Travel Tips

Travel Tip: How Traveling with Pets Is Getting Easier

Locations in this article:  Chicago, IL Detroit, MI Seattle, WA Tacoma, WA

CoachGood news, pet owners. If having a cat or dog makes it hard to get away, some places are actually changing the rules when it comes to traveling with pets.

Amtrak just launched a six-month pilot program that will allow people to board certain train cars with their pets. Right now it’s only in Chicago, but if it works, we’ll see it nationwide.

There will be a $25 fee and, like planes, your pet has to be less than 20 pounds and remain in a carrier under your seat.

While I’m not a big fan of flying with animals—because it’s so stressful on them—I do appreciate when airports step up to accommodate pets and service animals.

Detroit Metropolitan Airport just spent $75,000 to set up a new pet relief area inside the McNamara terminal. Yes, there’s an obligatory fire hydrant.

Seattle-Tacoma and Dulles airports have similar indoor pet areas, so you don’t have to exit the airport and clear security all over again.

As always, there’s an app to help make your life easier. BringFido lets you find pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and attractions while you’re on the road.

Obviously, when your pet is happy…you’re happy.

For more information, visit the travel with pets archives.

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