Indian Railways introduces strict new guidelines and special vehicles for pet travel

Indian Railways has implemented comprehensive updates to its pet travel regulations to enhance animal safety and improve management across the rail network. These revised guidelines introduce strict standards for transporting dogs, tighten capacity limits, and outline mandatory booking protocols that every pet parent must follow before boarding.

Under the updated rules large dogs that cannot fit into standard dog boxes are no longer permitted in standard luggage vans and must instead be transported via specialized vehicles adhering to protocols similar to horse transport. Additionally the railway authority has stipulated that a single dog box is strictly restricted to one dog only meaning passengers traveling with two animals must secure separate bookings for each pet.

Current Booking Rules and Accommodations

As of August 2026 Indian Railways maintains clear policies regarding where pets can stay during a journey. Pets are permitted inside First Class AC 1AC coaches only when a passenger books an entire two-berth coupe or a four-berth cabin under a single PNR. For travelers unable to secure an entire coupe the animal must be placed in a specialized crate or dog box within the luggage-cum-brake van under the supervision of the train guard.

To complete a brake van booking owners must visit the station parcel office at least three hours before departure for document verification and fee payment. Prohibited classes still include 2AC, 3AC, Sleeper, Chair Car, and General coaches to maintain hygiene and comfort for all passengers.

Required Documentation and Penalties

Traveling with pets requires careful preparation and valid paperwork. Owners must carry up-to-date vaccination records including rabies immunization alongside a veterinary fitness-to-travel certificate issued within 24 to 48 hours of departure. A signed undertaking in the prescribed format is also mandatory.

While IRCTC continues to expand online booking facilities certain offline parcel office procedures remain essential. Passengers must note that traveling with an unbooked pet carries a heavy penalty equivalent to six times the scale-L luggage rate with a minimum charge of rupees fifty.