Passengers with tails could soon ride the rails.
A new bill allowing dogs and cats on Amtrak trains would make life easier for nondriving pet owners.
The “Pets on Trains Act of 2013” would require the railroad company to provide at least one pet-friendly section per train at every station in the country.
“My dog, Lily, is a part of our family and travels with us all the time,” said Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.), who introduced the bill in Congress on Tuesday.
“Allowing families to bring their animals with them will facilitate transportation and efficiency.”
If it becomes law, the bill would scrap Amtrak’s current pet policy, which allows only service animals on trains.
It would designate one car per train for domestic pets, with a minimum of at least two cars per train.
Pet owners would be able to ride with dogs and cats in kennels weighing no more than 50 pounds — big enough for medium-sized pooches, such as border collies and cocker spaniels.
Humane Society CEO Wayne Pacelle praised the bill, calling it “common sense.”
“[It] supports the human-animal bond,” he said.
Pet-hauling passengers would not be permitted to travel more than 750 miles under the bill.