Railways Insist on Pet Travel Protocol; Passengers Seek Flexibility
Unbooked dogs detected on trains will be charged six times the scale‑L luggage rate, subject to a minimum of ₹50, depending on the journey.
Hyderabad:Pet lovers often consider themselves as pet parents, but when it comes to public spaces, prescribed norms must be followed. In Indian Railways, passengers travelling with pets are required to comply with specific rules and protocols.
A recent incident on the Falaknuma Express (Train No. 1274) between Secunderabad and Howrah highlighted this issue. On August 11, a woman boarded the First AC cabin carrying cats. When questioned by the travelling ticket examiner (TTE), she was found without valid bookings for her pets. The subsequent action taken was not reported by the railways.
Railway authorities clarified that pets can be carried only under proper procedure. Cats and dogs are permitted in First Class AC if the owner books an entire two‑berth coupe or four‑berth cabin, or by booking them in the luggage‑cum‑brake van. This is to avoid inconvenience to other passengers. Pets are not allowed in 2AC, 3AC, Sleeper or Chair Car classes. Owners must carry vaccination records, a veterinary fitness‑to‑travel certificate issued within 24 to 48 hours of departure, and other required documents. Blind passengers may take guide dogs in First Class under the same rules.
Murli Krishna, one of the TTEs, said, “Unknowingly passengers carry along with them the pets, without prior booking. On our questioning they confront. People travelling with pets should know the procedure and follow the protocol.”
Leela Prasad, a pet parent, responded, “Pets are an integral part of one’s family, and the authorities should be flexible when someone brings his pets.”
If a full First AC coupe cannot be booked, pets must travel in a specialised crate or “dog box” in the brake van under the supervision of the train guard. Online booking for dogs and cats is available through the IRCTC website for both e‑tickets and counter tickets. Dogs must be provided with collars and chains, and owners must arrange food and water during the journey.
Authorities added that dogs should be tied with chains inside the dog box in the guard’s cabin. Large dogs that cannot be accommodated in the brake van will be transported in special vehicles under conditions similar to those for horses.
Unbooked dogs detected on trains will be charged six times the scale‑L luggage rate, subject to a minimum of ₹50, depending on the journey.
