Great report on a train trip with a large dog (summer 2021)

Rules for transporting pets

The delivery of pets by train is regulated by the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation in accordance with the Rules for the Transportation of Passengers and Baggage No. 473 (as amended in 2020) and the Charter of Russian Railways. The old edition was in effect from 2013 to 2021.

The main snag at this time was the need to have a complete package of accompanying documents:

• passport;
• veterinary certificates;
• information about the animal's vaccinations.

The rules for transporting dogs on trains in Russia in 2021 have significantly simplified the delivery procedure - you just need to have a travel pass for the animal and take into account some subtleties.

The latest edition of Law No. 18-FZ “Charter of Railway Transport of the Russian Federation” dated January 10, 2003 is available here

Long distance routes

For Russian Railways trains, general transportation rules apply depending on the size of the pet and the type of carriage. Animals are divided into small and large.

The first include those who are placed in a container not exceeding 180 cm in terms of the sum of length, width and height. Large breeds include all others. Each passenger can take one container for transportation. The cage or carrier is transported in accordance with the rules applicable to hand luggage in the appropriate places.

The possibility of delivery itself depends on the type of car.

Watch the video: “Carrying a dog on a train to an exhibition.” This point should be paid attention to in advance, because if its class does not provide for the transportation of animals, it will not be possible to transport them even for money:

• Transportation is prohibited - class 1D (SV), 2D (compartment), 3E, 3T, 3L, 3P, 1R, 2R, 3R, 1C, 2C, 2E, 2M, 3C (sedentary), 3B (general);
• allowed, free of charge - 1A, 1I, 1M (luxury), 1E, 1B (SV), 1B;
• allows, but for a fee - 2K, 2U, 2L (coupe), 3D, 3U (reserved seat), 2B, 2ZH, 3ZH, 3O;
• when purchasing all seats - 1F, 1U, 1L (SV), 2F, 2B.

Please note: regardless of the type of carriage, transportation by law does not require accompanying documentation in the form of certificates from a veterinary clinic.

High speed trains

The following rules apply for high-speed trains of Russian Railways:

1. "Martin".
   Paid transportation on a general basis, i.e. one small animal for each passenger, up to two - when paying for an additional seat. Large breeds of dogs are not allowed for transportation. In trains classified according to the categories of JSC FPC, transportation of animals is carried out in cars 2B, according to the system of the Directorate of High-Speed ​​Transport - in 5 and 10. Note: in SV, traveling from Moscow to Nizhny Novgorod, it is allowed to transport one large dog, if the compartment bought out completely. To do this, you need to take places in class 1E.
2. "Swift". Delivery takes into account the current rules for the import of animals in force in European countries. In all carriages, transportation is allowed if the seats in the compartment are fully purchased. There is no additional fee for shipping animals.
3. "Peregrine Falcon".
   Paid seats in all classes. In economy, the rules are standard - transportation of pets is allowed. In other categories, there are additional restrictions on the size of the carrier - the sum of the measurements is 120 cm, and the weight together with the animal should not exceed 10 kilograms. In first and business class, pets will not be next to the owner, but near the conductor’s seat, in special areas under his supervision. In the “compartment-negotiation” type of carriage, transportation is permitted only with 100% redemption. The restrictions for portable containers are similar. Please note: the service becomes unavailable 48 hours before departure. You should immediately exclude the option if the trip is urgent.
4. "Allegro". Finnish veterinary regulations must be taken into account. You are allowed to take up to two dogs of any breed with you, subject to transportation standards. For passengers with a guide dog, travel in second class carriages is provided. No additional payment required. For all other animals, you need to pay 15 euros to the ticket office - the amount is included in the final cost of the passenger ticket.

Electric trains

The main difference between transporting animals on trains is that it is not necessary to have a special container. Small dogs can be carried by hand if they have a leash and muzzle. Large breeds travel in the vestibule under the supervision of their owners, and no more than two such dogs are allowed per carriage.

Rules for transporting dogs on long-distance trains

According to the rules for transporting dogs on long-distance trains, large animals should not interact with other people. This means that the owner will have to exclude physical contact of the animal with other passengers. To do this, he will need to buy the entire coupe. The amount of tickets turns out to be impressive, so many people negotiate with other “dog walkers” and travel together in the same compartment.

As for small dogs, they are allowed to travel with them in any type of carriage. The most important thing is to transport the animal in a carrier.

Large dogs must be muzzled

About the cost

From January 2021, Russian Railways is increasing the price for the transportation of small animals in reserved seats and long-distance seated carriages. A list of tariff zones with updated prices is available on the carrier’s official website. The minimum cost (for distances up to 10 km) is 268 rubles.

The combination of a number of factors will determine how much the ticket ultimately costs. For example, transporting a large dog may require payment for all remaining seats in the compartment - the difference from the situation when the last unoccupied seat is purchased is significant. The absence of an additional fee does not play a big role.

Note: It is good practice to look for travel companions with pets. This can be done in advance, on thematic forums or in social network groups.

If the trip has been planned for a long time, you can find travelers who also plan to bring animals with them. In this case, the problem of buying out all the places and possible conflicts with neighbors disappears.

Watch the video: “How to guide your dog on a train.”

Do you need a ticket?

You will have to buy a ticket in all cases unless otherwise stated - this is a general condition for transporting small animals during railway travel. Therefore, you should once again check the list of cars and their classification.

The need for a ticket is indicated for each individually. If the number of animals transported exceeds the stipulated norms, then in addition to the ticket you will have to buy an additional seat.

Veterinary certificate Form No. 1

This document is necessary if you are going to visit the countries of the European Union, most other countries of the world, or you simply need to transport your dog on an airplane, not only abroad, but also in Russia.

