New Delhi: Pets are those companions which bring unbridled joy and happiness in our lives. Their antics constantly bring a smile to our face, relieving us of stress and anxiety. Pets demand only love in return and nothing else, and hence, they are considered the best of friends. Now, when people in India go on a tour, they leave their pets behind at home or someplace else where they will be taken care of till the owners come back. While it is stressful for the pets, it is also a headache for the pet-owners as they have to worry how their furry friends are doing in their absence.
Those who travel by train, have pets but do not know how to carry them during the journey, fret no more. In this article, we will inform you how to carry pets in trains in India. You must be glad to know that the Indian Railways has taken several steps so that people can carry their pets with them while travelling on train.
How to carry pets in trains in India?
Things to remember about carrying pets in trains
- Passengers can carry their pets along with them in first AC coach or it can be booked as luggage in luggage-cum-brake van which will be supervised by train manager or guard.
- Several trains have designated dog boxes which must be booked for dogs. Small pets like kittens and puppies which can fit in a basket can travel in any class in exchanged of booking charges.
- When it comes to dogs and cats, they can travel in AC First Class with their owners only if the person books an entire cabin of four berths or coupe of two berths on a single PNR and the usual booking charges will be applied. Please do note that passengers who do not have AC-first class or first class cabin or coupe cannot carry their pets along with them during the journey.
- If any passenger objects to the pet, then it will be removed to the guard’s van and there will be no refund. Also, if any passenger is found to carry pets without proper booking, then a penalty will be levied. Moreover, the passenger will be responsible for the safety of the pet.
- Those who are looking to book a four-berth cabin or two-berth coupe must contact the divisional railway manager or the office of the general manager. During cabin or coupe allotment, these requests are given priority.
Steps to follow to carry pets in train
- You must have the train ticket and a printed copy of that. Please do not forget to carry the required identity documents for verification.
- The pet must be fully vaccinated and the passenger must carry the vaccination reports as proof. Also, 24 hours to 48 hours before departure, get a fitness certificate signed by vet which must have the pet’s breed, color, and gender.
- You must visit the luggage office at least three hours before the train’s departure to complete the booking of your pet, irrespective of whether you have got the ticket online or offline. You can take only one pet per Passenger Name Record (PNR).
- Make sure to bring food, water, and any essentials to keep your pet comfortable during the journey. Larger pets like dogs can also travel in luggage-cum-brake van under the supervision of the guard.
In recent years, pet ownership has increased in India, especially in urban areas. As per the India International Pet Trade Fair, the country’s pet industry is growing at a rate of 13.9 per cent every year, and more people are now looking to carry their pets with them. Since train is the most sought-after mode of transportation in India, people are looking for ways to carry their pets while travelling by train.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on traveling with pets on Indian Railways. It covers the online booking process introduced in May 2024, rules and regulations for carrying pets, and essential steps for a smooth journey. Biz News Business News – Personal Finance News, Share Market News, BSE/NSE News, Stock Exchange News Today
