Can You Take Pets on the Train? A Complete Guide to Pet Train Travel

Traveling with your beloved pets can be a heartwarming experience, strengthening your bond as you explore new places together. Thanks to evolving attitudes towards pets as family members, more and more pet parents are seeking ways to bring their furry companions along on journeys. For those in India, or considering train travel within India with pets, the railway system presents a viable and often economical option. First Class train travel, in particular, offers a unique experience – almost like a private room on wheels for you, your travel partner, and your pets. However, the romantic notion of train travel with pets comes with its set of procedures and formalities. Embarking on such a journey requires careful planning and understanding of the rules. Having personally navigated train travel with two dogs in India, from Bangalore to New Delhi and Rishikesh to Jaipur, I’ve compiled a detailed guide to help you navigate the process smoothly and successfully. Consider this your comprehensive resource for traveling by train with your dogs in India, whether you opt for the comfort of First AC or the luggage carrier option. This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge to make your pet travel experience as hassle-free as possible, and once you master the process, subsequent trips will become much simpler.

Is Train Travel with Your Pet Right for You?

Before diving into the logistics, it’s crucial to evaluate if train travel is indeed the best option for you and your pet. Consider these questions to help you decide:

Is your pet fit and comfortable traveling? Assess your pet’s health and temperament. Train journeys can be long, and the environment can be stressful for some animals. Ensure your pet is healthy enough to endure travel.
Is bringing them along the best choice? Sometimes, as much as we love to have our pets with us, they might be more comfortable and less stressed staying in a familiar environment with a trusted caregiver. Consider the duration of your trip and whether the travel stress is justified for your pet.
Is your stay long enough to warrant the effort? The process of taking pets on trains involves paperwork and extra planning. Evaluate if the length of your stay justifies the effort and cost associated with bringing your pet along. For short trips, it might be less stressful for your pet to stay home.
Is train travel with your pet financially feasible? Traveling with pets on trains involves additional costs, including booking extra tickets or luggage fares, vet certificates, and potential incidental expenses. (Scroll down for a detailed breakdown of costs associated with train travel with your dog/s).

For my travels, which often extend for months, leaving my dogs behind was not an option. Finding suitable long-term care or boarding for extended periods can be challenging, and the joy of having my dogs with me outweighs the travel complexities. Having them along also offers the flexibility to extend trips without worrying about their well-being back home.

A) Securing Your Train Tickets

Once you’ve decided to take your pet on the train, the first step is booking your tickets.

1. Advance Booking is Key

Indian Railways is one of the world’s largest railway networks, and trains are often heavily booked. Securing a confirmed ticket, especially in higher classes, can be challenging. Since First Class (1A) is generally the only class that allows pet travel in the passenger compartment, and given that there are usually only one or two 1A coaches per train, availability is limited.

2. Verify First Class Availability on Your Route

Not all train routes include a First Class coach. Before proceeding, check if your desired train and route offer First Class. If not, passenger compartment travel with pets on that route is not possible.

(Note: There is an alternative to transport your pet in the luggage compartment, similar to airline cargo holds. More information on this option can be found here. However, this guide primarily focuses on traveling with your pets in the passenger compartment.)

3. Book Early for Ticket Confirmation

Book your tickets as far in advance as possible, ideally a month to 20 days before your journey. Even if you initially receive a waitlisted (WL) ticket, especially if the waitlist number is low (e.g., WL 5 or below), there’s a good chance of confirmation. Apps like ConfirmTkt can estimate the probability of waitlist confirmation. My tickets were initially WL 4 & 5 with a 77% confirmation probability, and they were confirmed within a week.

4. Minimum Ticket Booking Requirement

To travel with pets in First Class, you need to book either a coupe (a two-berth cabin) or a cabin (a four-berth compartment). A coupe offers maximum privacy for two people and their pets. A cabin can accommodate up to four people. To ensure you get a coupe, you need to book at least two tickets.

When booking via IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation), select the “Coupe” option under preferences.

Always request a coupe when booking for two people.

If you are traveling as a group of three or four, you will typically be allotted a cabin. However, booking only one ticket does not guarantee a coupe, and you might be assigned a cabin where co-passengers might not be comfortable with pets.

After booking, monitor your ticket confirmation status by checking your PNR (Passenger Name Record) on the Indian Railways website. Waitlisted tickets can be canceled up to 48 hours before departure (with a small processing fee). Confirmed tickets can also be canceled if needed, even within 48 hours.

Important Note: Tatkal tickets (instant booking) are not available for First Class.

Traveling Solo? Booking Two Tickets for a Coupe

Even if you are traveling alone, you can still secure a coupe for yourself and your pet. Booking two tickets is necessary to ensure a coupe allocation.

Option 1: Find a Travel Partner: Consider finding another person traveling on the same route who is also interested in sharing a coupe and costs. Online pet communities or travel groups can be helpful for finding travel companions.

