How to transport animals on a train in Russia

On the rules of passenger transportation in domestic traffic

Long distance trains

Transportation of small domestic (pet) animals, dogs and birds on long-distance trains (no more than one seat per ticket and no more than two animals per seat are allowed in excess of the established carry-on baggage allowance). For the transportation of small domestic (pet) animals, dogs and birds on long-distance trains, a separate fee or the purchase of the entire compartment (superior carriages) or general carriages with class of service “3O” in the retro train “Ruskeala Express” may be required.

You can issue transportation documents on our website (more details). For the convenience of users, in the buy ticket section on each carriage of the selected train, depending on the class of service, icons are placed: the carriage of animals is allowed and the carriage of animals is prohibited with tips on the registration rules.

When transporting small domestic animals, dogs and birds, their owners or accompanying persons must ensure compliance with the sanitary and hygienic regime in the carriage.

On trains, large dogs are transported with muzzles and a leash: in a separate compartment of a compartment car, except for luxury cars, under the supervision of their owners or accompanying persons with payment of the full cost of all seats in the compartment without additional payment for their transportation, while the number of passengers traveling in The compartment for 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 transport the animal in a carrier whose dimensions in the sum of three dimensions do not exceed 180 cm.

Animals and birds, the transportation of which may threaten the life and health of passengers and carrier employees, are not allowed for transportation.

Transportation across the territory of the Russian Federation of small domestic animals, dogs and birds on long-distance trains of Russian carriers is carried out without presentation of veterinary documents.

List of animals allowed for transportation on JSC FPC trains as hand luggage

Conditions for the transportation of domestic animals, dogs and birds in the carriages of trains formed by JSC FPC in domestic traffic (valid for trains departing from December 11, 2016)

On commuter trains, it is permitted to transport small dogs without containers, muzzled, on a leash, and cats under the supervision of their owners or accompanying persons.

Large dogs are transported on trains with muzzles and a leash:

in the vestibule of a commuter train (no more than two dogs per carriage) - under the supervision of their owners or accompanying persons with payment of the cost of their transportation.

A fee is charged for the transportation of small domestic (pet) animals, dogs and birds on commuter trains.

Transportation of small domestic (pet) animals, dogs and birds on suburban trains across the territory of the Russian Federation is carried out without presentation of veterinary documents.

Guide dogs for the disabled

Disabled people carry guide dogs with them in all types of carriages. There is no charge for the transportation of guide dogs and no transportation documents are issued. The guide dog must have a collar and muzzle and be located at the feet of the passenger it is accompanying.

Transporting pets on the train

General principles for all directions and animals

Animals can only be transported in places designated for this purpose. Below is a table with detailed conditions. You and your animals will not be allowed into other carriages or other seats.
You can pay for the transportation of an animal on the train at the station before the train departs. From January 10, 2017, a veterinary certificate is no longer required to transport animals.
Only pets can be carried in passenger carriages. Wild animals, bees, etc. transported in the baggage car of the same train in which the accompanying person is traveling.
You must feed the animals yourself. Make sure that they do not spoil the sanitary and hygienic conditions in the carriage, too.
The carry-on baggage allowance per passenger does not include animals. The rules apply both on trains owned by Russian Railways and on others.
When traveling abroad by rail, be sure to check the conditions for importing animals into a specific country. Vaccinations, documents, the need for microchipping, types of pets allowed for import, etc. vary greatly.
Blind passengers carry guide dogs with them free of charge in carriages of all categories; no registration is required. The dog must be at the feet of the passenger it is accompanying. When traveling abroad, it is better to check the conditions separately.

In which classes of carriages can animals be transported?

The table shows data on the carriages of JSC FPC - most Russian trains consist of them. About other trains - further in the text.

In carriages of classes 1T, 1X, 1D, 1R, 1C, 2T, 2X, 2D, 2R, 2C, 2E, 2M, 3E, 3T, 3L, 3P, 3R, 3S, 3B (except for high-speed trains), animals cannot be transported.

In the carriages of TKS JSC, the rules for transporting animals are somewhat different from the general rules:

Animals cannot be transported in reserved seat carriages (service class 3U Standard).
Pets are not allowed in class 2T carriages.
In compartment cars (2L, 2U Comfort) - you can. There is no need to buy all the seats in the compartment. For one passenger ticket - no more than 1 carrier (cage, basket, etc.), which contains no more than 2 small animals. Carrying dimensions and transportation rules are the same as on other trains. The transportation of animals can be arranged with the carriage conductors immediately before the train departs .
In the SV (class 1B Business TC) you can transport animals, but you must buy all the seats in the compartment (in the sleeping car the compartments are double). The rules of transportation are similar to the general rules; there is no additional cost for transporting animals.
Large dogs can only be transported in a compartment (class 2U, 2L), and the entire compartment must be purchased. There is no need to pay separately for animals. The number of dogs + the number of people accompanying them should not exceed the number of seats in the compartment (there are 4 of them).

