How to take pets on a train
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China's railway operator has launched a pet transport service allowing owners to travel with cats and dogs on high-speed trains.
Pet owners can bring eligible cats or dogs — weighing up to 15 kilograms and no taller than 40 cm at the shoulder — aboard the train in a designated cargo area. Pets must be healthy and kept inside ventilated, compliant carriers throughout the journey.
You can reserve a space for your pet through the official Railway 12306 mobile app. Follow the step-by-step guide below.
Note: While the 12306 website and app offer English interfaces, the "Pet Transport" booking module is available only in Chinese for operation.
1. Download the Railway 12306 app and log in to your account.
2. Swipe left on the home page's function bar to find and enter the "Pet Transport" entry, and complete your reservation at least two working days before departure.
3. Select a high-speed route that offers pet transport service. Enter the departure station, arrival station, and travel date, then tap "Check remaining space" to view eligible trains. If you have not yet purchased a passenger ticket for the same train, tap "Buy your own ticket" to complete your ticket purchase first. Trains labeled "Booking available" are eligible for pet transport reservations.
4. Fill in the required information for the consignor, receiver, and your pet. Mandatory pet details include name, species, breed, age, weight, and shoulder height. You also need to upload a clear photo of your pet.
On your travel day, bring your pet, personal ID document, and a valid Animal Quarantine Certificate to the designated China Railway Express counter at the departure station two to six hours before the train's departure to complete the consignment procedures. You may collect your pet at the CRE service counter of the arrival station once you receive a pickup notification.
Shipping fees are calculated based on your travel distance: 360 yuan ($49) for trips under 1,000 km, 460 yuan for trips between 1,000–1,500 km, and 660 yuan for trips of 1,500–2,000 km.
For further inquiries about pet transport services, dial the national railway hotline 12306 or the China Railway Express dedicated line 95572.
Updated July 20, 2026
Source: China Railway
