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Congressmen Cohen and Denham Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Allow Families to Travel with Their Pets on Amtrak Trains

February 4, 2015

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) joined Congressman Jeff Denham (CA-10) to introduce the bipartisan Pets on Trains Act, which would allow families and passengers to travel with domesticated cats and dogs on certain Amtrak trains. The bill, H.R.674, would also give Amtrak the flexibility to develop the details of their pet policy to best fit the service and their customers.

“For many Americans, pets are simply part of the family—and all of us lucky enough to have pets are incredibly blessed by the companionship they provide,” said Congressman Cohen. “I am proud to work with my friend, Congressman Denham, on this important legislation to ensure families can bring their pets when traveling on Amtrak and that pets aren’t left behind to fend for themselves.”

“Last year I worked in collaboration with Amtrak, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and a small working group to launch a six-month pilot program to test the idea of having pets on trains,” said Congressman Denham. “This legislation builds on the success of that pilot program and would help families nationwide save money and time in traveling with their pets while bringing in much-needed revenue for Amtrak.”

Current Amtrak policy does not permit pets on trains or Thruway services, in passenger areas of train stations or in checked baggage, with the exception of specially-trained service animals for the benefit of a person with a disability. In April 2014, Amtrak agreed to run a pilot program in the State of Illinois and recently announced the expansion of that program for an additional year.