Planning a train journey in India with your pet? Indian Railways allows passengers to travel with dogs and cats—provided certain guidelines are followed. From carrying small puppies or kittens in a basket to booking an entire First-Class coupe for your adult dog, there are multiple options depending on your pet’s size and your comfort level. You can even book a space for your dog in the luggage compartment’s dog box on select trains.
However, travelling with a pet on Indian trains involves confirmed tickets, veterinary documents, and a few formalities at the Parcel Office. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about how to book IRCTC train tickets for your pet and ensure a smooth, stress-free journey for both of you.
Where Can Pets Travel on Indian Trains?
Puppies and kittens that fit in a basket or crate are allowed in any class of travel, including Second Class and Sleeper Class. You will need to pay the usual baggage fare applicable for pet travel.
Adult dogs and larger cats, however, are only allowed to travel in two specific ways:
- Inside a dedicated dog box located in the luggage van
- In a First-Class AC coupe or cabin with the passenger, provided certain conditions are met
Travelling with Pets in a Dog Box
Dog boxes, also called SLR vans or brake vans, are located in the luggage compartments of select trains. These boxes have ventilation windows, a latching mechanism for safety, and space to place a pet crate.
To book your pet into a dog box, you must inquire about availability at the station's Parcel Office. Booking is done with the train guard, and is subject to availability. Although your pet travels separately, you are responsible for checking in on them during the journey and ensuring their safety and comfort.
Travelling in First-Class AC with Your Dog
This is the most comfortable option if you wish to remain with your pet throughout the journey. You must book either a two-berth coupe or an entire four-berth cabin. The entire space must be booked under a single PNR for permission to carry a pet.
In a First-Class AC cabin, you can carry all necessary items for your pet’s comfort, including bedding, food and water bowls, pet carriers, and toys. Foldable travel bowls and pet mats are especially useful during long journeys.
Booking Guidelines from Indian Railways
- Dogs or cats can be booked into the dog box subject to availability. You must inquire about this in advance at the Parcel Office of the boarding station.
- Puppies and kittens small enough to be carried in a basket can be taken in any class, after payment of the standard pet fare.
- Dogs and cats can be carried in First-Class AC cabins or coupes only when the entire cabin or coupe is booked by the passenger under a single PNR. Booking charges apply as per baggage fare rules.
- To request a coupe or cabin for pet travel, passengers must apply in writing to the Divisional Railway Manager or General Manager. These requests are considered while allotting cabins during reservation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Booking IRCTC Train Tickets for Your Pet
Step 1: Book Your Own Train Ticket Online
Visit the IRCTC website and book a confirmed First-Class AC ticket. If you are traveling with one dog, you need to book the entire two-berth or four-berth accommodation under a single PNR. One pet is permitted per PNR.
Step 2: Book Your Pet’s Ticket Online
After booking your own ticket, go to the IRCTC homepage and navigate to the “Dogs/Cats Booking” option under the “Trains” tab. You will be required to log in again using your phone number and an OTP. Once logged in, enter your PNR number and select the appropriate identification details to complete the pet booking.
Step 3: Apply for Coupe or Cabin Allocation
Prepare the necessary documents, including a fit-to-travel certificate from a registered veterinarian, your pet’s vaccination record, a copy of your identity proof, and a formal request letter addressed to the Chief Reservation Officer. Submit these documents to the Parcel Office at your boarding station.
Step 4: Visit the Parcel Office on the Day of Travel
On the day of departure, reach the railway station a few hours in advance and visit the Parcel Office with the required documents. Your pet need not be present at this stage, but you must complete the formalities in person.
Important Conditions for Booking Animal Tickets Online
The passenger's train ticket must be confirmed before an animal ticket can be issued. Pets are not allowed to travel on a waitlisted ticket.
If a passenger cancels their confirmed ticket, the fare paid for the animal ticket will not be refunded.
If a train is cancelled or delayed by more than three hours, only the fare of the passenger ticket will be refunded. The amount paid for the animal ticket is non-refundable in these cases.
Additional Guidelines to Keep in Mind
- Passengers must report to the luggage booking office at least three hours before departure to complete pet booking procedures.
- Pets are strictly not allowed in AC 2-tier, AC 3-tier, Chair Car, Sleeper, or Second-Class compartments. If fellow passengers object to the pet's presence, the animal will be moved to the dog box without refund.
- It is mandatory to carry a vet certificate mentioning the pet’s breed, colour, gender, and health status.
- Passengers are solely responsible for their pet’s food, water, hygiene, and safety throughout the journey.
Travelling with pets on Indian trains is absolutely possible—but it requires careful planning, confirmed bookings, and adherence to IRCTC’s pet travel guidelines. Whether you choose to keep your pet by your side in First-Class or safely travel them in a dog box, Indian Railways offers flexibility for pet lovers.
With the right preparation and documentation, your furry friend can now be part of your next railway adventure across India.
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