From pet gear to pet care: Norfolk Southern’s role in supporting four legged friends

Just in time for National Pet Month, NS pet gear is now available in the Company Store, giving pets a way to show their NS pride too.

The collection includes:

• Bandanas (small and large)
• Collars (small, medium, and large)
• “I Paws for NS Trains” leashes
• Travel kits with foldable water bowl, frisbee, treat bag, and pet bag dispenser
• Crunch-It Toy
• Rope & Ball Toy 
   

Whether at home or trackside, the new gear lets pets join in the NS experience.

A day at Cincinnati Junction

To bring the launch to life, a few NS railfan pups geared up for a day in Austell, Georgia, at historic Cincinnati Junction — where rail history and community come together. Approximately 30-40 NS trains pass through this corridor daily, where the Chattanooga and Birmingham mainlines split right in the heart of town.

Originally a stop for railroad travelers before Austell was incorporated, the area now offers a mix of railfan experiences and pet-friendly local businesses:

• Austell Railfan Plaza – a public park with a safe viewing area for NS trains
• Frog Rock Brewery, taproom and event space known for fresh brewed beer with Lithia Spring Mineral Water and the “Train Chug” tradition
• Austell Cowork’s Railfan Lounge – Railfan membership access to elevated viewing platforms overlooking Norfolk Southern tracks

The setting highlights how rail continues to connect communities, now with a few more wagging tails along the way.

What we move for pets

Behind the scenes, our railroaders help move the products pets and their owners rely on every day, including:

• More than 60,000 tons of pet food — enough to feed more than 300,000 medium-sized dogs for a year
• Nearly 43,000 tons of peanuts — enough to help make more than 300 million peanut butter dog biscuits
• More than 30 million tons of steel — enough to make approximately 120 billion pet water bowls
• Over 496 tons of dog beds - enough to supply approximately 165,000 dog beds
• More than 11,000 tons of cotton — enough to make roughly 300 million lightweight dog bandanas

[All data reflects freight moved by NS in the past year alone.]

Supporting animals beyond the rails

Team NS is also making a difference through giving and volunteerism.

• Since 2021, employees have donated $17,000 to animal-related causes
• With matching gifts, total impact reaches $34,000
• Employees have volunteered more than 700 hours supporting animal-related organizations

These contributions help strengthen local shelters, rescue groups, and pet-focused nonprofits across our communities.

Why it matters

Pets are part of our communities and supporting them means supporting the people who care for them.

From moving essential goods to giving back through service and donations, Norfolk Southern helps create stronger, more connected communities for everyone, including our four-legged companions.

The bottom line

This National Pet Month, Norfolk Southern is celebrating the role pets play in our lives—while recognizing the many ways rail helps support them every day.

Explore the new pet gear in the NS Company Store and see how NS is helping keep tails wagging across the network.