pets left along, and saves the cost of hiring pet sitters while gone on a trip. It is a simple idea, yet one that will bring a smile to the faces of children, families, and pets across our Country.

Shout Out America Now