Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Railways Enforce Pet Travel Rules as Passengers Seek Flexibility
Indian Railways has rules for people who want to travel with cats or dogs.
A woman recently boarded the Falaknuma Express with cats but did not have the required bookings.
Pets can travel in First AC only if the owner books the whole two-berth coupe or four-berth cabin.
They can also travel in a special crate in the train’s luggage or brake van.
Pets are not allowed in 2AC, 3AC, Sleeper or Chair Car coaches.
Owners need vaccination records and a recent veterinary fitness certificate.
They must also provide food and water during the trip.
Some pet owners want the railways to be more flexible, while officials say passengers must follow the established procedure.
A woman carrying cats on the Falaknuma Express reportedly lacked valid pet bookings.
Indian Railways permits cats and dogs in First AC only when an entire coupe or cabin is booked.
Pets may instead travel in a crate or dog box in the luggage-cum-brake van.
Pets are prohibited in 2AC, 3AC, Sleeper and Chair Car classes.
Unbooked dogs can incur a charge of six times the scale-L luggage rate, with a minimum of ₹50.
- Who
- Indian Railways, passengers travelling with pets, and pet owners.
- What
- Railway authorities reiterated procedures for carrying cats and dogs on trains after a woman travelled with unbooked cats.
- When
- The reported incident occurred on August 11; no year was specified.
- Where
- On the Falaknuma Express between Secunderabad and Howrah, with the report originating from Hyderabad.
- Why
- The rules are intended to prevent inconvenience to other passengers and ensure pets are transported under prescribed conditions.
Railway Authorities
Pet Owners
Following booking procedures
Railway Authorities
Passengers must arrange the required bookings, documents and approved accommodation before travelling with pets.
Pet Owners
Some passengers may bring pets without prior booking because they are unaware of the procedure, while pet owners seek more flexibility.
Shared passenger comfort
Railway Authorities
The rules and separate pet accommodation are intended to avoid inconvenience to other passengers.
Pet Owners
Pets are integral parts of their owners’ families, so authorities should be flexible when passengers travel with them.
- Permitted First AC travel
- Cats and dogs may travel in First AC when the owner books an entire two-berth coupe or four-berth cabin.
- Alternative accommodation
- Pets may travel in a specialised crate or dog box in the luggage-cum-brake van under the train guard’s supervision.
- Prohibited classes
- Pets are not allowed in 2AC, 3AC, Sleeper or Chair Car classes.
- Required documents
- Owners must carry vaccination records, a veterinary fitness-to-travel certificate issued within 24 to 48 hours of departure, and other required documents.
- Online booking
- Dogs and cats can be booked online through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation website for e-tickets and counter tickets.
- Unbooked-dog penalty
- Unbooked dogs may be charged six times the scale-L luggage rate, subject to a minimum of ₹50.
- Large dogs
- Dogs too large for the brake van will be transported in special vehicles under conditions similar to those for horses.