Indian Railways online pet booking is now available for dogs and cats. Pet parents no longer have to rely solely on visiting a parcel counter in person to book their pet. IRCTC has rolled out an online pet booking system that lets you book a luggage ticket for your pet directly through its e-ticketing website, provided your own train ticket meets certain conditions.
If you’re looking for the IRCTC pet booking online process, this guide explains the steps, eligibility rules, class restrictions, and important points you should know before travelling with your dog or cat by train.
Can You Travel With a Dog or Cat on Indian Railways?
Yes, you can, but only under specific conditions. According to IRCTC’s official terms, dogs and cats accompanied by their owners can be carried in First AC or First Class only when the entire cabin or coupe is booked under a single PNR.
This means the full 4-berth cabin or full 2-berth coupe must be allotted to the same booking. Pets are not allowed in 2AC, 3AC, Sleeper Class, Chair Car, or General compartments under the usual rules for dogs.
There’s one exception though: puppies and kittens small enough to be carried in a basket can travel with their owner in any class after paying the usual booking charges.
If you need a full cabin or coupe allotted against your First AC or First Class PNR, the request has to be made through the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) or General Manager’s office. A confirmed First AC or First Class ticket does not automatically guarantee coupe or cabin allotment.
What is Indian Railways Online Pet Booking?
Earlier, taking a pet on a train meant visiting the parcel or luggage office at the station in person, often hours before departure. This was stressful and inconvenient for pet parents who had to deal with an anxious dog or cat, luggage, documents, carriers, and paperwork together. But now, with online pet booking in Indian Railways, you can complete this process digitally through the IRCTC website, which redirects you to Indian Railways’ Parcel portal to generate a luggage ticket for your pet. No separate trip to the counter is required for this part of the process.
You still need the correct passenger ticket, eligible class, required documents, pet details, payment confirmation, and travel-day preparation.
When Can You Use Online Pet Booking in Indian Railways?
A few important conditions apply:
- You should have a confirmed train ticket.
- Pet ticket booking opens only after the first chart is prepared.
- Booking remains open until the final chart is prepared.
- Your own passenger PNR must be eligible (i.e., confirmed, and meeting the cabin/coupe condition above).
- Payment is processed through the SBI payment gateway.
- No refund is given on the pet’s freight charges if you cancel your PNR, or even if the train is cancelled or delayed.
Indian Railways’ luggage rules state that dogs are not allowed in AC sleeper coaches, AC chair car, sleeper class, or second class coaches, and dogs carried against rules can be removed to the brake van with charges levied.
However, puppies and kittens that can be carried in a basket have a separate rule and can be carried in any class after payment of usual booking charges. For details, read the section “Can Puppies and Kittens Be Booked Online?“
Step-by-Step Guide: Indian Railways Pet Booking Online
Here’s how the Indian Railways online pet booking process works:
Step 1: Go to the IRCTC Website
Visit the IRCTC website. Click on the TRAINS menu, then select the Dogs/Cats Booking submenu.
Step 2: Log In Through the Parcel Portal
You’ll be redirected to Indian Railways’ Parcel website. Here:
- Enter your mobile number and click Get OTP.
- Enter the OTP you receive, along with the captcha shown.
- Enter your email ID and click Log In to continue.
Step 3: Check PNR Eligibility
- Enter your PNR number and click Submit.
- Your PNR details will be displayed.
- If the first chart has been prepared and your PNR is eligible, you’ll see the option to select the number of pets you’re carrying.
- If your PNR isn’t eligible, the system will display a Dog/Cat Booking Not Allowed screen instead.
Step 4: Enter Pet & ID Details
- Select the number of pets (dog/cat) you’re travelling with.
- Provide your ID card details as requested.
- Click Pay to proceed to payment.
Step 5: Review and Pay
- Review all the details you’ve entered.
- Click Payment through SBI. You’ll be redirected to the SBI payment gateway.
- Choose your preferred payment method (UPI, card, etc.). If you use UPI, select the QR option and scan it using any UPI app.
Step 6: Get Your Confirmation
Once payment is successful, a Dog/Cat booking confirmation page is displayed along with your Luggage Ticket Number.
You should also receive the luggage ticket by email and a confirmation SMS on your registered mobile number. Save the ticket digitally and keep a printed copy if possible.
This booking also reflects on the TTE’s handheld device against your passenger record when the final chart is prepared.
Train Classes and Pet Travel Rules to Know
Indian Railways does not allow pets in every class or coach, so check the rules before booking your own ticket. Read the official IRCTC pet policy for online booking to understand class restrictions, pet booking conditions, and document requirements before planning train travel with your dog or cat.
- Pets Are Not Allowed in Every Coach: Pets are not allowed in AC sleeper, AC chair car, sleeper class, or second class coaches.
- Puppies and kittens: They can travel in any class if they are small enough to be carried in a basket and the booking charges are paid.
