How to Travel with Pets on Trains (Full Guide – 2025)

Published by admin on June 5, 2025June 5, 2025

Planning to take your furry friend on a train journey? Good news — Indian Railways does allow pets on board, but there are important rules and options you need to know. This comprehensive guide covers how to travel with pets on Indian trains, including ticket booking, compartments allowed, documentation, charges, and more.

🚆 Can You Travel with Pets on Indian Trains?

Yes! Indian Railways permits travel with pets — mainly dogs 🐶 and cats — but only under specific conditions. There are two main ways to travel with your pet:

1. As Accompanied Luggage in First Class AC or First Class Non-AC Coupé
2. In the Brake Van (Luggage/Parcel Van) with special booking

Let’s break both down.

1️⃣ Travel with Pets in First Class AC (Coupe)

✅ Allowed In:

• First Class AC (1A Coupe or Cabin)

📌 Rules:

• Pets are allowed only if you book the entire coupe or cabin.
• No objection from co-passengers is permitted — hence full compartment booking is necessary.
• Limited to certain trains that have 1A coaches.

🎫 How to Book:

• Book your 1A tickets through IRCTC or offline at a reservation counter.
• After ticket confirmation, submit a request to the Chief Reservation Officer (CRO) at the boarding station to allot a full coupe for pet travel.
• Mention clearly that you are carrying a pet (dog/cat).

💸 Charges:

• You must pay pet carriage charges at the parcel office before boarding.
• Approx. charges for dogs: ₹30–₹60 per kg depending on train and distance.

2️⃣ Travel in Brake Van (Luggage Van)

If you can’t get a 1A Coupe or are traveling in another class:

• Pets can be booked in the luggage/brake van as parcel luggage.
• Owners are not allowed to accompany pets in this case.
• Not suitable for small, sensitive, or nervous pets.

🐾 Important:

• Provide pet’s vaccination and health certificate.
• Book pet space at the luggage office on the day of travel.
• Carry a well-ventilated cage or crate for your pet.

📃 Documents Required

1. Vaccination Certificate
2. Health Certificate from a Registered Vet (issued within 24–48 hours before travel)
3. Train Ticket (Confirmed Reservation)
4. Application for coupe allotment (if applicable)

⚠️ Do’s and Don’ts for Pet Train Travel

✅ Do’s:

• Carry water and food for your pet.
• Bring a leash and muzzle (mandatory for large dogs).
• Use absorbent bedding or puppy pads inside crates.
• Arrive early at the station (especially for brake van bookings).

❌ Don’ts:

• Don’t try to smuggle pets into Sleeper or AC coaches.
• Don’t sedate your pet unless advised by a vet.
• Don’t forget the required paperwork — you may be denied boarding.

👨‍⚖️ Penalty for Rule Violation

If you carry a pet without proper booking or try to sneak them into coaches where they aren’t allowed:

• You may be fined, and
• The pet may be moved to the luggage van without refund.

🐕 Special Notes

• Guide dogs for visually impaired passengers are allowed free of cost with certification.
• Indian Railways does not permit exotic or wild animals under the pet travel category.

📍 Summary Table

🎯 Final Tips

• Always plan early — 1A coupes are limited and in high demand.
• Avoid traveling in peak heat for your pet’s safety.
• Contact the parcel/luggage office a few days before for clarity on charges and logistics.

📞 Need Help?

Visit the Chief Parcel Office or Station Manager at your departure station. Or dial the IRCTC helpline: 139.

✍️ Wrapping Up

Traveling with pets on Indian trains is possible — but only if done legally and safely. With proper planning, your dog or cat can join your journey comfortably. Just make sure to follow the rules, carry documentation, and prioritize your pet’s safety.

✅ Pet Travel Checklist for Indian Trains (2025)

🎟️ Booking & Reservation

☐ Book tickets in First Class AC (1A Coupe/Cabin) if traveling with your pet inside the coach
☐ Submit request for full coupe allotment at the reservation counter (Chief Reservation Officer)
☐ Alternatively, confirm availability of Brake Van (Luggage Van) for pet travel
☐ Check train schedule and class availability in advance

📄 Documents to Carry

☐ Vaccination Certificate (updated)
☐ Health Certificate from a registered vet (issued within 48 hours of travel)
☐ Train Ticket (Confirmed Reservation)
☐ Coupe Allotment Request Letter (if applicable)
☐ Government-issued ID proof

📦 Pet Travel Preparation

☐ Crate or Carrier (well-ventilated, comfortable, and secure)
☐ Leash and Muzzle (mandatory for large dogs)
☐ Absorbent bedding or puppy pads
☐ Food and Water bowls and a supply for the trip
☐ Familiar toys/blanket to comfort your pet
☐ Medication, if prescribed
☐ Cleaning supplies (tissues, sanitizer, garbage bags)

