Transporting your pets

Pets, excluding guide dogs, are not allowed in passenger cars. They must travel in the baggage car, which means aboard trains that offer checked baggage service.

Exception: During the summer season (from May 1 to September 30), trains consisting of Renaissance cars with a baggage car may not carry animals due to lack of proper ventilation, even at night.

Does your train carry checked baggage? To find out, visit the RESERVIA page and:

• enter the departure and arrival stations;
• specify the departure and return dates for your trip;
• click on "Search".

Please be aware that baggage cars are often heated, but not air-conditioned, and so your pet may be exposed to high temperatures.

Already know your train number? Our Baggage Policy (in PDF format) describes the services available on your train along with useful information about transporting your baggage and whether pets are permitted.

Acceptable pets: Only cats, dogs and small rodents are allowed aboard VIA trains. They must be carried in a rigid cage large enough for them to stand in and you must provide a padlock to keep it shut. Together, the animal and the cage must adhere to the regular luggage weight restriction of 32 kg (70 lbs.).

VIA reserves the right to refuse checking any pet if there is concerns fro anyone's safety.

Restraints: When out of their cages dogs must be muzzled, but when they are in their cages they much be not muzzled so that they can drink.

You and your pet: When you are planning on bringing your pet, please let us know 24 hours in advance. Be sure also to check your pet in at least one hour before departure. You must travel aboard the same train as your pet, and you are responsible for feeding and taking care of it. For more details, see the section on "Your responsibility" below.

Travel cages

Service charges for transporting an animal range between $15-50, but will not exceed the cost of a ticket at the adult regular fare.

For example: If your ticket for one-way travel between Montréal-Shawinigan is purchased at the adult regular fare of $35.00 (before taxes), the cost for transporting your animal will not exceed $35.00.

Also, cages may be purchased at major VIA stations.

VIA Rail personnel may refuse traveller-supplied cages that appear to be unsafe or inadequate for train transport.

Your responsibility

During the trip, it is your responsibility to feed, water, exercise and tend to your animal's needs. To do this, or simply to visit your pet, you must be accompanied by the Service Manager or another designated employee. Visiting times must be set in advance with the Service Manager when boarding. On your departure date, be sure to arrive at the station early enough to have time to check in your pet.

Exception: Train routes in the Québec City-Windsor corridor are shorter. You therefore do not have to take care of your pet and will not be allowed to visit it during your trip. Moreover, few Corridor trains have baggage cars. As such, if you plan on travelling on the Corridor, we suggest you find out if the services you need for your pet are available by calling 1 888 VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7245) or 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired).

Don't forget that you have to claim your pet as soon as you reach your destination!

Guide dogs and other companion animals

Guide dogs for visually impaired travellers and other companion animals that help persons with special needs are welcome aboard train cars. They are not considered to be pets and travel free with their owners.