Pets On Trains Act Would Let All Aboard—Including 4-Legged Commuters
WASHINGTON (WJZ)—If passed, a bill being debated in Washington, D.C. could go to the dogs. There's a push to allow train commuters to buy tickets for their cats and dogs.
Jessica Kartalija reports not everyone is on board with the idea.
At Baltimore's Penn Station, you can bring some of your favorite things--just not your pets. Now, the Pets on Trains Act of 2013 wants to change that.
"During the holidays, especially. It's a great time for people to travel with their pets to go home, see family, and take their loved ones--that happen to be animals--with them along the way," said Mike Canning, pet advocate.
The new law--if passed--would have Amtrak printing tickets for cats and dogs. Caesar Rodriguez would love to bring his dogs Minnie, Donald and Daisy on board.
"You should have your pet wherever you want to go, just like people with kids," Rodriguez said.
The way the law is right now, only service animals are allowed in the waiting area and on board. Some say it should be all aboard but with limitations.
"It's kind of a fun idea to bring your pet, but I know an awful lot of people who don't like pets and may be nervous or even afraid to be sitting next to someone's dog, sometimes big dog," said Christine Miller.
Owners would pay a fee, and their pets would hop on a pet-friendly car. All pet carriers would have to adhere to Amtrak's current baggage policy, and those pets can't travel more than 750 miles.
The bill will soon go up for vote in the House, and then be taken up for debate in the Senate.
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