- First AC/First Class rule: A dog can travel with you in First AC or First Class only after booking and payment, and only if the entire cabin (4 berths) or entire coupe (2 berths) is allotted to a single PNR.
- Dog box/brake van: Some trains allow dogs to travel in the brake van or dog box after proper booking and payment.
- Unbooked dogs: If a dog is found travelling without proper booking, penalty charges can be applied.
- Food and water: Owners must arrange their dog’s food and water during the journey.
- Collar and chain: Dogs must have a collar and chain during train travel.
- Large dogs: Large dogs that cannot fit in the dog box may need a special vehicle, where applicable.
Note on Fellow Passenger Consent
Railway luggage rules mention the consent of fellow passengers when a dog is taken into a shared First AC or First Class compartment. But online dog or cat booking requires a full coupe or full cabin under a single PNR. If the full space is allotted to your booking, the fellow passenger issue becomes less relevant.
The bigger risk is not getting the coupe or cabin at all.
Documents and Other Requirements
The official online booking terms do not give a long document checklist for the online step itself. Still, pet parents should carry the following documents and items physically at the station, because TTEs, parcel-office staff, or station staff can ask for them.
- A valid ID proof, preferably the same one used during online booking
- Your pet’s vaccination certificate, especially rabies vaccination
- A recent veterinary fitness certificate
- Pet details such as breed, colour, gender, age, and weight
- A secure pet carrier, crate, basket, leash, collar, or chain, depending on your pet and travel method
- A copy of the dog/cat luggage ticket after online booking
- Digital and printed copies of all important documents
For a detailed list of pet travel documents, read our guide on Documents required for pet travel in India.
Charges and Refund Policy
A Railway Board luggage rules PDF states that pet dogs can be carried in AC First Class and First Class at luggage rates. Charges are prepaid, and different weight calculations may apply depending on whether the dog is carried in a passenger compartment or in the brake van/dog box.
Payment for dog booking in train or cat booking in train is collected via the SBI payment gateway and credited to the zonal railway of your source station.
No refund is issued on the pet’s freight/luggage charges if you cancel your passenger PNR, or the train is cancelled or runs late.
This makes it important to be reasonably confident about your travel plans before completing the pet booking, since this charge is non-refundable regardless of what happens to your own ticket afterward.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Booking
- Timing matters: You can book your pet online only after the first chart is prepared, not when you first book your own passenger ticket.
- The booking window is short: Pet booking opens after the first chart and closes before the final chart, so check your PNR and chart status early.
- Full cabin or coupe is mandatory: A shared First AC compartment with unrelated passengers does not qualify for online dog/cat booking. You need the entire 2-berth coupe or 4-berth cabin under one PNR.
- Class restrictions are strict: Dogs and cats are not allowed in 2AC, 3AC, Sleeper, Chair Car, or General class under the usual online dog/cat booking rules. Basket-sized puppies and kittens have a separate rule.
- Reach the station early: Even after online booking, reach early so staff have time to check your pet, luggage ticket, carrier, and documents if required.
- Keep a backup plan: If the site does not work, payment fails, or the PNR is not accepted, you may need to contact the parcel or luggage office immediately.
Common Problems During Online Pet Booking
You may face some problems while using the Indian Railways online pet booking system.
- Pet booking option not visible
- Website not opening or loading properly
- PNR not accepted
- First chart not prepared
- Coupe or cabin not allotted
- Mobile number mismatch
- Payment failed or stuck
- Payment done but receipt not saved
- Station staff asks for physical verification
- Dog box or brake van not available
- Site down after cabin/coupe allotment
If any of these happen, take screenshots and contact the parcel or luggage office at your departure station as early as possible.
Approximate Online Pet Booking Window
Indian Railways online pet booking does not open when you first book your own train ticket. It opens only after the first chart is prepared and remains available until the final chart is prepared, according to the IRCTC online dog/cat booking guide.
In general railway reservation practice, the first reservation chart has traditionally been prepared several hours before departure, and the final chart is prepared closer to departure. A PIB release on railway charting says reservation charts are prepared at least 4 hours before scheduled departure, and booking/cancellation after the first chart is allowed up to 30 minutes before departure.
What If the Cabin or Coupe Is Allotted but the Site Is Down?
If your full coupe or cabin is allotted but the online dog/cat booking site is down, do not wait silently and hope it fixes itself at the last minute.
First, take screenshots of the error, your PNR status, chart status, and allotted cabin or coupe. Try again after a few minutes using another browser, another device, or a different internet connection. If payment fails, save the message or screenshot.
At the same time, contact the parcel or luggage office at the departure station and ask whether they can complete the pet booking offline at the station. Carry your confirmed ticket, ID proof, pet documents, veterinary certificate, and screenshots showing that the online system was not working.
You should also reach the station earlier than usual. Online booking is helpful, but if the website fails during the short booking window, the parcel or luggage office may be your only immediate option.
