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Indian Railway Pet Travel Rules and Documentation: Everything You Need

Everything about pet travel on Indian trains. Rules, documentation, costs (₹30-60/kg), booking process, and which trains allow pets. Step-by-step guide included.

Jay Mistry

09 Jul 2025 — 5 min read

Are you planning to take your furry friend on a train journey? The good news are Indian Railways allows pet travel, but the rules can be confusing.

Between January 2023 and February 2024, more than 7000 pets accompanied travellers on trains that departed from Pune Railway Station alone. This shows pet train travel is becoming increasingly popular across India.

Let me walk you through exactly what you need to know, from booking to boarding.

Pet Travel on Indian Trains Overview

Yes, pets can travel on Indian trains, but with specific conditions:

Only dogs and cats are allowed
Specific train types and classes permit pets
Advance planning is essential (though booking happens on travel day)
Costs range from ₹30-600 depending on weight and class

For a complete overview of all travel options including flights and road trips, see our comprehensive pet travel guide.

Trains and Classes That Allow Pets

Not every train accepts pets. Here's the breakdown:

Trains that allow pets:

Mail/Express trains with proper facilities
Rajdhani trains (only in AC First Class)
Regular passenger trains with dog boxes

Trains that don't allow pets:

Shatabdi Express (no suitable compartments)
Duronto Express
Garib Rath
Tejas Express

Class options for pet travel:

AC First Class (pet stays with you)
First Class (non-AC, pet stays with you)
Second Class Luggage Van (pet travels separately in dog box)

You cannot travel with pets in AC 2-tier, AC 3-tier, sleeper class, or general compartments.

Complete Documentation Checklist

Missing even one document means your pet can't board. Here's what you need:

Vaccination Certificate

Must show up-to-date rabies vaccination
Other core vaccines should be current
Carry original plus photocopy

Fitness Certificate

Issued by registered veterinarian
Valid for 7 days from issue date
Must state "fit to travel"
Get it 24-48 hours before journey

Your Travel Documents

Confirmed ticket (AC First/First Class)
Valid photo ID
Booking PNR number

Pro tip: Keep documents in a waterproof folder. Railway staff need to see originals.

Step-by-Step Booking Process

Unlike your ticket, pet bookings happen differently:

Step 1: Book Your Ticket

Reserve AC First Class or First Class
Book entire coupe if possible
Confirm train has pet facilities

Step 2: Arrival Day Process

Reach station 3-4 hours early
Go straight to Parcel Office
Not the regular ticket counter!

Step 3: At Parcel Office

Show your ticket and pet documents
Pet gets weighed on scale
Pay fees based on weight/distance
Receive booking receipt

Step 4: Boarding

For AC First: Take pet to your compartment
For dog box: Railway staff will guide you
Keep booking receipt handy

Remember: In other trains one dog box is provided and only one dog is booked per train on a first come first served basis.

Detailed Cost Structure

Fees vary by travel type:

Dog Box (Brake Van):

₹30 per kg
Minimum charge applies
Example: 10kg dog on 500km journey = ₹300 base fare

AC First Class:

₹60 per kg
You pay for entire coupe anyway
Pet fee is additional

Factors affecting cost:

Pet weight (including carrier)
Journey distance
Train type
Class of travel

Always carry extra cash. Parcel offices may not accept cards.

Travel Options Explained

Option 1: AC First Class Coupe

Best for: Small to medium pets, anxious animals

Pet stays with you
Must book entire coupe
Most expensive but comfortable
You handle feeding/water

Option 2: First Class (Non-AC)

Best for: Budget-conscious travel

Similar to AC First but cheaper
Hot in summer months
Pet stays with you

Option 3: Dog Box in Brake Van

Best for: Large dogs, budget travel

Separate from passenger area
You can visit during stops
Railway staff checks periodically
Cheapest option

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Preparation Tips for Smooth Journey

One Week Before:

Vet checkup appointment
Confirm train has facilities
Prepare travel kit

One Day Before:

Get fitness certificate
Pack essentials
Light dinner for pet

Travel Day:

Light breakfast 3 hours prior
Bathroom break before leaving
Reach station early

What to Pack for Your Pet

Essential items:

Collapsible water bowl
Dry food in sealed container
Favorite blanket/toy
Waste disposal bags
Basic first aid
Collar with ID tag
Extra leash
Cleaning supplies

Avoid: Wet food (spoils quickly), glass bowls, excessive toys

Rules During Journey

Indian Railways expects responsible pet ownership:

Pets must not disturb other passengers
Keep pet leashed/crated always
Clean up any accidents immediately
No pets in dining car or pantry area
Muzzle required for dogs in public areas

If co-passengers complain, TC can move your pet to brake van.

Special Considerations

For Puppies/Kittens:

Pups are allowed to travel in enclosed baskets or crates in any compartment
No specified age limit but should be weaned
Carrier must fit under seat

For Senior Pets:

Get detailed health check
Carry medications
Consider shorter journeys
Book AC First for comfort

During Monsoon:

Waterproof carriers essential
Extra absorbent mats
Dry towels

Summer Travel:

Cooling mats
Extra water
Avoid afternoon trains
Never leave in closed compartment

Common Problems and Solutions

"No dog box available"

It's first-come-first-served
Try another train
Consider AC First Class

"Documents not accepted"

Fitness certificate might be expired
Get fresh one same day
Some stations are stricter

"Pet too heavy for cabin"

Large dogs must go in brake van
No exceptions to weight limits
Consider road transport instead

State-Specific Variations

While Indian Railways has standard rules, implementation varies:

Mumbai Division: Stricter documentation checks
Delhi Stations: Better facilities but crowded S
outhern Railway: More pet-friendly staff
Northeast: Limited trains with facilities

Always check with local railway enquiry.

Railways recently announced plans for online pet booking. The ministry has proposed an online booking service for dogs in AC-1 class of trains. This will make the process much smoother once implemented.

Final Checklist Before Travel

Fitness certificate (within 7 days)
Vaccination record (original + copy)
Your confirmed ticket
Photo ID
Cash for pet fees
Pet carrier/leash/muzzle
Food and water supplies
Reached station 3 hours early

Train travel with pets requires planning but offers an economical option for long distances. The key is understanding which trains allow pets, having correct documentation, and reaching early for booking.

Start with shorter journeys to help your pet adjust. Join online communities of pet parents who regularly travel by train for real-time tips.

For complete information on all modes of pet travel, read our comprehensive pet travel guide. If you're considering air travel instead, check our airline pet policies comparison to understand the differences.

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