What you need to transport a cat on the train

Transportation of animals abroad in Russia is regulated not only by the rules of the carrier, but also by the Agreement on International Passenger Transport (AIPT), which was adopted in 1951. The document is constantly updated. The agreement was signed by 23 states, including Russia, the CIS and Baltic states, as well as Albania, Vietnam, Georgia, China, the DPRK, Mongolia, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Rules for transportation of animals in trains

It is not allowed to carry pets on trains in all carriages. On Tutu such carriages are marked with a special symbol – paws. To see these carriages, click on the train card when searching for tickets and go to select the type of carriage.

To carry pets on long-distance trains in Russia, you don't need to issue veterinary accompanying documents, provided that:

If you are taking your pet to a show or planning to sell or give it to another person, you will need veterinary certificate form No. 1.

A pet is considered small if it fits in a carrier not exceeding 180 cm in the sum of three dimensions. A large pet may not fit in such a carrier.

Small domestic (indoor) animals, dogs (except for large breeds and guide dogs) and birds are carried in crates, baskets, cages, containers, which shall be placed in the places intended for hand luggage.

Large dogs are carried in muzzles and with a leash under the supervision of their owners or escorts in a separate compartment of the compartment car, except cars of high comfort. For the carriage of large dogs is necessary to buy all compartments, and the number of dogs and passengers in the compartment should not exceed the number of seats in the compartment.

Guide dogs in trains in Russia are carried in all types of carriages for free. Carriage documents are not issued. A guide dog must have a collar and muzzle, and be at the feet of the passenger it accompanies.

Transportation of animals in FPK trains

Transportation of small pets in trains of FPK is not allowed in all classes. Before buying a ticket, make sure that it is allowed to transport animals in this class of service.

Tickets for the carriage of animals are sold at the offices of Russian Railways. The cost of transporting an animal in the coach and sitting carriages depends on the distance. For example, when traveling up to 10 km inclusive the charge for one animal is 288 rubles, 91-100 km – 310,5 rubles, 451-500 km – 409 rubles, 901-1000 km – 532 rubles.

FPK passengers can order the unaccompanied pet carriage. The pet will travel in a luggage carriage, it will be supervised by conductors. The pet must be in a cage or a carrier, and accompanying documents can be given along with it. In this case the pet owner has to pay both for the pet and for the escort service, the cost is calculated on the basis of the mileage.

Rules of carriage

Carriage in long-distance trains of small pets (pets), dogs and birds (not more than one seat on one ticket and not more than two animals on this seat are allowed in excess of carry-on baggage allowance). The transportation of small pets (pets), dogs and birds on long-distance trains may be charged separately. fee or require redemption of the entire compartment (luxury cars) or common cars with class of service "3O" in retro train "Ruskeala Express").

You can draw up carriage documents on our web-site (more details). For users' convenience in the ticket section depending on the service class there are icons: pets are allowed. If there is no icon, then no pets are allowed.

Read the conditions for transportation of pets depending on the class of service.

When transporting small pets (pets), dogs and birds their owners or accompanying persons should ensure the observance of sanitary-hygienic regime in the car.

In trains the carriage of large dogs in the muzzles and with a leash: in a separate compartment of the compartment car, except cars – increased comfort, under the supervision of their owners or accompanying persons with the full cost of all seats in the compartment without additional charges for their carriage, and the number of traveling in the compartment of dogs and their owners or accompanying persons should not exceed the number of seats in the compartment.

The criterion for categorizing a dog as "large" or "small" is the ability to carry the animal in a carrier whose dimensions in the sum of the three dimensions not exceed 180 cm.

Animals and birds, the carriage of which may endanger the life and health of passengers, employees of the carrier, are not allowed to be transported.

Small pets (pets), dogs and birds in long-distance trains of Russian carriers are transported in the territory of the Russian Federation without presenting veterinary documents.

Renting a house with animals

If we're talking about a vacation, it's important not only to transport your pet without problems, but also to accommodate it comfortably at the place of stay. Remember that not all hotels accept guests with animals. To avoid unpleasant surprises, choose the ones whose rules clearly stipulate that pets are allowed.

As for short-term rentals of apartments or flats, not all landlords are willing to accept guests with pets, usually all the nuances are specified in the rental announcement.

Remember, if the pet spoils something in the hotel room or apartment, you will have to compensate for the loss.