Option 2: Book Two Tickets Yourself: Book two tickets under your name and a fictitious name (e.g., a friend or relative). You can proceed with the journey as planned. When the Ticket Examiner (TT) checks your tickets and notices only one person in a coupe booked for two, you can explain that the other person had an unforeseen last-minute cancellation. As you have paid for two berths, you have the right to occupy the coupe. In rare cases of extremely crowded trains, the TT might, although unlikely and not strictly permissible, allot the second berth in your coupe to another passenger. If the co-passenger is comfortable sharing with you and your pet, this might not be an issue.

Remember: Confirmed tickets are mandatory for pet travel in the passenger compartment.

B) Preparing the Necessary Paperwork

Indian Railways permits pet travel with the understanding that pets are vaccinated, healthy, non-aggressive, and free from infectious diseases. Veterinary documentation is required to validate these conditions.

Obtain a “Fit to Travel” Health Certificate

Get a health certificate from a certified veterinarian 24-48 hours before your scheduled departure. This timeframe is crucial as the certificate’s validity is limited. For example, if your train departs on a Friday, the health certificate should be issued no earlier than Wednesday.

The veterinarian will conduct a general health check-up and verify vaccination records. If your pet is deemed healthy and vaccinations are up-to-date, they will issue a “Fit to Travel” certificate for a fee. Costs can vary; some clinics may charge around Rs. 400-500, while larger facilities might charge up to Rs. 1000 per pet. If vaccinations are slightly overdue, you can usually get them updated during the vet visit and request the vet to issue the certificate, as it’s often considered a procedural formality.

An example of a health certificate issued for train travel.

Update: On a subsequent train trip, I did not obtain a health certificate and was not asked for one by railway officials. However, it is still advisable to have it as requirements can vary.

C) Requesting Coupe Allotment from the Reservation Officer (Optional but Recommended)

This step aims to further increase your chances of securing a coupe. While booking two tickets and specifying “coupe” preference usually suffices, this additional step can be beneficial, especially during peak travel times. Each First Class coach has a limited number of coupes (around 3-4), with the remaining being cabins. Checking your train’s layout on apps like ClearTkt can give you an idea of the coupe-to-cabin ratio.

Steps to Request Coupe Allotment:

Write an Application Letter: Address a letter to the Reservation Officer of the originating railway station. Include your travel date, PNR number, pet details, and a polite request for coupe allotment to facilitate pet travel. A sample letter format can be found here.
Prepare Documents: Print the letter, sign it, and gather copies of Aadhaar cards (Indian ID) of all passengers on the PNR, the vet-issued health certificate, and your pet’s vaccination records.
Visit the Reservation Office: Go to the reservation office of the train’s originating station 1-2 days before departure, or on the same day 4-6 hours before departure, well before chart preparation.
Submit Documents to “Emergency Quota” Department: Locate the “Emergency Quota” department and submit your application and documents to the designated box, tray, or railway clerk.

Important Notes: This process must be done at the originating station’s reservation office, not intermediate stations. For example, for a Bangalore to Delhi journey on a train originating from Kochi, the request must be made at the Kochi reservation office. If visiting the originating station’s office is not feasible, you can skip this step but be aware that coupe allocation might rely solely on your initial booking preference. Alternatively, to guarantee a private space, you can book four tickets to secure a cabin.

After completing these steps, you need to wait until the day of travel to confirm coupe allotment. Personal experiences suggest that coupe requests are generally granted if the process is followed correctly.

Alternative: Train Travel with Pets in Luggage Compartment (More Affordable Option)

While First AC coupe travel is comfortable, it may not be financially accessible for everyone. Additionally, some train routes lack First AC compartments. There is a more budget-friendly alternative for traveling with pets by train – utilizing the luggage compartment.

A Cheaper Way to Travel with Your Dog on a Train

During a recent trip from Rishikesh to Jaipur, I discovered this alternative, which is significantly cheaper, though less comfortable, than First AC travel.

How Luggage Compartment Pet Travel Works:

Trying to get Peanut settled in the ‘dog box’.

Luggage Ticket Booking: Go to the railway station a few hours before departure (even if it’s not the originating station). Book a “luggage ticket” for your pet. Your dog will be weighed, and charges will be calculated based on weight and distance. For a 10-hour journey, I paid approximately Rs. 250. Approximate parcel charges can be checked here.
“Dog Box” in Luggage Van: Your dog will be placed in a “dog box” – a large cage in the luggage-cum-brake-van. This van is a separate compartment, usually with a guard present. Passengers are not allowed to travel in the brake van. However, as the brake van is typically adjacent to the General coach, you can periodically check on your pet.
Regular Passenger Tickets: You can book any class of ticket for yourself, including General class, when using this option.
Pet Custody at Destination: You can only reclaim custody of your pet at the destination station specified on the luggage ticket.
Suitability for Dogs: This option is suitable for dogs that can tolerate being confined in a cage for the duration of the journey. During longer station stops, you might be able to request the van guard to allow you to briefly walk your dog.

