Indian Railways is one of the best transport to carry your pets to longer distance. It is safe, affordable, has easy laws and allows small, big, all kinds of animals.

It is very convenient for animals since it also takes several breaks during the journey, is well ventilated and has designated compartments where the pet can stay with the family or an individual pet parent.

Here is a list of rules about how to carry your pet in Indian Railways:

By Indian Railways:

1. Under section 77-A of the Indian Railway Act, the liability of Railways as carriers of animals is limited as specified below, unless the sender elects to pay the percentage charge on value as shown in the Rule 1301: Per Head Elephants Rs.1500/- Horses Rs.750/- Mules, Camels or Horned Cattle Rs.200/- Donkeys, sheep, goats, dogs and other animals or birds Rs.30/-

2. The Railway will not be liable for the loss, destruction or damage arising from freight or restiveness of the animal or from overloading of vehicle or wagon by the consigner or his agent or delay not caused by the negligence or misconduct of their servants, irrespective of whether the sender has engaged to pay the percentage charge on value or not.

3. Railway will not be responsible for the loss, destruction, damage, deterioration or non-delivery of animals after the termination of transit as defined in Rule 153.

RULE AND RATES FOR CONVEYANCE OF DOGS :

1. A passenger can carry small or big dogs like Labrador, boxer, German shepherd along with him in AC First Class or First Class only. The passenger has to reserve the whole compartment in the train.

2. A passenger travelling in First Air condition class or first class may take a dog into the compartment only with the concurrence of fellow passengers on payment of charges mentioned above. The charges are prepaid. If fellow passengers subsequently object to the dog remaining in the compartment, it will be removed to the Guard’s van, no refund is given.

3. For smaller dogs, there are dog boxes in other compartments where you can pay a minimal charge starting from Rs. 10 according to the weight of the animal and carry.

4. Passengers can contact parcel office to make the bookings for your dog.

5. Owners should make their own arrangements for water and food for the dog during the journey.

6. Dogs detected unbooked with the passenger in Ist class compartments will be charged six times the Luggage scale rate subject to a minimum of Rs.50/-

7. A lady travelling alone with children under 12 years of age in a first class compartment may take with her in the compartment one dog on payment of charges at the Dog Box Rates, subject to a minimum of Rs.10/-provided that if another lady enters the compartment, the dog can only be allowed to remain in the compartment with her consent.

8. Any dog detected unbooked will be charged at double the dog-box rate for the distance up to the point of detection and at the dog-box rate for the distance beyond the total charge is subject to a minimum of Rs.20/- for each dog.

9. Dogs are not allowed to be carried in ACC Sleeper Coaches, Acc chair car coaches sleeper class and second class coaches.If a dog is found being carried in contravention of this rule, it will be removed immediately to the brake-van and charges will be levied six times the Luggage Scale Rate subject to a minimum of Rs.50/-

10. Large dogs which cannot be carried in the dog-box of a brake van will be carried in a special vehicle at the same rates and conditions as for horses.

Also read: How to carry your pet on a flight: Rules and charges