According to Pune railway authorities, between January 2023 and February 2024, over 7,000 pets, including dogs, cats, goats, and chicks, were transported via train from Pune station. Emphasizing the importance of arriving at the station two hours prior to boarding, especially for those traveling with pets, an officer from the parcel department outlined two methods for pet travel: accompanying them in a cabin or coupe or transporting them in the brake van or luggage van. Read on to more on travelling with pets in Indian railways .
"Booking a full cabin or coupe in a first-class AC coach is an option, but many choose slots in the brake vans due to cost-effectiveness," explained an official. Owners wishing to transport their pets via train cannot do so online. Instead, they must visit the parcel section and provide vaccination and fitness certificates issued by a veterinarian.
The charges for transporting pets in the brake van are based on a standard weight of 30 kg, with rates varying depending on the train and distance. For example, the cost of transporting a dog from Pune to Delhi is approximately Rs 800. If a cabin or coupe is booked, the charges increase.
"Pune station has generated revenue of approximately Rs 13 lakh from pet transport during this period," he added, highlighting specific weight requirements for goats and the parceling process for chicks.
For travelers planning to bring their pets on Indian Railways, the following guide provided by IRCTC outlines the necessary steps:
Ticket Booking:
Begin by booking your train ticket online through the official IRCTC website. Ensure to take a photocopy of the ticket for reference.
Pet's Health Requirements:
Prior to travel, ensure that your pet has received all necessary vaccinations. Carry copies of the vaccination reports for verification.
Fitness Certificate:
Obtain a fitness certificate from a veterinarian within 24 to 48 hours before departure. This certificate should include details such as the breed, color, and gender of the pet.
Identity Documents:
Carry all required identification documents for yourself and your pet.
Booking at Luggage Office:
Visit the luggage office at least 3 hours before the scheduled departure time to book your pet's travel slot. This step applies to all passengers, regardless of whether the ticket was purchased through a booking counter or online.
Limitation on Pets:
Note that only one pet is allowed per Passenger Name Record (PNR).
Applicable Charges:
Pay the applicable charges for traveling with your pet in AC Tier 1 or First Class Coupe. It's important to remember that pets are not permitted in AC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, AC Chair Car, Sleeper Class, and Second-Class compartments.
Pet Comfort:
Carry sufficient food, water, and other necessities to keep your pet comfortable throughout the journey.
Behavioral Consideration:
Be mindful of your pet's behavior during the journey. If any co-passengers raise complaints about your pet's behavior, railway authorities may intervene and remove the pet from the train.
By adhering to these guidelines, travelers can ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey with their pets on Indian Railways.
Puppies in basket ·Puppies can be carried in baskets in all the classes of accommodation. Passengers carrying the puppies in baskets should hold a confirmed ticket and valid proof of identity. Fitness certificate from a Veterinary Doctor citing that the dog is not suffering from any infectious/contagious diseases must be obtained 24-48 hrs before journey and must be mandatorily submitted along with vaccination cards at the time of booking. Prescribed luggage charges as applicable will be levied for booking. The passenger will be solely responsible for safe carriage of puppies in the basket. In Brake Van ·The passengers can book their pet dogs for carriage in the Dog-box available in luggage-cum-Brake Van (of conventional ICF coaches), under the supervision of the Train Manager (Guard) of the train. only one dog will be allowed in a dog-box at a time ·The passenger must hold a confirmed/reserved ticket (for journey in the train in which his pet dog is booked) and proof of identity ·The dog must be taken to the luggage office, at least 3 hrs in advance of the departure of the train. · Prescribed charges in luggage rate will be collected for dog booking. The receipt (Guard’s foil) obtained should be submitted to the Guard of the train at the originating station. ·The passenger/pet owner must ensure that the dog is properly chained with a mouth guard before the dog is boarded in the Brake Van and kept inside the dog box. ·At the destination station the passenger foil of the receipt must be produced to the Guard ·It is the responsibility of the passenger to provide drinking water and food (biscuits etc) for the dog traveling in brake van ·Fitness certificate from a Veterinary Doctor citing that the dog is not suffering from any infectious/contagious diseases must be obtained 24-48 hrs before journey and must be mandatorily submitted along with vaccination cards at the time of booking.
note- policies and procedure may vary as per Indian Railway guidelines and are case specific as well .
Happy travelling !!
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content source - https://indiarailinfo.com/faq
