How to book pet box service on Vande Bharat sleeper train: Rules, charges and process
Planning to travel with your pet on a Vande Bharat sleeper train? Here is everything you need to know about the pet box facility, booking process, documents, charges and important rules

Travelling with pets on Indian Railways is becoming easier with new facilities aimed at making train journeys more comfortable for both passengers and animals.
The Vande Bharat sleeper train pet box service is designed to allow pet owners to travel with their animals through a dedicated and secure enclosure facility.
For passengers searching for how to book pet box service on Vande Bharat sleeper train, the process is important to understand because the booking is currently not done through the regular online ticket booking system.
Pet owners need to follow a separate procedure through railway authorities before the journey.
What is the Vande Bharat sleeper pet box facility?
The Vande Bharat sleeper pet box facility provides a dedicated space where pets can travel safely during the journey.
The facility is meant for animals such as dogs and allows them to be transported in a secured enclosure instead of passenger seating areas.
The pet boxes are located in designated areas of the train, separate from passenger accommodation, helping maintain safety, hygiene and comfort for everyone travelling on board.
How to book pet box service on Vande Bharat sleeper train?
Unlike normal train ticket reservations, pet box booking on Vande Bharat sleeper trains is done offline.
Passengers need to travel with a confirmed train ticket, visit the parcel or luggage office at the departure railway station, complete the pet booking formalities before departure, submit the required documents for the animal, and pay the applicable pet transportation charges.
Passengers are advised to complete the process well before the train departure time, as verification and paperwork may take time. Many reports recommend reaching the station at least three hours before departure.
Who can use the Vande Bharat pet box service?
The facility is available only for passengers who meet the eligibility requirements.
Travellers need a confirmed train ticket, valid identification documents, and required health and vaccination records for the pet.
Passengers with RAC or waitlisted tickets are generally not eligible for this facility.
Documents required for pet travel on Vande Bharat sleeper train
Before booking the pet box facility, passengers should keep a few documents ready.
These include veterinary fitness certificate issued shortly before travel, pet vaccination records, passenger travel details, and ticket information.
A recent veterinary certificate is required to confirm that the animal is fit to travel and does not have contagious or infectious conditions.
Vande Bharat sleeper pet box charges
The cost of transporting a pet depends on the animal’s weight. Reports indicate that charges are calculated according to railway luggage rules, with some reports citing rates around ₹30 per kilogram.
Passengers should confirm the exact charges with the railway parcel office before travelling.
Can pets sit with passengers inside Vande Bharat sleeper coaches?
The pet box facility does not mean pets can travel inside passenger seating areas. Under this arrangement, animals are placed in designated pet boxes rather than passenger cabins.
Pet owners should check availability and rules for their specific route before planning the journey, as facilities may vary depending on the train service and operational arrangements.
Tips for travelling with pets on Vande Bharat sleeper train
To make the journey smoother, keep your pet’s vaccination documents ready, carry food, water and familiar items for your pet, and arrive early at the station for booking formalities.
Make sure to confirm pet facility availability before the travel date and follow railway instructions regarding pet safety.
A new step towards pet-friendly train travel in India
The introduction of the Vande Bharat sleeper pet box facility reflects the growing demand for pet-friendly travel options in India.
As more people travel with their pets, dedicated railway facilities can make long-distance journeys safer and more organised.
For pet owners planning a train journey, understanding the Vande Bharat sleeper pet booking process, documents required, charges and rules can help avoid last-minute difficulties and ensure a smoother travel experience.
Anuj is a senior sub-editor (lifestyle desk) at Firstpost who covers food, travel, health, and fitness, mostly because they’re all excellent excuses to leave the house. Powered by coffee, he spends his downtime airplane-spotting and exploring spirituality, hoping one day to understand both turbulence and the universe.

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