Animals on Amtrak: It's Happening. (Sort of.)

Some Amtrak trains in Illinois will roll in on little cat feet. 

From May 2 to Nov. 2, dogs and cats up to 20 pounds will be permitted aboard trains on two Amtrak routes in Illinois, the Carl Sandburg and the Illinois Zephyr. Pets must be in carriers, remain under the seat, and travel with their human companion in the designated pet car.

"Amtrak is supportive of accommodating pets on trains, and through direct collaboration with the Illinois Department of Transportation and a working group led by U.S. Rep. Jeff Denham of California, we are optimistic a plan can be reached to address the needs and concerns of all our passengers," said Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman.

(As an aside: Denham was one of the sponsors of the "Pets on Trains Act of 2013."  The bill's other co-sponsor? Rep. Michael Grimm.)

Amtrak says when the six-month pilot period is over, it will analyze how it went and decide whether to expand it to other trains.

For more information about the program, go here.