For many pet owners, traveling with their furry companions can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the essential information you need to know about embarking on train journeys with your beloved pets, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride for both you and your four-legged friends.
When it comes to train travel with your furry friends, rest assured that companion animals are legally allowed on board. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Traveling with pets on a train can be a breeze if you know what to expect. Whether you have dogs, cats, birds (such as ducks, pheasants, pigeons, parrots, or hawks), small rodents (including squirrels, rats, guinea pigs, mice, hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas, or rabbits), non-venomous amphibians (like frogs or axolotls), aquarium fish, mollusks, small non-venomous reptiles (think chameleons, geckos, turtles, or lizards), or even arthropods (excluding insects), this guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of train travel with your beloved animal companions.
Before embarking on a train journey with your furry friend, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the guidelines and regulations for pet travel on trains. In this article, we’ll outline the key rules you need to know to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip for both you and your beloved companion.
- When traveling with a pet, it’s essential to purchase a ticket for them. These tickets can only be obtained at the official Railways ticket office. The price typically varies based on the class of service and the distance of the journey.
When traveling with animals on a train, it’s essential to note that some train tickets already include the cost of transporting your furry companions. To avoid any surprises, it’s best to confirm this information with the train’s customer support service before embarking on your journey.
When traveling with pets on long-distance trains, most countries don’t require veterinary documentation. However, it’s important to check ahead of time if your chosen class of carriage allows animals onboard.
- When traveling by train with small pets, dogs (excluding large breeds and guide dogs), or birds, it’s essential to transport them in specialized cages or containers. These containers should be placed in designated areas meant for storing hand luggage. Keep in mind that the combined dimensions (length, width, and height) of the cage or container should not exceed 180 cm.
When traveling by train with your pet, it’s essential to be aware of the railway’s rules and regulations regarding animal transport. If your furry companion doesn’t fit into the required cage size, it will be classified as a large animal. In this case, you’ll need to book an entire compartment in either a compartment car or an SV car for your pet’s journey. Keep in mind that transporting large animals in a station wagon is strictly prohibited.
When traveling with pets on the Sapsan or Swallow trains, passengers can take advantage of designated pet-friendly seating areas. Specifically, seats 1-4 in cars 3 and 13, as well as seats 65-66 in cars 8 and 18, are reserved for those journeying with their furry friends.
Guide dogs are permitted to travel on trains free of charge, without the need for transportation documents. However, they must be equipped with a collar and muzzle, and remain at the feet of the passenger they are accompanying. This ensures a comfortable and safe journey for all travelers on board.
- Before embarking on your train journey with your furry companion, be sure to address their hygiene needs ahead of time. It’s best to feed and walk your pet a few hours prior to departure, ensuring a comfortable experience for both your animal and fellow passengers. Don’t forget to pack all essential items your pet may need during the trip, maintaining their well-being throughout the journey.
Have a safe journey!