🕒 Before Departure

☐ Arrive at the station at least 90 minutes early
☐ Visit the Parcel/Luggage Office to book pet space and pay charges (if brake van)
☐ Collect and keep parcel receipt/slip safely
☐ Ensure your pet is well-fed and hydrated before boarding
☐ Avoid sedatives unless prescribed by a veterinarian

🚫 What NOT To Do

❌ Don’t carry pets in Sleeper, 2A, or 3A coaches
❌ Don’t try to hide pets — this can lead to fines
❌ Don’t forget the documents — boarding can be denied
❌ Don’t sedate your pet without professional guidance

How to Travel with Pets on Indian Trains – FAQ Guide (2025)

Taking your pet along on a train journey in India? Whether you’re relocating or heading out for a holiday, Indian Railways does allow pet travel — but with strict rules. Here’s a complete FAQ-style guide to help you travel with your pet safely and legally.

Information Regarding Booking Of Pet Dogs/Cats In Passenger Trains-IRCTC

❓ Does Indian Railways allow pets on trains?

✅ Yes. Pets such as dogs and cats are allowed to travel on Indian trains under certain conditions:

• In First Class AC (1A) coupe or cabin (only if fully booked by the owner)
• In the Luggage/Brake Van as registered parcel luggage

❓ Which train classes allow pets inside the coach?

Pets are only allowed inside passenger compartments in:

• First Class AC (1A) Coupe or Cabin, and only if you book the entire space
• You must request the Chief Reservation Officer to allot a full coupe

Pets are not permitted in:

• Sleeper Class
• 2AC, 3AC, or Executive Chair Car
• General compartments

❓ Can I book a coupe online through IRCTC?

Yes, you can book First Class AC tickets on IRCTC, but coupe allocation is manual. After booking:

1. Visit the Chief Reservation Officer at your boarding station.
2. Submit a written request for coupe allotment, mentioning pet travel.

Coupe is not guaranteed — it depends on availability and discretion.

❓ What if I’m not traveling in First Class AC?

You can still transport your pet in the Brake Van (Luggage/Parcel Van). In this case:

• Your pet travels alone in a crate or cage.
• You book your pet as parcel luggage at the parcel office.
• Not recommended for small, nervous, or sick animals.

❓ What documents are required for pet travel?

📋 You’ll need:

• Valid train ticket (confirmed)
• Vaccination certificate of the pet
• Health certificate from a registered vet (issued within 48 hours)
• Owner’s ID proof
• Request letter for coupe allotment (if applicable)

❓ How much does it cost to carry a pet on a train?

💸 Charges vary based on the mode:

• In First Class AC: Around ₹30–₹60 per kg (paid at parcel office)
• In Luggage Van: Charged as parcel luggage by weight and distance

No online payment is available; you must pay at the station.

❓ Is it safe to transport pets in the Brake Van?

🚨 It’s legal, but not ideal. The Brake Van is noisy, unmonitored, and not climate-controlled. Use it only if:

• You cannot get a First Class coupe
• Your pet is in a strong, secure, and ventilated crate
• The journey is short, and the weather is moderate

❓ Can I travel with more than one pet?

Yes, but only if:

• You’re traveling in a full coupe/cabin, and
• There’s enough space for both pets and crate(s)
• All documents are provided for each animal

Note: Brake Vans may have space limitations.

❓ Are guide dogs allowed?

🦮 Yes, guide dogs for visually impaired passengers are allowed free of cost, regardless of class. You’ll need:

• Medical documentation
• A valid ID for the person and the dog

❓ Can pets travel on all trains?

Not all trains have First Class AC or Brake Vans. Before booking:

• Check whether your selected train has 1A coaches or a luggage compartment
• Prefer Mail/Express or long-distance trains with suitable accommodations

❓ What items should I pack for my pet?

🧳 Must-haves:

• Crate or cage (well-ventilated and secure)
• Leash and muzzle (mandatory for dogs)
• Food, water bowls, and snacks
• Absorbent bedding or puppy pads
• Cleaning supplies
• Medical kit (if needed)

❓ What happens if I carry a pet without permission?

🚫 You may face:

• Fines or penalties
• The pet being moved to the luggage van
• Possible denial of boarding

Never carry pets in unauthorized compartments or without proper documents.

❓ Tips for Smooth Pet Travel

✅ Do:

• Plan and book early
• Visit the station a day before to verify luggage procedures
• Keep all documents and payment receipts handy
• Choose cooler travel times for pet comfort

❌ Don’t:

• Hide or smuggle pets into compartments
• Forget to inform railway authorities
• Sedate pets without veterinary advice

Traveling with pets on Indian trains is absolutely possible with the right planning, paperwork, and respect for the rules. With this guide, you can ensure your pet travels comfortably and legally.

Also Read

• How to Book Train Tickets Without Hassle: 7 IRCTC Tips for 2025
• Tatkal Booking Rules and Timings: The 2025 Guide to Fast Train Reservations
• Online train ticket booking on Railway e-PASS: IRCTC