Rules for transporting a dog on a train

Hello, dear readers! When going on vacation, dog owners are faced with a dilemma: take the animal with them or leave it at home. There are times when you don't have to choose. Travel with your pet; there is nothing wrong with transporting dogs on the train, especially since the rules in 2021 have been significantly simplified.

In this article I will tell you how to take a dog on a train in Russia. I will not touch on the conditions for traveling with an animal abroad. But keep in mind that for each country, the set of documents may be different.

general information

• Transportation rules in Russia depend on the size of the dog and the category of the train.
• The categories of “large” or “small” dog are determined based on the weight of the pet. “Small” dogs include dogs weighing no more than 20 kg.
• Tickets can be purchased for any category of pets at the railway ticket office.
• Documents and certificates from veterinary hospitals for small dogs are no longer required. The new rule was introduced in January 2021. You can read more here.
• Feeding and caring for a four-legged friend on the go is the responsibility of the owner. The owner himself ensures compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards and conditions and does not allow damage to Russian Railways property.
• Guide dogs travel free of charge without any special documents or certificates, together with the owner, muzzled and on a leash; they must be located next to the feet of the person who is carrying them.

Documents required for travel and cost

According to the new provisions of the law, which have been in force since January 2017 (Order of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation No. 589 of December 27, 2016), you can transport a dog on an electric train (and in general on trains throughout the country) without veterinary documents. That is, now there is no need to obtain any certificates, certificates of vaccinations and deworming, veterinary passport, etc. before the trip.

On a note! Veterinary documents will be needed in 2 cases: if there is a change of owner or transportation by train is associated with any type of business activity, with the exception of movements to exhibition events.

Thus, in most cases, the only document that the owner or accompanying dog needs to have is a special travel document, that is, a ticket. It is usually marked “livestock” or “baggage on hand” (for pets of small breeds). A travel document is required for every animal to travel by train, regardless of its body weight and size. An exception is made only when a guide dog is transported. For all other animals it is necessary to pay for travel, even if there is a trip in the vestibule. The price of such a ticket should not exceed 25% of the ticket price established for passengers on the same route.

How to carry a dog on a train?

The easiest way to carry a dog is on commuter trains. Pets of any size are required to pay a ticket. The cost depends on the distance of the journey. Veterinary certificates are not required. Regardless of size, animals must be muzzled and on a leash under the strict supervision of the owner. Large dogs are allowed to be transported only in vestibules, and the number of pets should be no more than two per carriage.

Travel on long-distance trains

Do you need any certificates?

As I already wrote above, in order to travel by train with a “small” breed dog from the beginning of 2021, you no longer need to issue special veterinary certificates, but only if the animal’s owner has not changed or the transportation is not related to commercial activities.

Therefore, all the fuss with long registration can be avoided. However, you understand that conductors are different and so are passengers. Accordingly, it is better to take with you an international veterinary passport with a stamp on vaccination against rabies and deworming. In principle, I think all owners do it, so there shouldn’t be any problems with it. Let me remind you that the vaccination must be given at least a month before the trip, this is the incubation period. And deworming is carried out two weeks before vaccination, calculate the time. (Marks can be made at any veterinarian). Other types of vaccinations are optional, and there is no need to issue a veterinary health certificate in Form No. 1.

Important! Not all carriage service categories allow dogs. The class of service is indicated on the ticket, be sure to check before purchasing.

Conditions for transporting dogs up to 20 kg

The tables indicate only carriages in which dogs can be transported under certain conditions. In all other types, the transportation of animals is not provided. The tables are compiled taking into account the new 2021 rules.

Attention! All data was taken on July 31, 2017 from the official website of Russian Railways. These may change, so be sure to check before purchasing tickets.

Conditions for transporting dogs over 20 kg

Where and how to buy a train ticket for a dog?

• You cannot buy a ticket for your dog online. It is sold only at the box office upon presentation of the owner's ticket. But according to the new rules (01/13/2017), it can be redeemed in advance, and not 24 hours in advance, as before.
• If you first buy a ticket for yourself, warn the cashier that you are planning to travel with a dog. Without knowing this, the cashier may sell you a seat in the carriage where you cannot take an animal. In any case, when purchasing, check the service category of the carriage.
• If you bought yourself an electronic ticket, then when buying a ticket for your dog, you need to print it out and present it at the box office. Veterinary certificate form No. 1 no longer needs to be provided.
• If your dog is not very large and visually, let’s say, does not look bulky, then no one will weigh it when boarding, so at the checkout you quote any weight up to 20 kg.
• The ticket price depends on the distance of the train; you can find it on the Russian Railways website. Tariffs for 2021 can be found here.

