Dogs on the Downeaster? After a successful pilot program that allowed small pets to accompany passengers, the Amtrak Downeaster recently made its pet program permanent for all trains traveling between Brunswick, Maine, and Boston’s North Station.
Nearly 100 small dogs and cats have ridden on Downeaster trains during the pilot program that began last October, with consistently positive feedback from passengers and train crews. The Downeaster was the second Amtrak route in the country to test-run the pet program, which has since been rolled out to many other routes. See Pet Policy guidelines below if you’re thinking about dogs on the Downeaster.
“The ability to bring my dog onboard the Amtrak Downeaster has been a game changer,” said Dennis Estes of Boston. “I no longer have to rent a car to visit family in southern Maine. I simply call ahead, make a reservation, sign the pet waiver, and then sit back and enjoy the ride with Tobo, my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.”
The Downeaster has also added pet friendly travel packages in Maine and Boston, making travel with four legged companions even easier. “Pets are a huge part of our families, which is why many of our Downeaster Travel Packages can be customized to include pet friendly features”, says Steven Grasso president of Downeaster Packages. For example a two-night package in Kennebunkport, Maine, includes pet-friendly accommodations, station transfers, and a Doggy and Me Walking Foodie Tour.
For more information visit AmtrakDowneaster.com.
Dogs on the Downeaster: Amtrak Downeaster Pet Policy Terms and Conditions
Pets can be accommodated at all Downeaster stations.. Passengers can travel with only one cat or one small dog in an enclosed carrieron trips up to seven hours in length. Both pet and carrier must be a combined weight of 20 pounds or less. Advance reservations are required and a surcharge of $25, each way, will be assessed for travel with pets.