Rules for transporting small pets on trains

The animal must be in a basket or cage, container or carrier of adequate size (so that the pet is comfortable, but at the same time the container can be placed in the hand luggage areas in the carriage).
The size of the container should not be more than 180 cm in the sum of three dimensions (length + width + height).
No more than two small animals or two birds in one container (cage, basket, carrier, etc.).
No more than 1 container of animals per passenger ticket, unless otherwise specified in the table above for your type of carriage.

Transporting large dogs on trains

The dog must be on a leash and muzzle.
Large dogs cannot be carried on all carriages; carefully look at the class of carriage before buying a ticket.

Rules for the transportation of animals on high-speed trains formed by DOSS and FPK (“Sapsan”, “Lastochka”, “Strizh”, etc.)

In high-speed trains, the rules for transporting animals are somewhat different from the standard ones. There is a fee for transporting animals on high-speed trains. Issued at the ticket office at the station. On high-speed trains, the cost of transporting an animal is most often already included in the ticket price.

You cannot place containers or cages in the vestibule or aisle between seats.
Animals must be in a cage (basket, carrier, etc.). The cage must be spacious enough for the animal, with ventilation holes and reliable locking. The bottom is waterproof and covered with absorbent material (which will not spill out of the cage). Dimensions - no more than 180 cm in the sum of three dimensions, unless otherwise stated.
You can transport small pets, birds and dogs (except large breeds).

On Sapsan trains

In economy class, you can travel with animals in carriage 3 (13) in seats 1–4 and in carriage 8 (18) in seats 1–4, 65 and 66. Carriage of animals is included in the ticket price for these seats (even if you travel without them). There is no need to pay anything extra.
Pets are not allowed in business class carriages. Therefore, if you have a ticket for carriage 1 (11) or 2 (12), then the animals will travel in carriage 3 (13) in specially designated seats (opposite service seats 65 and 66) accompanied by a handler. For one passenger ticket - no more than one animal, in total in the carriage - no more than 2 animals. At the same time, small pets, birds, etc. must be in a container (basket, carrier), the dimensions of which do not exceed 120 cm in the sum of three dimensions (length + width + height). The weight of the container is no more than 10 kg. This service must be ordered no later than two days before the trip, and you must already have a passenger ticket. Order by phone 8-800-222-07-66, transportation of the animal is paid separately (900 rubles).
In the meeting compartment (seats 27–30 in carriage 1 (11), purchased in full) you can transport pets, it’s free. No more than one animal per ticket, no more than 4 animals in total per compartment. The size of the container with the animal should be no more than 120 cm in the sum of three dimensions, weight - no more than 10 kg (including the container).
Transportation of guide dogs is free.

In Lastochka, the rules for transporting animals depend on the carrier company (whose train is formed).

In most “Swallows” (formations of FPC), animals can be transported in class 2B carriages. These are “Swallows” Moscow - Nizhny Novgorod, Moscow - Smolensk, etc. One passenger can carry no more than one cage (basket, container) with small pets. However, there can be no more than two animals in this cage. Transportation of the animal must be paid at the ticket office at the station.
In “Swallows” the rules for forming DOSS are different. These are, for example, “Swallows” St. Petersburg - Veliky Novgorod or Adler - Maykop. Animals can be transported in them only in seats No. 29 and 30 in car No. 5 (10). There is no additional cost for transporting an animal. Tickets for these seats are already more expensive than for others. The rules are the same as on other trains (one seat, small pets, carrying the sum of three dimensions no more than 180 cm).
In “Swallows-Premium” (for example, St. Petersburg - Petrozavodsk) you cannot transport animals in a first (business) class carriage. In economy class (second) it is possible, the rules are similar to the usual “Swallow” of the FPC formation.
Guide dogs are transported free of charge in carriages of all classes - but must be muzzled and on a leash.

In Strizhi, animals are transported in accordance with the rules for FPK carriages (in the table above):

You can only transport small pets in containers whose dimensions in the sum of three dimensions do not exceed 180 cm. No more than one container per passenger ticket, no more than two animals per container.
Transportation is paid, pay at the ticket office at the station.
Guide dogs can board carriages of all classes; you don’t need to register anything.