Important Considerations:

Limited Availability: Not all trains have animal carrier cages in the luggage van. Even if a cage is available, there is usually only one per train, and availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Not Guaranteed: This option is not always guaranteed. It’s best considered as a backup if First Class travel is not feasible, or if you have flexibility in your travel schedule.

What to Pack for Train Travel with Your Dogs

Packing thoughtfully is essential for a comfortable and safe journey for both you and your pets.

Essential Packing List for Train Travel with Dogs:

Poop Scooper: A poop scooper is indispensable for platform stops and potential onboard accidents. It’s also useful at your destination.
Dog Bed: A familiar dog bed provides comfort and security in a new environment. It also helps cushion against train movements.
Newspapers: Newspapers are versatile – use them to line the floor for accidents, for meal times, and for general clean-up.
Light Food and Treats: Feed your dog lightly before and during travel to minimize stomach upset. Pack your dog’s favorite treats, chew toys, and easily digestible food like bananas or yogurt. Train food options are limited and may not be suitable for your pet.
Dog Tags: Ensure your dog wears a collar with identification tags displaying their name and your phone number in case of accidental separation.
Bed Sheet: If you plan to have your dog share your berth, bring your own bed sheet for hygiene. Train berths are usually spacious enough for a person and a dog to sleep comfortably side-by-side.

E) Purchasing a Luggage Ticket for Your Dog at the Station

Booking your tickets, preparing documents, and requesting a coupe are not the final steps. You also need to purchase a “luggage ticket” for your dog. Currently, this must be done in person at the railway station, although online booking for pet tickets is reportedly being considered by IRCTC. (Update: Online booking attempts have been reported as unreliable, so offline booking is still recommended).

Steps to Buy a Luggage Ticket for Your Pet:

Arrive Early at the Station: Aim to reach the station at least 4 hours before departure. Unexpected delays at the luggage counter or platform navigation can occur.
Carry Necessary Documents: Have copies of your Aadhaar cards, pet vaccination records, and health certificate readily available.
Locate Luggage Booking Office: Ask railway staff or porters for directions to the “Luggage booking” office. Take your dog(s) with you.
Present Pet and Documents: At the luggage counter, present your dog(s) and documents. Railway staff will weigh your dog and calculate the luggage fee. Sometimes, a flat rate might be applied instead of weighing. Be prepared to pay the luggage fee.

Once you have the luggage ticket, you are almost set for your journey.

F) Boarding and Settling In with Your Dogs

With tickets, coupe allocation, and luggage tickets secured, ensure you have everything for a comfortable trip. Withdraw cash as online payment options might be limited on trains. If you are running late, consider hiring a porter to help with luggage and platform navigation, especially when managing pets.

Tips for Onboard Comfort and Responsibility:

Newspaper Floor Covering: Spread newspapers on the floor to protect against accidents, as dogs can experience travel sickness.
Station Halt Awareness: Use train tracking apps like ConfirmTkt to identify stations with longer halt times (5+ minutes) for bathroom breaks for your dogs.
Responsible Waste Disposal: Use a poop scooper and newspapers to clean up after your dogs at stations. Do not leave waste behind.
Leash Dogs Outside Coupe: Keep dogs leashed outside your coupe to ensure the comfort and safety of other passengers. Being responsible pet parents helps maintain the privilege of pet travel on public transport.

My dogs settling in shortly after boarding.

Understanding the Costs of Train Travel with Your Dogs

While train travel is generally more economical than air travel or long road trips, there are specific costs associated with bringing your pets along.

Approximate Costs Breakdown:

First Class Train Tickets: Rs. 4000-6000 per ticket, depending on distance and train type (e.g., Bangalore to New Delhi on Karnataka Express, ~2100km, approx. Rs. 5500 per ticket).
Health Certificate: Rs. 500-1000 per dog, vet-dependent.
Dog Luggage Ticket: Rs. 800-1500 per dog, based on weight and distance.
Reservation Office Visit (if applicable): Incidental travel costs (cab fare, fuel) to the reservation office, approx. Rs. 500.
Station Transport: Cab or auto-rickshaw to the station (pet-friendly transport might incur additional charges).
Miscellaneous Costs: Photocopies, porter fees, onboard food and beverages, tips, Rs. 500-1000 per person.

Total Estimated Cost (2 people, 2 dogs, Bangalore to New Delhi): Approximately Rs. 20,000 (subject to variation).

Traveling with your dogs by train requires effort and planning, but the reward is a unique and enriching travel experience. Enjoy the journey as your pet experiences the diverse landscapes of India passing by.

Wishing you and your furry companions happy and safe travels!