Amtrak

[alifess]

Does anyone have experience traveling with birds/other pets on Amtrak? I was planning to travel home for Thanksgiving this way, and already purchased my ticket and bought an airline-approved carries so I could bring my lovebird, Haricot, with me since it's hard to find sitters for the holidays. However, I just noticed on the Amtrak website that only service animals are allowed on board. I'm wondering how much they really enforce this policy - seems like if I had my little guy in a carrier they might not notice or turn a blind eye! It's only a short, 2 hour trip. Anyone have any thoughts?

[FuzzyAga]

Sorry to say, but if the policy of Amtrak is service dogs only, then that's what it means. That's how I would read it.

Years ago, I was traveling on Amtrak and I overheard one train employee mutter to her (presumed) senior conductor, "There's a couple who's got a dog wrapped up in a blanket, car something." This conductor nodded and pursed his lips. I don't know what happened, but what would this couple have done if they were forced off the train because they violated a rule?

The question boils down to: would you cope if you were forced off the train at a stop in who knows where location, probably late at night? I don't know if they would do that, but, they might. On the other hand, they might let it slide.

Of course, I worry a lot so I put the worse spin on things, and your Haricot might be quiet the whole trip, allowing you to reach your destination.

To quote Dirty Harry, "Are you feeling lucky?" Sorry, I know the decision is not easy.

I don't know if this helped.

[linda040899]

I would call Amtrak and question their policy. Sometimes birds are considered animals, sometimes they aren't. Explain that the bird would be traveling in an airline approved kennel so it would be under your control for the entire trip.

[Pips mom]

What you need to do is call Amtak and ask them! I think they might just let you bring a small bird with you in his carrier. I've taken Amtrak before and the ride is very peaceful and I think a bird would do well on this trip. Amtrak is a pretty broke company now I think with financial problems.....they may just overlook this to keep their sale of your ticket! Whatever you do, don't tell them if you have already bought your ticket....tell them that you want to but wanted to see if your bird can come along on the train first! Good luck!!!! fingers crossed! I think you have at least a decent chance here that they may say yes! I mean....who's really gonna know that you have a little lovebird with you? I would think he'd be quiet with the different surroundings while on the train.

[LauraO]

I agree that calling Amtrak is the first step. If they say no, then only you can make the decision to risk the trip with your lovie. I, personally, would not do it as I would not want to bring any risk to me or my lovie. Years ago when I used to ride Amtrak pretty regularly they were pretty slack on a lot of things due to the limited number of employees, but all it takes is one chirp or squeak to be heard by an employee or other passenger and who knows what will happen.

Good Luck and keep us updated

[alifess]

Thanks for the advice. I did call, and they told me that I can't travel with him. Grrr. I guess I'll be driving - so much for my attempt to be environmentally friendly!

[linda040899]

Sorry to hear that Amtrak is so firm on their rules but it's best that you know ahead of time rather than just try and take him with you. :( The things we do for our beloved fids.........