How to take animals abroad

Ukraine and Belarus: animals can only be transported in a compartment; it must be purchased in its entirety. Animals up to 20 kg - in cages (baskets, containers, boxes) in all carriages, except for SV and catering carriages, payment is the same as for 20 kg of luggage. Large dogs - in a separate compartment, no more than one dog (unlike domestic trains!), the entire compartment is paid for.
Europe: if you are traveling not only by Russian trains, read the rules of the carriers whose services you are going to use. There may be nuances. Special conditions may apply on night trains. General principles: small animals are carried in suitable means as hand luggage, free of charge. Dogs are muzzled and on a leash. It is better to check the types of carriages in which dogs can be transported separately for a specific train and direction. The conditions of transportation are the same (you may need to buy back the entire compartment, but on preferential terms).
UK and Norway: import/export of pets is prohibited.
China, Mongolia, North Korea, Vietnam: you can only bring pets with you. It is allowed to travel only in 2nd class carriages (compartments), no more than two animals per compartment, all seats are purchased. Tickets for dogs are half the price of tickets for people.
Finland. You can take with you no more than two dogs (each on a leash) or two cages with small animals (the size of each cage is no more than 60x45x40 cm). Or you can bring one dog and one crate. The veterinary certificate for each animal must be in Russian + one of the following: Finnish, Swedish or English (a sample can be found on the EVIRA website). It must be in the officially accepted form in the EU countries. Vaccination notes made in animal passports of European Community countries are also suitable and sufficient for transportation. Russian animal passports are not suitable. Animals can only be transported in a compartment carriage; all seats in the compartment must be bathed. In Allegro, you can travel with animals only in special seats 65-68 in carriage No. 6. Tickets for these seats cost 15 euros more, even if you are traveling without a pet. Guide dogs are free, but they are only allowed on 2nd class carriages. On the Leo Tolstoy train you also need to buy tickets for all seats in the compartment. Guide dogs accompanying disabled people are transported only in 2nd class carriages, free of charge.

The rules are given for trains formed by JSC FPC (most Russian trains). For other carriers they may differ, but only slightly. The information is for reference only. We recommend checking this with the carrier before traveling. For example, in the Russian Railways help desk by phone 8-800-775-00-00 (the call is free throughout Russia).

Transportation of pets

Sometimes life forces us to hit the road with all our children and household members, as well as our pets. The rules for transporting animals by rail are strictly regulated. The owner who decides to take his pet with him must strictly follow them to avoid trouble.

At the beginning of 2017, the requirement for a mandatory certificate from a veterinarian about the health of the animal was abolished. Only pets are allowed to be transported in a passenger carriage, while their wild counterparts can travel in a luggage carriage. Beekeepers are also required to hand over their charges to the baggage car. You must pay for your four-legged friends to travel on the train.

It is understood that the owner is responsible for feeding and ensuring the cleanliness of the animal and the surrounding area.

Generally accepted standards do not apply only to guide dogs accompanying people with disabilities. Such a dog replaces a person’s sense organs, and therefore travels free of charge in a carriage of any class. This procedure applies in Russia; when purchasing abroad, it is worth checking the rules for transporting pets that exist in a particular state.

The rules for transporting animals are also based on the class of the place; the type of carriage is always indicated on the ticket.

In a luxury carriage, regardless of the type of service and the number of passengers, there can only be a small cage with small pets. There is no additional payment for container transportation.

Owners with their animals can be in the SV compartment; random fellow travelers will not be allowed to occupy the extra seat. There will be no problems in a single-seat compartment, but in a two-seat compartment you will have to buy a second seat too. You are allowed to transport a dog or an enclosure with small pets; you do not need to pay a fee for the animals.

A passenger wishing to travel in a compartment with a dog must pay the cost for all four seats; there is no need to purchase a separate ticket for the dog. You need to pay for transporting cages with small animals or birds, but the animals will not need a separate “human” place. If a compartment accommodates a family of four with a dog, then the fare for a four-legged friend must be paid separately.

Small animals are allowed in reserved seat and seated carriages; passengers with a large dog will not be allowed here.

Before you hit the road, you need to take a responsible approach to packing. A small animal most often does not pose a danger to the people around it, but for the convenience of other passengers it is necessary to provide:

the presence of a carrying house - the animal travels in a basket or a special travel cage, the size of the container must be large enough for the animal to stay comfortably in it, but fit in the compartment for hand luggage;
quantity - the number of cells should not exceed the number allowed in a carriage of this category;
number of pets - there cannot be more than two birds or animals in one cage.

