Have you been wondering if you can ride Seattle’s Link light rail with your dog? The official answer to that question has been no, you’re not really supposed to—but now all leashed dogs are going to be welcomed aboard the light rail. The rule change is coming after Sound Transit’s governing board voted on July 24 to write and implement a new pet policy.
Read on for the answers to all your questions!
What is the current pet policy?
The official stance of Sound Transit has been that only service animals and pets carried in small containers are allowed aboard the light rail. Despite that, many Seattleites expressed surprise that leashed dogs are not already allowed on the Link. Several Reddit users chimed in on the announced policy change, with comments such as the below:
Will be? I see them on there frequently.”
“I thought dogs had always been allowed? They are on buses and I’ve ridden with mine several times 😶 I’m carless so it’s definitely nice to be able to take them new places.”
“I’ve been taking my dog on the rail for like 6 years. I had no idea I wasn’t supposed to do that.”
This reaction is hardly baseless, since Sound Transit has a policy that their personnel do not generally question service dog owners or engage with riders accompanied by their pet as long as the “pet is under control of handler and not posing a safety concern.” In other words, leashed and well-behaved dogs have already been unofficially permitted on the light rail in Seattle.
Still, there are many proponents of an official policy that welcomes dogs on the Link. “Officials say legalizing [dogs on the light rail] will establish clear behavior expectations, or perhaps areas where dogs are or aren’t allowed,” The Seattle Times reported. Supporters also cite the need for the statistically large number of dog owners in Seattle to be able to use public transit to get places with their pet.
What spurred the change?
According to The Seattle Times, the light rail’s pet policy change was inspired by the opening of Marymoor Village Station. The new light rail station just opened in May 2025 and is located a mere half-mile walk from Marymoor Park’s 40-acre off-leash dog area—a popular destination for Seattle’s dog owners.
When will this go into effect?
The new policy will go into effect after Sound Transit writes the new rules. Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine will work on public outreach and a finalized policy. Constantine said he plans to have this finished by the end of 2025. So your dog should be free to ride the Link light rail by 2026.
Do I have to pay for my dog to ride?
No, dogs will ride Sound Transit for free. Note that dogs are not allowed on the seat, however.
Can my dog ride the bus in Seattle?
Yes. King Country Metro allows all dogs to ride the bus (with large dogs requiring an additional fare). You are also allowed to take your leashed dog on the King County Water Taxi, the Seattle Center Monorail, and on the outdoor decks of the Washington State Ferries.
What about other pets?
Sound Transit will consider including other leashed pets, such as cats, in the new policy. Other details are also being considered, such as whether some of the light rail cars will be reserved as pet-free spaces.
We will update this post when the finalized pet policy is released!