Tips for comfortable pet transport

Preparing

As we have already mentioned, find out in advance what documents will be required for your chosen travel option with pets, prepare all the papers within the specified time frame. For the pet you should buy all the devices – harness, carrier, muzzle and so on. Knowing your pet's character well, you can anticipate how it will react to the trip and prepare. Very nervous animals can be supported by a mild sedative, but do not prescribe it yourself, consult your vet.

Carry

Although there are often no specific requirements, choose a carrier in which the pet will be as free as possible so he won't have the added stress of a very confined space. The carrier should be sturdy so that the pet can't do anything to it during the journey. In most cases, you will be asked to keep the carrier on your lap, but sometimes you need a separate space for it. Put diapers or a soft cloth on the bottom so the pet will be more comfortable and surprises won't ruin the trip for you and your pet.

Sedatives .

Needed if the pet is anxious, nervous, may not react adequately to something during the trip. As we said, trust the veterinarian if you decide to resort to this option. It is better to give any medication some time before the trip, so that it has time to work and you – to understand that it does not affect the pet badly.

Remember: following all the rules, even if they seem harsh and strange, will help you make the trip as comfortable as possible for both you and your pet.

Clarification of the procedure for transporting small pets (pets), dogs, and birds by rail

Small domestic (indoor) animals, dogs and birds are transported by rail in accordance with the Charter of Rail Transport of the Russian Federation, approved by Federal Law dated 10.01.2003 No. 18-FZ (hereinafter – the "Charter"), the Rules of Transportation of Passengers, Baggage, Cargo by Rail, approved by Order of the Russian Ministry of Transport dated 19.12.2013 No. 473 (hereinafter – "Rules"), and the Rules of Transportation of Animals by Rail, approved by Order of the Russian Railway Ministry dated 18.06.2003 No. 35.

In accordance with the Charter and the Rules, pets (pets), dogs and birds are transported by rail in two ways: as hand luggage and as baggage.

Small pets (pets), dogs and birds (not more than one seat per issued travel document (ticket) and not more than two small pets (pets) or two birds per seat) may be carried as hand luggage on long-distance trains in excess of the established hand luggage allowance in separate compartments of rigid wagon (except cars with double compartment (SV) and cars with increased comfort). For the carriage in long-distance trains of small pets (pets), dogs and birds are charged a separate fee.

A fee is charged for the transportation of small pets (pets), dogs and birds in commuter trains.

Small domestic (indoor) animals, dogs (except for large dogs and guide dogs) and birds are carried in crates, baskets, cages, containers, which shall be placed in the places intended for hand baggage, and which shall be arranged in such a way as to prevent the possibility of harm to passengers and carrier caused by animals, and placed in the places intended for hand baggage. The size of such carry-on baggage items shall not exceed 180 cm in the sum of three dimensions.

Transportation of animals

Small domestic (indoor) animals, dogs and birds in long-distance trains of Russian carriers do not require veterinary documents for transportation in Russia.

Small animals and birds may be booked at the cashier or on the website of the carrier. The cost of transportation depends on the length of the route and type of carriage. The ticket includes one piece of carry-on baggage in which no more than two small animals may be carried. A pet is considered small if it fits in a carrier or cage that does not exceed 180 cm in total of three dimensions.

Large dogs can be transported only in the compartment if you buy all the seats in it. In this case, you do not need to buy an extra ticket for the dog. The number of dogs and passengers in one compartment must not exceed the number of seats in it. For example, if the compartment has 4 seats, it can ride only 2 passengers and 2 large dogs. The dog must be on a leash and in a muzzle.

Guide dogs may be carried free of charge in any type of carriage. The guide dog must have a collar and muzzle and be at the feet of the passenger it accompanies.

Carriage of wild animals, birds and reptiles is prohibited in any type of carriage.

For more details on conditions and execution of carriage documents, see the rules of the carrier FPK JSC.

Conditions of carriage

The carriage is paid for all seats in a compartment without additional payment for the carriage of animals.

In this case the passenger must pay the cost of travel documents at the full adult passenger fare for the number of unoccupied seats in the compartment (except for seats occupied by children or passengers entitled to travel at a reduced fare).

All unoccupied seats must be made out to the full adult fare, in the name of the passenger in that compartment.

