Amtrak’s Pet Pilot Program Nabs PETA Prize

Dogs and Cats Can Now Ride the Train Instead of Being Left Home Alone or Commercially Boarded

For Immediate Release:
December 17, 2015

Contact:
Lakisha Ridley 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Business Award is on its way from PETA to Amtrak in recognition of the rail company’s new pilot program, which allows passengers to take their cats and small dogs with them on certain trains. The program gives guardians the option to travel with their animal companions rather than placing them in a stressful situation by boarding them or leaving them alone at home.

“By allowing them to travel by train, Amtrak will spare countless dogs and cats the stress and loneliness of being separated from their traveling families,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA is recognizing Amtrak for being on track by passing even more policies that help animals and their humans.”

Amtrak will receive a framed certificate from PETA. Its pilot program has already launched in Illinois, and until February, it will be available on Northeast Regional and Downeaster trains. For $25, a passenger may take a cat or small dog along in a comfortable, secure carrier. More information is available on Amtrak’s website.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—urges families to travel safely with their animal companions, such as with Amtrak or in a private vehicle, and never place them in the cargo area of an airplane.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.