Rules for transporting dogs on trains

Transportation of dogs by train is regulated by the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation and the Charter of Russian Railways. The rules for transporting pets can be found on the Russian Railways website. Thanks to the changes that came into force on January 10, 2017, they have been significantly simplified.

It should be said right away that guide dogs are allowed into any carriages and in any places where they occupy a position at the feet of the person being accompanied. Naturally, the dog must be muzzled and on a leash.

Long distance trains

On long-distance trains there is a clear division of dogs into small and large. Small ones are those that fit into a container (carrying) that does not exceed 180 cm in size (if you add up its length, width and height). If a dog does not fit into such a carrier, it is classified as a large animal.

Each passenger may carry with him only one container, which he will transport under the conditions and conditions regarding hand luggage.

The type of carriage completely determines the possibility of transporting dogs and the fee for its transportation:

• Transportation is prohibited - class 1D (SV), 2D (compartment), 3E, 3T, 3L, 3P, 1R, 2R, 3R, 1C, 2C, 2E, 2M, 3C (sedentary), 3B (general);
• allowed, free of charge - 1A, 1I, 1M (luxury), 1E, 1B (SV), 1B;
• allowed, but for a fee - 2K, 2U, 2L (coupe), 3D, 3U (reserved seat), 2B, 2ZH, 3ZH, 3O;
• when purchasing all seats - 1E, 1U, 1L (SV), 2E, 2B.

In addition, even in carriages where transportation of animals is allowed, you and your dog will not be allowed into any place, but only into a certain one. The rule is dictated by the convenience of both you and other passengers, not all of whom are friendly towards dogs.

On high-speed trains

On high-speed trains, the rules for transporting dogs are slightly different:

• "Martin". On Lastochka trains, only small dogs are allowed to be transported on a general basis (for a fee). If there are up to 2 dogs, then they are paid for a separate place. Large dogs cannot be transported.
• "Swift". Transporting a dog is allowed in any carriage if all seats in the compartment have been purchased by the owner. There is no additional fee for transporting a dog.
• "Peregrine Falcon". The dog is paid for a seat in any class. Small dogs are allowed in economy class. In other classes there is a restriction on the size of the container; when adding its three sizes, it should not exceed 120 cm, and the weight of the carrier together with the dog should not be more than 10 kg. In 1st class and business class, the pet will not be transported next to the owner, but in a special place near the conductor’s compartment and will be under the latter’s supervision.
• "Allegro". Carriage of up to 2 dogs is allowed for a fee of 15 euros (the rule does not apply to guide dogs, but their owner will be provided with seats in 2nd class).

  High-speed trains have their own nuances of transporting dogs

On commuter trains

On electric trains, the animal can be transported in a container at the request of the owner (there are no strict requirements). Small dogs can travel in the carriage. Large dogs are allowed exclusively in the vestibule under the supervision of the owner. Moreover, no more than 2 such dogs can travel in one carriage. For any dog, a mandatory condition for transportation is the presence of a muzzle and a leash.

Video: how to transport animals on trains

Rules for carriage on high-speed trains

In this type of train, it is possible to transport only small breeds that fit in a carrier with a total size of 180 cm (length + height + width), and in some cases, the container should not exceed 120 cm in the sum of all dimensions; breeds heavier than 20 kg are prohibited from being carried.

Peregrine Falcon

In Sapsan you can take no more than one dog per ticket and no more than two animals per seat. Conditions and payment for transportation depend on the passenger's ticket class:

• For economy class passengers - carriage No. 3 (1,2,3,4 seats), the ticket price for these seats already includes the cost of transporting an animal. Pets can only be transported in a carrier (the sum of 3 dimensions is no more than 180 cm) in special places intended for hand luggage.
• Passengers of “first” and “business” class carriages must also place their dog in carriage No. 3. The animal will be under the supervision of a conductor in specially designated places opposite seats No. 65 and 66. The service is paid separately (900 rubles) and is ordered no later than 2 days before the train departure. The container with the animal must weigh no more than 10 kg, its size in three dimensions must not exceed 120 cm.
• The meeting compartment also has space for those traveling with a dog - 1 carriage (27, 28, 29, 30 seats). It is necessary to buy all the compartments. The container size is the same as for first class passengers. There is no charge for transporting animals.