2-bed compartments with reclining seats and individual shower modules in the train "Strizh" (with mandatory redemption of all seats).

Carriage is made with the payment of all seats in the compartment, without additional charges for the carriage of animals.

In this case the passenger must pay the cost of travel documents at the full adult passenger fare for the number of unoccupied seats in the compartment (except for seats occupied by children or passengers who are entitled to travel at a reduced fare).

All unoccupied seats must be issued at the full adult fare, in the name of the passenger in that compartment.

Carriage is subject to payment of all seats in a compartment, with no extra charge for animals.

In this case the passenger must pay the full adult fare according to the number of empty seats in the compartment (except for seats occupied by children or passengers entitled to a discounted fare).

All unoccupied seats must be issued at the full adult fare, in the name of the passenger in that compartment.

A fee is charged for the carriage of small animals and a carriage document is drawn up.

The carriage of large dogs is made with the payment of all seats in the compartment without additional charges.

In this case, the passenger must pay the cost of travel documents at the full adult fare for the number of unoccupied seats in the compartment (except for seats occupied by children or passengers eligible for a reduced fare).

How to move my pet to another city

In spring I moved with my dog Hund from Chelyabinsk to Sochi. We traveled by train, but before buying tickets I considered other options. Let me tell you about the current fall 2022 cost and rules for transporting pets in Russia.

By plane, a cat or dog can fly in the cabin with the owner or in the luggage compartment. Which option is suitable depends on the weight of the animal.

Animals weighing up to 8 kg – in the cabin with the owner. In the cabin cat or dog can be carried only in a special bag. The maximum permitted weight for cabin carriers with an animal is 8-10 kg, but the exact figure depends on the airline.

So you can carry in the cabin up to two adult animals in one container, or up to three kittens or puppies from eight weeks to six months old. You may not take your pet out of the carrier during the flight, not even to feed it. But a drinker in the carrier should be installed by all means.

Also the carrier must meet the criteria set by the airline. For example, the bag on the sum of three measurements (length, width and height) may not exceed 126 cm in "Aeroflot" (length, width and height – not more than 44×30×26 cm, respectively). In such a carrier fits, for example, a Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier or a small cat.

To transport a pet in the cabin you need a ticket: it costs on average 2,500-3,000 ₽, the exact figure depends on the carrier and the destination. If you don't have a carrier, you have to add its cost to the ticket price: usually from ₽1,500 to ₽3,000.

A new cat or small dog carrier costs about
3,000 ₽, a used one is half the price.

What to do on the day of the trip

Going on a long trip with your pet is always exciting. To avoid any difficulties along the way, you need to know some simple rules:

You should not delay arriving at the station. It is better to calmly wait for the arrival of the train there, than to rush, fearing to be late. All the negative emotions of a human will be transmitted to the four-legged man. This will make the cat nervous and may make sharing the carriage with other passengers difficult. Therefore, it is important to remain calm and confident.

Sending an unaccompanied pet – is it possible?

Russian Railways provides a service to transport cats unaccompanied in the luggage compartment. During the purchase of the travel document, the owner writes an application for this service. It is important to comply with the following requirements:

The cost of such travel depends entirely on the length of the route. During the entire period of travel, the whisker is not left without close supervision. For the four-legged will be watched and cared for by employees of the railroad.

Despite this, this option is best used only in extreme cases – the trip among strangers and smells will cause a lot of stress even for the calmest pet.

How to prepare your pet for a trip

Any trip is stressful for your pet, so you need to prepare for it in advance.

1. The carrier or container should not cause fear for the four-legged man. It is necessary to accustom the pet to this adaptation in advance. Keep the carrier at home for a few days. Let the pet get into it whenever he wants. After a while, when the cat or dog gets used to the containerIf you are not sure of your pet's safety, close him up for a few minutes so that he gets used to the fact that nothing bad will happen to him.

Make sure your pet goes to the toilet before the trip.

4. Visit your veterinarian to rule out any contraindications for the flight.

Conclusions .

1. Before traveling with your pet, familiarize yourself with the rules of transportation imposed by the carrier of your choice.

2. If you are planning a trip to another country, find out what documents need to be issued for your pet.

3. Choose carrierChoose a carrier that your pet can comfortably stand up, lay down and turn around in.

4. Take the necessary steps to ensure your cat's safety and reduce stress before you travel, and visit your veterinarian for a checkup.