Push to Allow Pets on Amtrak

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The Pets on Trains Act of 2013 would allow pets to join their owners on Amtrak, providing a new mode of transportation for the estimated 29.1 million Americans who have traveled with a pet in the past 3 years.

Pets are currently not allowed on Amtrak, but are allowed on trains, including NJ Transit and the New York Subway system.

“Pets on Trains is a simple, common-sense bill that would save millions of pet owners time and money and allow them to bring beloved companions along when traveling via train,” Congressman Jeff Denham (R-CA), said.  “My French bulldog, Lily, is part of our family and travels with us all the time, we never want to leave her behind.”

H.R. 2066 proposes, Amtrak must designate a “pet car” on each train that has more than one car;  trip cannot be more than 750 miles;  pets must be crated; pet kennels are to be stowed as per Amtrak baggage policies and additional fees are required.

“The pet industry embraces Pets on Trains legislation because we understand the benefits traveling together has to pet owners, as well as the pets themselves,” Mike Canning, president & CEO of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, said. “Legislation like this also brings together two powerhouse industries as economic generators – and will have a positive effect on the economies of cities along the rail route.”

Pet owners and advocates can help influence Congress by going directly to http://www.pijac.org/pet-alerts/house-bill-track-allow-pets-trains and following the prompts to contacting their elected representatives on Capitol Hill.

Congressman Denham, is the sponsor of H.R. 2066. It is co-sponsors Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), Rep. Michael Grimm (R-NY), Rep. John Campbell (R-CA).

A companion bill, S.B. 1710, was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council is comprised of members of the pet industry, nationwide, including pet food and pet supply manufacturers, veterinarians, retailers, pet day care and boarding facilities, groomers among others.  PIJAC provides its members a voice in state and national legislative issues and has supported pro-pet legislation and regulations for forty years.