NEW DELHI: Travellers by train are permitted to bring their pets. But the travellers must adhere to certain standards. So pet reloaction is now easier.
Animals like elephants, horses, mules, sheep, goats, dogs, and other animals and birds are transported by railroads. In fact, trains are almost always regarded as the best means of transportation when it comes to moving pet dogs.
What’s the norm for dogs?
Dogs can travel with passengers in first-class accommodations or they can be booked as luggage in a luggage-cum-brake van while being supervised by the train manager or guard.
Norms for taking dogs with passengers:
- In order for the passenger or passengers to travel with the pet dog, the passenger in question must reserve a seat in AC-first class in 2-berth coupe or a 4-berth cabin. Pet dogs cannot travel with passengers who do not have tickets for AC-first class in 2-berth coupe or a 4-berth cabin.
- Each Passenger Name Record (PNR) may only have one dog.
- Whether the traveller has a PRS ticket or an online ticket purchased through IRCTC, the dog must be taken to the luggage office at least three hours before the train departs.
- If a customer is travelling in AC first class or first class coupe, the prescribed fees for checked bags, as applicable, will be collected.
- Dogs are not permitted in the second class, sleeper class, third class, AC 2 tier, or AC chair cars.
- The dog will be relocated to the guard’s van; no reimbursement is offered if fellow passengers object to the dog staying in the compartment.
- Penalties will be assessed if a passenger is found to be transporting dogs without a valid reservation. Indian Railways will charge the dog’s owner six times the Scale-L luggage tariff, with a minimum payment of Rs. 30.
- A doctor’s certificate stating the breed, colour, and gender of the pet dog is required in order to make a reservation.
- The safe transportation of dogs shall be the exclusive responsibility of the passengers. Owners are responsible for making their own preparations for the dog’s food and water needs when travelling.
Liability of Railways:
After the transit has ended, railways will not be held liable for the loss, annihilation, damage, deterioration, or non-delivery of animals.
Pro Tips:
- There are many unfriendly dogs at the parcel office, its NOT mandatory to take your pet along.
- The process is easy, do not get overwhelmed by the booking officers trick questions.
- The whole experience can be a little stressful though because you do not have a confirmation until 4 hours before departure.
- The ticket price for your pet is as per the distance, NOT the size or breed.
- Other than 1st Ac, technically, a puppy/kitten who will stay in a basket can travel in any class or a pet alone in a crate in the luggage coach.