If you have a confirmed reserved ticket, pets (dogs and cats) can now be booked online. Just like passengers, tickets for pets can also be generated from the comfort of one's home. In addition to the manual booking process available at the railway station's parcel office, passengers can now book tickets online via the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website.

Booking Rules And Process

Tickets for pets are issued only for travel in AC First Class (Air Conditioned First Class) or for the Dog Box located in the Guard Van (Brake Van). For small pets, tickets are issued for travel inside a basket. Online booking for pets has already commenced from Gorakhpur Junction. Currently, three to four pet tickets are being booked online per month, while about a dozen are booked manually at the parcel office.

The fare for online tickets is pre-determined based on weight and distance. To book a pet ticket online, passengers must enter their PNR and mobile number on the IRCTC website. A One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to the registered mobile number; once entered, the booking process begins.

Upon completion, a booking confirmation message is sent to the mobile phone. Once the chart is prepared, this message is also transmitted to the Hand Held Terminal (HHT) of the Ticket Checking Staff (TTE). The IRCTC website is linked to the Parcel Management System (PMS), which determines the fare at the time of booking. Refunds are not available.

Probe Launched Into 'Puppy’s Luxury Travel' On Amarnath Express

An investigation has been launched into an incident where a puppy named Kittu (a Shih Tzu), booked to travel in a basket, was found traveling in luxury in an AC Third Class coach of the Amarnath Express (12587). Station Director Ratandeep Gupta has assigned the investigation to the Divisional Commercial Inspector (DCI).

Reportedly, on Monday, the puppy—booked for travel in a basket—completed its journey to Lucknow while resting on a bedsheet and blanket on Berth No. 51 of Coach B-6. The puppy's "luxury style" became a topic of discussion after the incident went viral on social media.

Coupe Booking Mandatory For Pets In AC First Class

For passengers traveling in AC First Class, it is mandatory to reserve a coupe (private cabin) to take pets along. Aside from AC First Class, pets can be booked in the Dog Box. The practice of carrying pets and the provision of Dog Boxes on Indian Railways has existed since the British era. Nowadays, special Dog Boxes are being constructed even in the Guard Vans of Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches. Freight charges are calculated based on a rate of 40 kg for the Dog Box and 60 kg for an AC First Class coupe.

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Not Allowed In AC Second, AC Third, Sleeper Or General Classes

Pets are not permitted to move freely in AC Second, AC Third, Sleeper, or General classes. Pets booked for travel in baskets may accompany passengers in these coaches, but they are not allowed to be taken out of the basket. They are strictly prohibited from sitting on berths or seats.

Booking Available For Sheep, Goats And Horses

The Railways has provisions for transporting not only pets but also other animals and birds from one place to another. Bookings are also accepted for sheep, goats, pigs, elephants, and horses, with separate rules applicable to each category.

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