House Approves Bipartisan Cohen-Denham Legislation to Allow Families to Travel with Their Pets on Amtrak Trains

[WASHINGTON, DC] – The United States House of Representatives today approved legislation introduced last month by Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-09) and Jeff Denham (CA-10) which would allow families and passengers to travel with domesticated cats and dogs on certain Amtrak trains. The bipartisan Pets on Trains Act 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, and I am pleased the House approved it today.”

“This legislation gives families across the country another option when making travel plans and will generate much-needed revenue for Amtrak,” said Congressman Denham. “Working with Congressman Cohen, we’ve secured broad bipartisan support for Pets on Trains. I look forward to seeing the bill become law.”

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.