Indian Railways Pet Policy: Your Guide to Train Travel with Dogs

Imagine a breezy Sunday morning, you’re with your dog, strolling through the streets of Goa on a scooty, or playing around on the beach. Sounds cool, doesn’t it? With Indian Railways, it is entirely possible.  This blog is our personal experience of traveling with Indian Railways from New Delhi to Lucknow.  All you have to do is follow a few steps mentioned below as recommended by IRCTC and approved by experienced pet owners who are living the dream.

Which Class To Travel?

 Travel in AC First Class (1A) or First Class (FC). To ensure privacy and comfort for your pet. Aim to book an entire 2-berth coupe or a 3 or 4-berth cabin for your exclusive use.

Here are Your 5 Essential Steps to a Paw-some Journey!

Step 1: Book Your Ticket (Smartly!)

• Download the IRCTC app on your Android/ iOS device and book your AC 1ST CLASS tickets, selecting either a coupe or a cabin as per your preference.
• Try to book all berths in a 2-berth coupe or a 3 or 4-berth cabin under one PNR ( Passenger Name Record). Note that only one pet is allowed under 1 PNR.
• Book Early! These private spaces go fast – 60 days out is ideal.

Pro Tip: How to Snag That Private Coupe!

You can now skip the DRM office and paperwork,  just request a coupe for AC first class online here.

Step 2: Gather Your Pet’s Papers

It is important to carry all the documents in hard copy beforehand for a smooth journey. Prepare a ‘’Fit-to-Travel’’ certificate from a vet, 24-28 hours before travel. This certificate will include all the details of your pet, like breed, gender, color, and the vaccination records, which will include Rabies and DHLPPi, and include a certificate from a veterinary doctor confirming the dog is free from diseases and fit to travel. Don’t forget to carry a photocopy of a valid train ticket and your government ID proof, like Adhaar / DL, etc.

Step 3: Get Your Pet’s “Ticket” on Travel Day

If you got a cabin/coupe:

• After the chart gets prepared ( eight hours before departure) you should visit the link
• You need to log in through OTP provided on your registered mobile number, add your email, and then fill in all the details of your pet.
• Pay the required fees. We paid INR 263 for our journey from Delhi to Lucknow.
• You will receive a pink slip on your registered mobile number or email.
• You should show the Pink slip and other documents of your pet when asked.

If you don’t get a cabin/coupe even after booking 1st AC:

You need to talk and convince the TT for your pet’s travel and pay the fine if asked.

Step 4: Prep Your Pet & Their Gear

It’s important to check the comfort of your pet, especially when you are travelling. No pet parents will ever want to see their baby in an uncomfortable situation. For this, you need to carry a comfy Carrier to ensure it is large enough for them to stand, turn, and lie down. Before boarding, don’t forget to take a long potty break and offer them a light meal. Pack food, water, spill-proof bowls, waste bags, pee pads, a familiar blanket, meds, and don’t forget the leash/muzzle.

Step 5: Smooth Boarding & Journey

• Arrive on Time: Try to visit the Railway station on time, not 4-5 hours early, because in New Delhi Railway Station, the waiting rooms are not pet-friendly. You can contact your railway station before your journey to know if the waiting area is pet-friendly or not.
• Leash Up! Don’t forget to keep your pet on a leash at the station and on the train.
• Set Up Your Space: Make your private coupe cozy with pee pads and their comforts.
• Hydrate & Potty: Offer water frequently. Use long station stops for quick, supervised potty breaks.
• Stay Calm: Your pet senses your mood. Be reassuring and clean up any messes immediately.

Quick Tips for a Happy Trip

• One Pet Per Booking: Generally, one pet per PNR
• No Refunds if Removed: If your pet causes issues and is moved to the guard’s van, you won’t get money back.
• Don’t Skip Booking: Fines are heavy for unbooked pets!
• Night Journeys Can Be Easier: Pets often sleep through them.
• Keep Calm & Clean: Your calm demeanor helps your pet, and always clean up promptly.

Reference:

https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_detail.jsp?lang=0&id=0,4,268&dcd=12678&did=16673909645879C87C2781BF933529C087FF60815E236