Traveling with pets on public transport: the current state of play

With an increasing pet population, countries around the world are adapting to this new reality by allowing pets to be transported in public under certain conditions. GlobalPETS has compiled a list of the latest developments.

China

National train operator China Railway has recently launched a survey to assess passengers’ attitudes toward allowing pets to travel on high-speed trains under specific conditions.

The questionnaire invites passengers, both pet owners and passengers who don’t have pets, to share their views on the necessity of pets accompanying owners on the train, the types of pets allowed, the price and the protective measures needed.

The survey was launched after receiving “numerous” inquiries about the possibility of pets being able to travel on the transport system in the future.

Earlier in the year, Shanghai announced it was opening some of the city’s public transport to pets. Last month, the Shenzhen International Airport, the fourth-busiest airport in mainland China, opened the country’s first pet lounge to ensure the comfort and safety of animals before boarding.

India

The Rani Chennamma Express, a train running between Bengaluru (the capital of Karnataka state) and Sangli (Maharashtra), has recently introduced 4 “family cabins” that allow pets in its air-conditioned coaches.

To bring pets onboard, passengers are required to inform station agents 2-hours before the train’s departure.

“Often, when traveling with family, you have to leave your pet with someone. Passengers can now travel with them. These cabins of Rani Chennamma Express will be used for [this] purpose. Passengers should take advantage of this”, Umesh Shah, a Member of India’s Railway Development Group, tells local media.

Australia

Pet parents in New South Wales (NSW) are urging policymakers to allow pets on all public transport in line with the southern state of Victoria, which allows the transport of small pets across trains, metro and domestic flights.

Local media reported that NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen is considering changing current policies regarding pet travel on public transport in the state.

Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and Spain

Pet parents will not have to register beforehand to bring their furry friends with them on Taipei’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network. Taipei’s Rapid Transit Corporation (TRTC) added 2 trains to transport pets, which will circulate 8 times per day.

The TRTC says that the doors of the pet trains will be marked with stickers with the words “Pet Train” in Chinese so they can be easily identified.

Last year, Saudi Arabia allowed the transport of small pets on public buses, trains and boats. The Kingdom’s Transport General Authority outlined rules, including requirements for passengers to keep their pets in a box or designated areas and ensure their pets do not pose a danger to people’s movement.

Since 2023, Spanish public train operator Renfe has allowed the transport of pets—including dogs, cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits under 10kgs—on all high-speed routes. Pet owners need to pay a fee of €10 ($10.8) for their pet and the trip.