Important: If your coupe or cabin is allotted but online pet booking is not working, contact the parcel or luggage office immediately. Do not arrive close to departure without screenshots, documents, proof of payment if any, and enough time for station-level handling.
What if a coupe or cabin is not allotted?
If a coupe or full cabin is not allotted for your PNR, your dog or cat will not be eligible to travel with you inside the passenger compartment under the online dog/cat booking process. Online pet booking in Indian Railways is available only to confirmed First AC or First Class accommodation and coupe or cabin allotment, so check the final chart carefully before assuming your pet can travel with you.
If a cabin or coupe is not allotted, contact the parcel or luggage office immediately and ask whether your pet can be booked in the brake van or dog box, if available on that train. Indian Railways’ luggage rules mention carriage of dogs in the brake van/dog box at luggage rates.
If a dog box or brake van booking is not available, the safest option is to change the travel plan rather than arrive at the station expecting the railway staff to manage.
For anxious, senior, small, or medically sensitive pets, brake van travel may not be suitable, so confirm the option carefully before proceeding.
Important: booking a ticket is not enough. For pet travel in First AC/First Class, coupe or cabin allotment is the crucial step. Without it, your pet may have to travel separately, or you may need to postpone the trip or choose another mode of travel.
Can Puppies and Kittens Be Booked Online?
Indian Railways allows puppies and kittens that can be carried in a basket to travel with owners in any class after payment of the usual booking charges. However, the official IRCTC pet booking online guide clearly explains the online dog/cat booking process for First AC/First Class only. A separate online process for basket-carried puppies or kittens in other classes is not clearly mentioned.
So, if you are travelling with a puppy or kitten in a class other than First AC or First Class, do not assume online booking will work. Confirm the current process with the luggage or parcel office at the departure station.
You may need to pay the prescribed luggage charges at the station and carry a confirmed passenger ticket, valid ID proof, and a veterinary certificate mentioning the pet’s breed, colour and gender.
How Indian Railways Could Make Online Pet Booking Easier
Indian Railways could make online pet booking much easier by adding a pet-travel option at the time of passenger ticket booking. Pet parents should be able to check whether a 2-berth coupe or 4-berth cabin is available, and understand the full pet-travel conditions before payment. This would reduce last-minute confusion and help passengers avoid booking a journey that may not work for their dog or cat.
Until such a system is clearly available, do not assume that a First AC ticket automatically means your dog or cat can travel with you. Coupe or cabin allotment, pet booking rules, documents, and station-level confirmation all are important.
Disclaimer: Rules and online screens may change, so always confirm current requirements with IRCTC and the departure station’s parcel or luggage office before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Indian Railways online pet booking?
Indian Railways online pet booking is an IRCTC facility that allows eligible passengers to book a luggage ticket for their dog or cat online through the IRCTC website and Indian Railways Parcel portal.
2. Can I book a pet ticket in any train class?
No. Under the online dog/cat booking process, dogs and cats accompanied by their owner can travel in First AC or First Class only when the full cabin or coupe is allotted under a single PNR. Puppies and kittens small enough to be carried in a basket have a separate rule.
3. When can I book my pet’s ticket online?
You can book your pet online only after the first chart is prepared and before the final chart is prepared. This gives pet parents a limited booking window before departure.
4. What is the approximate online pet booking window?
The exact timing depends on chart preparation for your train. In general, the first chart is prepared several hours before departure, and the final chart is prepared closer to departure. Check your PNR and chart status early instead of waiting until the last moment.
5. What should I do if the pet booking website is down?
Take screenshots of the error, your PNR, and your allotted coupe or cabin. Try another browser, device, or internet connection. At the same time, contact the parcel or luggage office at your departure station and reach the station early with all documents.
6. Is online pet booking available for both e-tickets and counter tickets?
Yes, the IRCTC online dog/cat booking guide says the facility is available for both e-tickets and counter tickets, provided the eligibility conditions are met.
7. How do I pay for my pet’s ticket?
Payment is made through the SBI payment gateway. You can use the payment methods shown on the SBI payment screen.
8. Will I get a refund if I cancel my train ticket?
No. The pet freight or luggage charge is non-refundable, even if the passenger cancels the PNR or the train is cancelled or delayed.
9. What if my PNR shows “Dog/Cat Booking Not Allowed”?
It usually means your booking does not meet the eligibility conditions. The most common reasons are that the first chart has not been prepared, the full coupe or cabin is not allotted, or the class is not eligible.
10. Do I need a vaccination certificate for online pet booking in Indian Railways?
The booking process does not require a vaccination or fitness certificate for your pet, but you should carry them because station staff or the TTE may ask for it before or during travel.
11. Whom do I contact for issues with online pet booking?
For urgent travel-day problems, contact the parcel or luggage office at your departure station. For online booking-related queries, use the contact details listed in IRCTC’s official dog/cat booking terms.