Large dogs are allowed to be transported only in carriages of a certain category. The passenger must take this fact into account. The animal must be kept muzzled and on a leash. The owner is responsible for maintaining cleanliness in the compartment. The dog must not pose a danger to the conductors and other passengers.

Trains such as “Lastochka”, “Sapsan” or “Strizh” save passengers time and allow them to travel with greater comfort. Their rules for transporting pets are slightly different, and you need to remember this. There is a fee for pets, but in some cases this may be included in the price of the travel document initially.

It is prohibited to place cages with animals on the aisles in the cabin; it is prohibited to carry very large pets on high-speed trains.

In the economy class of Sapsan trains you are allowed to carry pets, and the cost of their travel is automatically included in the train tickets, but in the business class carriage the presence of animals is not allowed. Passengers who have purchased business class tickets will have to leave their pets in a specially designated place, which will be indicated by the conductor. Such accommodation is considered an additional service and must be ordered in advance, at least three days before departure and paid according to current tariffs.

Pets are allowed in the negotiation compartment if it is purchased in its entirety.

These rules do not apply to guide dogs traveling with a visually impaired owner; they travel for free.

Before setting off on a Lastochka flight, a passenger who intends to take a pet with them must carefully study the rules in force for the chosen destination. The fact is that “Swallows” are different. The vast majority of trains are allowed to carry small pets; the transportation rules do not differ from the generally accepted ones. But on the train that runs between Veliky Novgorod and St. Petersburg, the transportation of our little brothers is allowed only in specially designated places; the price of train tickets in this case will be increased.

Each country has its own rules for transporting pets, and therefore, when going abroad, you need to find out everything about the rules adopted in a particular state.

It is important to collect information about factors such as:

type of animal - it is important to find out whether it is even possible to import an animal into this state;
papers that the owner of the animal must present;
certificate of vaccinations performed;
chip - it is prohibited to import unchipped animals into some countries;
other conditions of import and maintenance.

It is allowed to import animals into neighboring countries and CIS countries in a compartment where all seats have been purchased by the owner. Small animals travel in cages. One person can take only one large dog with him, purchasing a separate compartment for the trip.

When planning a trip to Europe, it is worth considering that it is generally prohibited to import animals into the UK and Norway, and in other countries the rules are largely similar to Russian ones. Small pets travel in a container, while large breed dogs travel on a leash and with a muzzle. Before you buy tickets online from a foreign carrier, you need to find out what specific rules apply on the train.

In Asian countries such as the DPRK, Mongolia or Vietnam, pets are allowed to be transported in separate compartments.

We are responsible for those we have tamed and we have the power to make traveling together with representatives of the animal world comfortable and enjoyable for ourselves and those around us. It is enough to carefully study the existing standards, prepare your pet in accordance with them, buy tickets and you can safely hit the road.

How to transport animals on a train according to all the rules

About muzzles, cages, veterinary certificates and other things that pet owners should know when traveling.

How to travel with animals in Russia

Basic Rules

You can take any pet with you on the train - from a cat to a parrot. Provided that they are not dangerous to the life and health of other passengers and conductors.

According to the rules on the rules of passenger transportation in domestic Russian Railways, animals are divided into small and large. The first category includes pets that fit in a carrier measuring up to 180 cm (the sum of three dimensions). No more than two small animals or birds can be placed in one container.

The latter refers to large breed dogs. A large dog must be muzzled, on a leash and under constant supervision of the owner. Including a guide dog. But with a guide you can ride in any carriage and in any place. The main thing is that the dog must be at the feet of the passenger he is accompanying.

Farm and wild animals are transported in baggage cars.

During train travel, you must feed your pet, maintain its hygiene, and ensure that it does not disturb other passengers.

Buying a ticket

Conditions for transporting pets depend on the type of carriage and class of service (level of service).

Most Russian trains are formed by the Federal Passenger Company (FPK). This is a subsidiary of Russian Railways, which dominates passenger transportation by long-distance trains.

The conditions of the FPC are as follows.

The tariff for transporting animals depends on the distance.

If transportation of an animal is not included in the price of a passenger ticket (that is, it is not free), you must issue a baggage check for the pet. It can be done:

At the ticket office before the train departs.
When purchasing an electronic ticket.
In your personal account on the Russian Railways website, if an electronic or regular ticket has already been purchased.

No vaccination certificate is required. The transportation of animals through them was canceled in 2017. When boarding, you will be required to present your passport, your ticket, and your baggage check coupon.

Features of travel on different trains

High speed trains

Only small animals can be transported.
The container with the pet must have a secure lock.
The carrier cannot be placed in the vestibule or aisle between the seats.

