Amtrak welcoming small pets aboard most Northeast trains

Now Fifi and Fido can ride the rails for real.

Amtrak says it's expanding a pilot program permitting travelers to bring aboard small pets on many Northeast Corridor trains serving Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Washington and other cities.

The railroad says it began allowing small dogs and cats to accompany their owners on most long-distance routes on Tuesday, and small pets will be allowed on Acela Express high-speed trains on weekends only starting Saturday.

Amtrak says travelers will have to pay a $25 surcharge, and the pet and its carrier won't be able to exceed a combined 20 pounds.

It says service animals will continue to ride for free.

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