Last checked against Indian Railways and IRCTC sources on 23-10-2026. Rules and charges can change; confirm at your station’s parcel office.
Planning dog travel in train in India? Indian Railways does allow pet dogs, but only in certain ways: with you in a First AC coupe or cabin, or in a dog box in the brake van. This guide explains each option, how to book on IRCTC, and what to carry, using Indian Railways’ and IRCTC’s own rules. Flying instead? See our airline pet policy guide.
Your two options at a glance
| With you: First AC / First Class | Dog box in the brake van | |
|---|---|---|
| Condition | Whole 2-berth coupe or 4-berth cabin on one PNR [S1] | Dog travels as booked luggage [S2] |
| Charged as | 60 kg of luggage [S2] | 30 kg of luggage [S2] |
| Rate | Luggage scale L, by distance [S2] | Luggage scale L, by distance [S2] |
| Best for | Most dogs; you can care for them | Only when First AC isn’t possible |
Option 1: your dog travels with you in First AC
- Dogs and cats travelling with their owners can go in First AC or First Class only when the entire 4-berth cabin or 2-berth coupe is allotted to a single PNR. [S1] In practice, that means booking all the berths in it.
- Ask for a cabin or coupe against your First AC PNR at the divisional railway manager’s office or the General Manager’s office. Railways say “due consideration” is given to such requests, so a coupe isn’t guaranteed. [S1]
- The dog is charged as 60 kg of luggage at luggage scale L, whatever its actual weight. [S2]
- Dogs must wear a collar and be on a chain or leash, and you provide the dog’s food and water. [S2]
Small puppies and kittens in a basket
A puppy or kitten small enough to be carried in a basket can travel with its owner in any class, on payment of the usual booking charges. [S1]
Option 2: the dog box in the brake van
- Your dog travels in a dog box in the guard’s brake van, charged as 30 kg of luggage at scale L. [S2]
- Railway rules ask for dogs to be kept in separate boxes where possible, and for the guard to keep the box’s water trough filled with clean water and the door locked. [S3]
- A label with the booking details is tied to the dog’s collar. [S3]
- A dog too large for a dog box has to be booked in a special vehicle at horse rates. [S3]
- The railway’s liability for a dog is limited unless you declare a higher value and pay an extra percentage charge. [S3]
Our view: the brake van is noisy, and you can only check on your dog at stops. Choose First AC whenever you can, especially in summer or for a nervous or older dog.
How to book your dog’s ticket on IRCTC
- Book your own ticket first. For First AC, book the whole coupe or cabin on one PNR. [S1]
- Wait for the first chart. Dogs/Cats booking opens only after the first reservation chart is prepared, and closes when the final chart is prepared. [S1]
- Book online. IRCTC’s e-ticketing website lets you book dogs or cats against both e-tickets and counter tickets. Choose the number of pets and give your ID card details. [S1]
- Pay. Payment goes through the SBI payment gateway. [S1]
- Get your luggage ticket. You receive an SMS, and the luggage ticket is emailed to you. The final chart shows your pet against your name on the TTE’s handheld device. [S1]
If the online option doesn’t work for your journey, book at the parcel office of your boarding station.
Refunds
The freight charge for your dog’s luggage ticket is not refunded if you cancel your ticket, or if the train is cancelled or late. [S1]
What’s not allowed
- Dogs are not allowed in AC sleeper or second class coaches. [S2]
- A dog found in a coach where it isn’t allowed is moved to the brake van, and you pay a penalty of six times the luggage rate. [S2]
- An unbooked dog is also charged six times the luggage rate. [S2]
- Railways aren’t bound to carry an animal with diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis or hepatitis. [S3]
What to carry
- Your ID, needed for the IRCTC booking. [S1]
- Your dog’s vaccination record and a vet’s health certificate. They help show your dog is healthy, as railways can refuse an animal with a listed disease. [S3] Keep them in a free Pet Passport.
- Collar, leash or chain, which railway rules require. [S2]
- Food, water and a bowl. You are responsible for feeding your dog. [S2]
- Absorbent pads, poop bags and a towel.
Tips for a calm journey
- Walk your dog well before boarding, and feed a light meal a few hours before.
- Bring its own blanket or bed so the coupe smells familiar.
- On long journeys, offer water at stops and take short toilet breaks on the platform, on a leash.
- Don’t sedate your dog without your vet’s advice.
The Pawsitive Hoomans Take
Booking a whole First AC coupe costs more, but your dog stays with you, and that’s worth it for most families. Book your own tickets early, apply for the coupe straight away, and keep the IRCTC Dogs/Cats booking for after the chart is prepared.
🐾 Moving cities with your pet? Our pet relocation guide compares train, air and road. Keep your dog’s vaccination dates handy with our free Vaccination Tracker.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take my dog in a train in India?
Yes: with you in First AC or First Class if your PNR has the whole coupe or cabin, or in a dog box in the brake van. [S1] [S2]
Can I take my dog in 2AC, 3AC or sleeper class?
No, except a puppy or kitten small enough to carry in a basket, which can go in any class. [S1] [S2]
How do I book a dog ticket on IRCTC?
Use IRCTC’s Dogs/Cats booking after the first chart is prepared and before the final chart. You’ll need your PNR and ID card details. [S1]
How much does it cost to take a dog on a train?
It’s charged at luggage scale L by distance, treating the dog as 60 kg in First AC or 30 kg in the dog box. [S2] Ask the parcel office for the exact amount for your journey.
Is the dog ticket refundable?
No. It isn’t refunded even if the train is cancelled or late. [S1]
Sources and last checked
- [S1] IRCTC, Online ticket booking of Dogs/Cats: general terms and conditions (PDF) – irctc.co.in – Last checked: 23-10-2026
- [S2] Indian Railways, Luggage rules – indianrail.gov.in – Last checked: 23-10-2026
- [S3] Indian Railways Commercial Manual Vol. I, Chapter X: Booking of animals and birds – indianrailways.gov.in – Last checked: 23-10-2026
Disclaimer: PawsitiveHoomans is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with Indian Railways or IRCTC. Confirm current rules and charges at your station before you travel.