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:
Images of Pet Booking Via Online Mode
FAQs
Do my dog and I need to reserve a different "ticket"? How does one go about that?
Yes, you need to get your ticket and your pet’s ticket separately. Firstly, book your ticket in the 1st AC cabin/coupe, and then get a slip for your pet a few hours before departure online.
What happens if my pet disrupts the traveling process?
Train employees may ask you to take your pet out of the cabin and move it to the guard’s vehicle if it distracts or disturbs other travelers. There won’t be a refund in these circumstances. Your pet will travel more easily if you are calm and well-trained.
Is it possible for me to bring more than one pet on a trip?
In general, Indian Railways permits one pet per passenger name record, or PNR ( Passenger Name Record). You would need different PNRs for each pet if you were traveling with more than one. Make sure your reserved coupe or cabin has adequate room for all of your pets and their carriers.
If my train is delayed or canceled, can I get my pet's ticket back?
Currently, even in cases when the train is canceled or delayed for more than three hours, freight payments for booking a dog or cat are not refundable.
Which train class is pet-friendly?
Only AC First Class (1A) or First Class (FC) passengers are permitted to carry pets. AC2 Tier, AC3 Tier, AC Chair Car, Sleeper Class, and Second-Class compartments are all off-limits to pets.