1. "Sapsan"

You can take your pet with you into the economy class carriage and the meeting room compartment. In the first case, transportation of the animal is included in the ticket price - there is no need to pay extra. In the second, you will have to buy the entire compartment.

If you have a business class ticket, you can order the service of transporting your animal in specially designated seats (opposite the seats for conductors). In this case, the dimensions of the carrier should not exceed 120 cm in the sum of three dimensions, and the weight of the animal should not exceed 10 kg.

2. "Swallow"

On FPK electric trains, small animals can be transported in class 2B carriages. In this case, you need to issue and pay a separate receipt. In Lastochka Premium, animals can only be transported in second class carriages - economy.

On trains formed by the Directorate of High-Speed Transport (DOSS), the transportation of animals is possible only in seats No. 29 and 30 in car No. 5. Tickets for them are more expensive, but you do not need to pay extra for a cage with a pet.

3. "Swift"

These high-speed trains “fly” to Nizhny Novgorod and Berlin. Animals are transported in category 2B carriages. The rules are standard: one container per passenger seat, no more than two animals inside the carrier.

Transportation is paid. The baggage receipt is issued at the station ticket office.

Suburban trains

If the route length does not exceed 200 km, the train is considered a commuter train. Small animals can be transported on such trains without a container. True, dogs will still have to be muzzled, even if you have a toy terrier.

Large dogs must ride in the vestibule. Of course, muzzled, with a leash and under the supervision of the owner.

There is a fee for transporting animals on commuter trains.

How to travel abroad with animals

The transportation of animals by rail to international destinations is regulated by the Agreement on International Passenger Transport (SMPS) on international passenger traffic, valid in 23 countries, and the internal rules of the carrier. Check them on websites and hotlines if you are traveling not only by Russian trains.

A general rule for all countries: the animal must be vaccinated. This is confirmed by a veterinary passport (certificates).

To the territory of Belarus, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and most other post-Soviet countries, small animals can be transported in any carriages, except for SV and carriages with food. However, you need to pay for them as for 20 kg of luggage. Large dogs can only travel in a compartment and only if it is fully purchased.

In the high-speed Allegro, which runs between Helsinki and St. Petersburg, animals can only be transported in seats No. 65–68 in carriage No. 6. Tickets for them cost 15 euros more, even if you are traveling without an animal. And on the branded Leo Tolstoy train with the same route, you will have to take the entire compartment to transport animals.

To China, Mongolia, North Korea and Vietnam, you can transport no more than two animals in one compartment. At the same time, a ticket for a four-legged friend will cost half the price of a human one.

More information about the rules for traveling with pets to a specific country can be found in the Russian Railways information service by calling 8 800 775-00-00 (calls within Russia are free).

Traveling with pets

TKS allows you to transport small animals, birds, large breed dogs, and guide dogs. Transportation of small domestic (pet) animals, dogs and birds on long-distance and suburban trains across Russia is carried out without presentation of veterinary documents.

To save time at the station, you can pay for the transportation of animals directly in the carriage from the conductor before the train departs. For your convenience, we remind you of a few simple rules for transporting pets in TKS carriages. To transport small pets and birds by rail, use a container or carrier bag whose dimensions in the sum of three dimensions do not exceed 180 cm. The animal in the carrier should feel comfortable and be able to stand up and turn around.

Transport of small animals in TKS carriages

In SV (1B Business TK) and SV+ (1T TKS) carriages, you can transport up to two small pets or birds by paying the full cost of all seats in a double compartment. At the same time, we do not charge an additional fee for transporting animals in SV carriages.

In compartment cars (2U Comfort, 2L) you can carry up to two small pets or birds per ticket. This service is paid additionally and its cost depends on the distance of the trip.

Transport of large breeds

To transport large dogs in TKS carriages, you must pay in advance the full cost of all seats in the compartment. There is no additional charge for transporting animals. Large dogs are transported in TKS cars with a collar and muzzle. Transportation of large animals in compartment carriages (2T Economy TK) and reserved seat carriages (3U) is prohibited.

In the SV (1B Business TK) and SV+ (1T TKS) carriages, you can take one large breed dog with you on the journey. In compartment cars (2U Comfort, 2L), the number of animals and their owners should not exceed the number of seats in the compartment.

Guide dogs. Transportation of guide dogs accompanying disabled people is allowed in all TKS carriages without additional payment and registration of transportation documents. The guide dog must have a collar and muzzle and be at the feet of the guest it is accompanying.

Transportation of small and large animals in compartment carriages (2T Economy TK) and reserved seat carriages (3U) is prohibited. We recommend choosing your class of service for a comfortable and exciting trip!