Attention! Transportation of large breed dogs is not provided in Sapsan.

Martin

In Lastochki, “standard” and “premium” passengers are allowed to transport small breeds in carriers with a total size of 180 cm; a flat fee of 150 rubles is charged for transportation, which is initially included in the ticket price. There is no need to pay for adjacent seats. Transportation of animals is possible in carriages No. 5 and 10; there are separate conditions for carriages of class 2B.

How to carry dogs on other trains, see here.

Rules for transporting animals by rail are being tightened in Russia

“We can already say with firm confidence that the updated rules carry extremely positive aspects for animals, and, accordingly, for their owners in terms of peace of mind for their life and health,” lawyer Vitaly Revzin explained to Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

On the part of the sender, there is an obligation to provide the animal being sent with food that is safe for it, containers for a sufficient amount of water, which should be in stock, as well as bedding, which is very important in terms of hygiene. Special carriages and covered trains will create safety and comfort for animals.

The carrier and conductor, for their part, must provide both a supply of water and cleaning of the space during train stops. What is very relevant in our time is the need to notify veterinary supervision of cases of animal disease, as well as refusal of food and water. At first glance, this may not seem so important (come to think of it, he neither ate nor drank), but this is precisely the first signal that not everything is all right with the animal.”

The lawyer adds that the preparation of documents (certificate, certificate, permit from the veterinary department of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia) is a competent approach to ensure that other animals, and, as a result, people, are not at risk during transportation, since sick animals can then be carriers of diseases. “In our difficult times from the point of view of a pandemic, this is more than relevant. Having analyzed all aspects of the rules, it becomes obvious that the updates affect not only the safety and comfort of animals, but also the responsibility of the parties - the shipper and the carrier. The more responsibility, the fewer problems we end up with,” the lawyer notes.

But at the same time, according to him, the transportation of all animals will have to be carried out in special wagons and covered trains. And small animals can be transported in cages or boxes in several tiers. This will be especially true for sending large breeds of dogs, and not just horses or large farm animals.

Well, what will change in the transportation of tame pets? Will I have to check in my toy terrier Tuzik or kitten Ryzhik as luggage when boarding the train? Or can I leave it next to me in a carrier? As Revzin explains, the rule under which small pets and birds can be transported in hand luggage remains in legal force, if the carriage implies this. “If the type of carriage does not allow transporting your beloved small pet in hand luggage, then the owner of the animal can consider the option of transporting it in a special carriage. Or change the carriage itself to one in which transportation of a pet is acceptable,” the lawyer explained. And, of course, the internal rules and instructions of a particular carrier play a role.

Useful tips

Remember that traveling on a train is very stressful for an animal; its behavior and condition can change dramatically. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, consider the following tips:

• Buy special sedatives for dogs, they come in tablets or drops. Start giving them a week before departure, the medications have a cumulative effect.
• The last meal should be no later than the day before departure. On the train there is a high risk of motion sickness, the dog may vomit, and in general it will feel bad with a full stomach. It is important to take more drinking water.
• Don't forget to walk your pet right before boarding. There are no conditions in the carriage for animals, and it will be hard for them to endure “what’s left.” Buy special dog diapers that can be placed in the bottom of the carrier.
• Be sure to purchase a comfortable muzzle. He must be free, the tailed friend must be able to open his mouth easily and wide. The carriages are usually very stuffy, plus the pet is nervous. Do not use narrow cloth muzzles.
• Choose daytime for your trip, as it is more difficult to monitor the animal at night. And it is advisable that the duration of the trip is no more than a day. If the distance is too long, it is better to buy a plane ticket. To learn how to prepare for a flight, read the article “What documents are needed to transport a dog on an airplane?”

Questions and answers

How comfortable and safe is it to take a dog on a train?

For the dog itself, such an event is stressful, and for you too. To avoid causing more problems for your pet, follow the tips above. Chat with her, pet her, offer water. But without fanaticism, because if the animal feels bad, your importunity will only do harm.

It is advisable to protect her from communication with her fellow passengers. This way you will avoid problematic situations: she won’t bark at anyone, won’t scare anyone, etc.

In general, if all precautions are followed, traveling by train does not cause any particular problems.

In what type of carriage is it better to transport an animal?

The most reasonable option is to take the dog in the compartment. Whether to buy neighboring places or not depends on the size of the pet and your desire. But even without buying seats, this method will cause her less stress: a limited number of people, her own place, the ability to close the doors.