Here’s how to travel with your pets in the Indian Railways

Believe it or not, pets too need a break sometimes. A little change of scenery, small adventures, our fur-babies need them too! If driving with them is out of the picture and airlines don’t sound like a possibility either, don’t worry, here’s the Indian Railways to the rescue. It doesn’t matter big or small, you can travel with your pet, and here’s how.Also read: Beautiful alternatives to popular tourist places in India

The most important – pick a destination which is accessible by train. Direct access is always better.

Both non-premium and premium trains allow pets onboard. If they have first-class AC compartments, that’s all you need to begin with.

Yes, your fur babies are allowed to travel with you only in the first class compartment. AC First Class is what you will have to look for.

AC First Class has two options – either a cabin with four seats or a coupe with two seats. In Rajdhani, you can travel with pets ONLY if you book the entire cabin or a coupe.

While booking your ticket, you can select Coupe as your preference, but please bear in mind that does not guarantee you getting a Coupe. To make things simpler, book two tickets (in case you are travelling alone with your pet).

This is the most important thing you need to do. Your pet will need to be fully vaccinated (anti rabies and other diseases like parvo, distemper, parainfluenza, kennel cough to name a few).

Once your pet is fully vaccinated, ask your vet for a travel cum health certificate (one or two days prior to the actual date of departure). This certificate is given only after a thorough health check-up.

A visit to the Railway Reservation Office is the most important step here. To ensure a Coupe or a cabin (in case of four bookings), head to the office of the Reservation Officer (Baroda House, Headquarters of the Northern Railways, in case of Delhi). Here you will need to submit an application stating your reason for a Coupe or a cabin. Along with the application, you will also need to attach a copy of your ticket, a copy of your photo ID, and a copy of your pet’s vaccination and health certificate. Just drop the application at the drop box outside the office. No meeting required.

Go a couple of hours ahead of the time of departure. Once at the railway station, you will need to head to the Parcel Office where you will need to produce your confirmed ticket, vaccination and travel certificate. Once submitted, your pet will be weighed and charge a fee of INR 30 per kilogram. Once this process is completed, you will be handed a ‘ticket’ for your pet. This ticket is important! If you are found travelling without this ticket, once you are onboard, the charge goes up six times more than the usual, per pet!