For pet owners who avoid trips because they don’t want to leave dogs or cats behind, Indian Railways offers a clear, if little-known, option: you can travel with your pets on many trains, provided you follow specific rules and complete a separate booking process.
Where pets can travel in trains
Railways currently allow passengers to take dogs and cats in two main arrangements:
• In first AC (1AC) coupe: If you book a 2-berth or 4-berth first AC coupe, you can keep your pet with you inside the compartment during the journey. For this, you must book the entire coupe under a single PNR so that no other passenger is allotted a berth in the same cabin.
• In the guard’s van (brake van): If you are travelling in other eligible classes where pets are not allowed inside the passenger coach, your pet must travel in the train’s guard’s van in a special pet compartment. This arrangement is commonly used when passengers are not in 1AC coupe or when the train does not permit pets in coaches.
Where pets are not allowed
Indian Railways has clear restrictions on which coaches and trains allow animals:
• Banned coaches: Pets are not permitted in AC 2-tier, AC 3-tier, 3AC Economy, sleeper class, general second-class coaches and most mail/express train coaches.
• Premium trains: On trains like Vande Bharat, Shatabdi, Tejas and similar premium services, pets are not allowed because these trains do not have 1AC coaches or pet-carrying arrangements.
• Rajdhani Express: On Rajdhani trains, pets can only be carried if the passenger is travelling in 1AC; other classes do not have the dog/family compartment facility needed for pets.
Booking process and charges
Travelling with a pet on Indian Railways is not part of the normal passenger ticket; it requires a separate “pet booking” that is treated as luggage.
Key points include:
• Separate pet booking: After confirming your own ticket, you must approach the railway station’s parcel or luggage office to book your dog or cat as luggage. This cannot be done online along with your e-ticket; it has to be completed at the station.
• Documents required: At the time of booking, you typically need to show a valid vaccination certificate (especially for rabies), a fitness/health certificate from a registered veterinarian, and your own confirmed train ticket. Some stations may also ask for identity proof.
• Charges: The pet booking fee is calculated like luggage charges, based on the weight of the animal and the distance of travel. The exact amount varies by route and class of booking and is paid at the parcel office.
• Advance booking: Railways advises passengers to complete pet booking well in advance, as space in the guard’s van or pet compartment is limited and allocated on a first-come basis.
Rules during the journey
Once the booking is done, pet owners must follow certain conditions while travelling:
• Cage/crate mandatory: Dogs and cats must be kept in a secure cage or crate for the entire journey. They are not allowed to roam freely inside the coach or guard’s van.
• Owner’s responsibility: The passenger is responsible for feeding, watering and looking after the pet throughout the trip. Railways staff do not provide care or food for animals.
• Cleanliness and nuisance: Owners must ensure that their pets do not create a nuisance, damage railway property or disturb other passengers. In case of complaints, railway authorities can take action, including offloading the animal at the next station.
Practical tips for pet owners
Railways’ pet policy can be a cost-effective and less stressful alternative to air or long road trips, but it needs planning:
• Check in advance whether your train and class allow pets, and whether it has 1AC coupe or guard’s van pet space.
• Book your passenger ticket first, then immediately visit the station’s parcel office to complete pet booking and confirm space.
• Carry all veterinary documents, a sturdy travel crate, food, water and basic medicines, and be prepared to manage your pet’s needs throughout the journey.
With these rules in place, Indian Railways enables pet owners to include dogs and cats in their travel plans, as long as they follow the prescribed booking process and safety guidelines.