As a relief to all the pet parents the Indian Railway allows passengers to carry their pet with themselves. But there are certain rules that should be followed for the ease of the transportation and also in consideration with the comfort of other passengers. Let's find out all the necessary information that should be kept in mind while traveling with your furry baby on a train.

What are the Rules for traveling with your pet dog on the Indian Railway?

• You must reserve the whole compartment in the train if you wish to bring a dog with you

• If you are traveling in AC First Class or First Class and want to bring a dog into the compartment, you need the agreement of your fellow passengers

• Charges for bringing a dog into the compartment must be paid in advance

• If fellow passengers later object to the presence of the dog in the compartment, your dog will be relocated to the Guard’s van without any refund being provided

• The charge for using special dog boxes for smaller dogs in Indian Railways typically ranges from INR 100 to INR 300, depending on the weight of the pet. This minimal charge is applicable to passengers who wish to transport their pets in these designated compartments.

• If you wish to book a spot for your dog you can simply contact the parcel office to make the necessary arrangements

• If a passenger is caught carrying dogs without proper booking, the penalty will be levied. The owner of the dog will be charged at six times Scale-L luggage rates subject to a minimum of Rs.30 by Indian Railways.

• Dogs are not permitted to be carried in AC Sleeper Coaches, AC Chair Car Coaches, Sleeper Class, and Second Class coaches. If a dog is found being carried against this rule, it will be immediately relocated to the brake van, and charges will be imposed at six times the Luggage Scale Rate, with a minimum charge of Rs.50

• Large dogs that cannot fit in the dog box of a brake van will be transported in a special vehicle under the same rate and conditions as for horses (Rate for Horses Rs.750)

How to carry your pet dog on a train?

• Take your dog to the boarding station

• Contact the luggage office to book a ticket for your dog at least 3 hours before the train departure

• Make sure you have the latest vaccination certificate for your dog

• Bring a valid ID proof for yourself

• Pay the required fees. If you have booked your train ticket online on IRCTC (either at irctc.co.in or using the rail connect app), you are required to visit the railway luggage booking office and make a dog booking there. The fees for traveling with a dog vary depending on the training class and the size of the dog.

• Get the receipt

• Submit one part of the receipt to the train guard and keep the other part with you. The guard is usually at the back of the train

• Don’t forget to get your dog off the train at the destination station: Upon arrival at your destination station, submit your remaining portion of the receipt to another railway official or guard present there. They will then allow you and your dog to disembark from the train safely.

What are the essential documents for traveling with your dog on a train?

When preparing to travel with your dog, there are certain essential documents you need to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your furry companion. Here is a checklist of the necessary documents:

Fit-to-Travel Certificate for Your Dog

This document is crucial and must be issued by your veterinarian within 24-48 hours before your departure date. The certificate should clearly state the following information about your dog:

1. Breed
2. Color
3. Gender

It should also explicitly mention that your dog has been examined and deemed fit to travel.

Photocopy of Your ID Proof

Make sure to have 3-4 copies of your ID proof for yourself and all passengers traveling with you.

The recommended forms of ID proof include: 

Up-to-date Vaccination Records

• Aadhaar card
• Passport

Make sure that your dog’s vaccination record is current, with all vaccinations, particularly Anti-Rabies and DHLPPi, being up-to-date. This is essential for the health of your pet and to meet the requirements of Indian Railways.

Application Letter for Allocation of Coupe/Cabin

Write an application letter to the Chief Reservation Officer of the station where you will be boarding. In this letter, kindly request the allocation of a coupe or cabin on the train for you and your pet. Be sure to include your travel dates, train number, and other relevant details in the letter. This will help facilitate a smoother boarding process for you and your dog.  

How do you book your tickets when traveling with dogs?

To book your tickets when traveling on a train in India with your pet dog, follow these steps:

• Check for First Class Coach Availability

Ensure that the train you want to travel on has a First Class Coach available

• Book Early

Book your tickets well in advance, ideally a month or 20 days before the journey to secure a confirmed ticket

• Choose the Right Ticket Option

Select the “Coupe” option under preferences if you want to travel with your dogs in a two-person cabin

• Minimum Ticket Requirement

You need to book at least two tickets to get a coupe for traveling with your dogs

• Waitlist Tickets

Keep an eye on waitlisted tickets and check your PNR regularly for updates

•  Cancelation Policy

You can cancel waitlisted tickets up to 48 hours before departure without charges, except processing fees. After booking your tickets, ensure you have all the necessary documents and items for your pets as per IRCTC guidelines.

Our first train journey together

 During the journey, I ensured Luna had ample water and food while also being mindful of not causing any inconvenience to fellow passengers. The rhythmic sound of the train coupled with occasional whistles seemed to intrigue Luna, who alternated between napping and observing her surroundings. As we neared our destination, I informed the railway staff who assisted us in safely disembarking at the correct station. The experience of traveling with Luna on an Indian train not only showcased the pet-friendly policies of Indian Railways but also highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership while traveling.

Conclusion 

Traveling with your pets on Indian trains, particularly pet dogs, is a popular and feasible option for pet owners. Indian Railways offers the choice of either booking the first AC accommodation for your pet or utilizing the luggage-cum-Brake Van for their transport. You must adhere to specific rules and guidelines set by the Railways when traveling with pets, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for both of you and your furry baby.