Travel dogs trains

Still, the legislation has little chance of passage within the next year. “In a normal setting, something like this that doesn’t have a strong variant opposition, you could just put in [the transportation reauthorization bill], and it’s going to pass because it’s a reauthorization and it just sails through and everything is fine, ” says California Republican Rep. John Campbell, the bill’s co-sponsor.

Campbell, along with three other congressmen, pushed the legislation as a mutually beneficial measure for pet owners and Amtrak. Owners would have the option of traveling with their pets aboard specially designated train cars and financially challenged Amtrak would be able to increase revenue by charging a fee for the service. Animals that could fit in a pet carrier and be stowed according to train guidelines would be eligible for travel.

“Some people only travel with their pets and wouldn’t think about not being with them, ” said Tennessee Democrat Steve Cohen, another bill co-sponsor. “I think the bill will increase train traffic and I think it will make it easier for travelers. I think it’s a win-win.”

The Humane Society of the United States is an advocate for the legislation. They argue that any measure that makes it easier for a pet owner to care for their pet, benefits an animal’s well being.

“Worst-case scenario is having that animal become a burden and having to have a person give up that pet, ” says Michael Markarian, chief program and policy officer at the Humane Society. “There are many people for whom Amtrak is the most cost-effective or convenient mode of transportation and currently they are not allowed to travel with their pets. We think it’s an outdated policy because you can travel with your pet on an airplane and stay with them in most hotels.”

Owners would have the option of traveling with their pets aboard specially designated train cars. Financially challenged Amtrak would be able to increase revenue by charging a fee.