For pet parents planning a rail journey with their animals, it is important to understand the key requirements — including booking timelines, coach eligibility, coupe or cabin allocation, the pet ticket process, and essential documents such as a fitness certificate. Being aware of these procedures in advance can make travelling with cats and dogs on Indian trains much smoother.

Pets Are Allowed Only in First AC

Under Indian Railways rules, pets are permitted to travel only in First AC coaches. Passengers planning to bring their cats or dogs on board must book tickets in this class.

Since First AC coaches have limited seats and specific cabin and coupe allocations, travellers are advised to plan their journey well in advance. Ideally, tickets should be booked 15 to 30 days before the date of travel.

Advance planning is especially important because First AC does not offer Tatkal booking, which means last-minute reservations are usually not possible.

When and How to Book a Pet Ticket

Unlike regular passenger tickets, pet tickets can only be booked after the train reservation chart is prepared. Seat numbers are assigned after the chart is finalised, followed by the pet booking process.

At this stage, passengers can choose between two options to obtain the pet ticket:

Booking through the parcel office

One method is to visit the railway parcel office at the station.

The process involves:

• Taking the pet and the carrier to the parcel office
• Having both weighed by railway staff
• Getting a parcel receipt, which serves as the pet’s travel document

Booking the pet ticket online

Indian Railways also allows pet ticket booking online, which is a simpler process for many travellers.

For online booking:

• Select cat or dog as the pet type
• Enter the number of pets travelling
• Pay a fixed fee
• Receive the receipt by email

Unlike the parcel office process, there is no requirement to take the pet to the station for weighing when booking online.

Why Many Travellers Prefer Online Booking

For many passengers, the online booking option is more convenient. Railway parcel offices are often located at a distance from the main station building, making them harder to access on the day of travel.

The online option avoids the need to visit the parcel office with the pet and carrier, making the booking process quicker and more convenient.