In a first for China's rail system, the trial service enables ticketed passengers to book a pet transport container for their domesticated cat or dog to travel on the same train.
The pilot service is now available on 10 trains (G119/118, G121/122, G127, G134, G183/184, and G195/196) between Beijing South, Jinan West, Nanjing South, Shanghai Hongqiao and Hangzhou East.
You can make a reservation for you and your pet through the 12306 system, but bookings must be made at least two days in advance.
Human travel companions are required to present their fur baby's identification, registration, and animal quarantine certificate. Their pets must be in good health, weigh no more than 15 kilograms, and have a shoulder height no greater than 40 centimeters.
Pet passengers will be housed in a separate specially designed animal compartment equipped with air circulation, oxygen and humidity sensors, noise reduction, and odor control.
Railway staff will conduct regular checks in intervals no longer than two hours and provide water as needed, but feeding and owner visits during the journey will not be permitted.
To check-in your pet, you will need to arrive at the station two to six hours before departure, and you will be able to collect your pet within an hour of arrival—pick-up instructions will be sent via SMS or phone call.
The cost of the journey for your little companions is based on distance—the standard rate for a trip from Shanghai to Beijing Shanghai will be RMB658, but during the pilot phase a 30% discount will be applied.
The decision to test pet-friendly travel was reached after a recent survey conducted by the China Railway Customer Service Center received an overwhelmingly positive response.
With the pet economy in China continuing to grow, this service is sure to be incredibly popular amongst interspecies parents, and will likely expand its availability in the near future.
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