You can obtain a Veterinary Certificate Form No. 1 at a state veterinary clinic. Usually this is a city or regional animal disease control station. For example, in Moscow - State Budgetary Institution "Mosvetstation". In public clinics, the certificate is issued free of charge. But you may have to pay for inspection services for the animal. There are also several private veterinary clinics specifically accredited to issue such certificates.

To obtain a certificate, you must provide the dog itself and a veterinary passport. The passport must contain notes on rabies vaccination and deworming. It is better to take care of this in advance.

If your voyage includes visiting several countries, make sure that all of them are indicated on the certificate.

The certificate is issued on the same day and is valid for 5 days. No later than this period, you must arrive at the airport with your dog in a special container for transportation on an airplane (more on this in the next article) or, if traveling by other means of transport, to the customs point at the border crossing. There the veterinary certificate will be exchanged for an International Certificate Form 5A.

Features of transporting dogs

While the transportation of cats, birds and other small animals falls under the same rules, the transportation of dogs includes some nuances.

The main thing is that the pet should not pose a danger to the health of other passengers. The owner is also obliged to ensure cleanliness and compliance with sanitary standards, for example, to ensure that the filling does not spill out of the carrier.

Large breeds

Large dogs that do not fit in a carrier can be traveled in the following long-distance carriages:

1. With the purchase of all seats - 1U, 1E, 1L (SV), 2F, 2B. One dog per compartment, no additional charge. Larger numbers of large pets are allowed only in carriages 2K, 2U and 2L.
2. Without ransom – class 1B (SV).

It is prohibited to transport large animals on other JSC FPC trains. For other categories, separate conditions apply.

Note: prohibitions do not apply to any guide dogs. Passengers with disabilities have the right to transport them free of charge, regardless of the type of trip and class of carriage.

Clause XVI of railway rules No. 473 on the transportation of animals as baggage is available here

Medium and small dogs

Small breeds of dogs are transported according to the general rules - a closed container not exceeding the dimensions specified by Russian Railways. Depending on the type of carriage, the containers will be located on shelves for hand luggage or in specially designated areas under the supervision of train employees.

Clause XIV of Russian Railways Rules No. 473 regarding the transportation of animals as hand luggage is available here

Rules for carriage on high-speed trains

The rules for transporting dogs on high-speed trains differ significantly from the usual regulations.

"Allegro"

Allegro trains have special seats for passengers with pets. The ticket price has been increased by 20 euros. There is no need to purchase an additional ticket for your pet.

The basic rules of transportation include:

• The passenger has the right to transport no more than 2 dogs in a cage or on a leash. The size of the cage should correspond to the average dimensions of 60x45x40. It is allowed to put 2 small animals in one cage.
• A 1st class carriage is not intended for transporting livestock.
• You should not install a cage or place an animal in the vestibule or aisles. This may prevent other passengers from moving freely on the train.
• Accompanying a disabled person with a dog is not paid for, but the passenger also travels in a 2nd class carriage.

Important! The owner takes full responsibility for the behavior of the animal and is responsible for the damage caused by it.

"Sapsan"

How to transport a dog on the Sapsan train? According to the rules, it is forbidden to travel with large dogs in Sapsan. Passengers may only take small dogs in carriers with them.

If the owner travels in an economy carriage, then the basket with the pet must be of standard sizes and placed in the carry-on baggage area. Those who have purchased a first or business class ticket will have to purchase a carrier with a size of no more than 120 cm in the sum of the sides. There can be no more than 2 animals in the carriage.

Those who wish to travel in a compartment will have to purchase it in full. However, there is no need to pay a fee for the dog.

"Martin"

Only small dogs are allowed on Lastochka trains. They must be in standard size carriers. A fixed fee is charged for transportation.

On Lastochka-Premium trains traveling from St. Petersburg to Petrozavodsk, it is prohibited to transport pets in a 1st class carriage.

"Swift"

Large dogs are not allowed on Strizh trains. Transportation of small dogs in class 1E and 1E carriages is free. To travel in a 2B class carriage you will not have to buy additional seats, but you will still have to pay for your pet.

Transportation Features

To properly transport dogs you need the following things:

1. The cage (for small dogs) should first of all not exceed 180 cm in total dimensions. The container is tightly closed throughout the trip, except during cleaning. The pet can be held in your arms; you cannot send it for a walk around the carriage. Ideally, the carrier should block unpleasant odors and be comfortable for the animal so that it does not create discomfort for other passengers.
2. A leash and muzzle are used when transporting large breeds. Their presence is also mandatory for small puppies transported on commuter trains without a cage. A large dog, when accompanied, should be on the floor, at the feet of the owner.

It is worth considering that these rules also apply to guide dogs.

How to carry a dog on a train?

The easiest way to carry a dog is on commuter trains. Pets of any size are required to pay a ticket. The cost depends on the distance of the journey. Veterinary certificates are not required. Regardless of size, animals must be muzzled and on a leash under the strict supervision of the owner. Large dogs are allowed to be transported only in vestibules, and the number of pets should be no more than two per carriage.

Required documents

Despite the simplification of the regime for transporting dogs, it is better to prepare some documentation, especially taking into account the fact that the number of required papers has significantly decreased.

Accompanying papers

Veterinary certificates are required only when changing the owner of an animal. The main document for the duration of a trip across the territory of the Russian Federation becomes a travel ticket. No other papers need to be presented.

Watch the video: “Documents for transporting dogs.”

An exceptional case is if the animal is used for profit (entrepreneurial activity). Therefore, it is necessary to have a complete package of accompanying documents with you.

The main document for an animal in such a situation is a veterinary certificate, issued after examination in a licensed clinic. Due to the short validity period of the document, it must be issued immediately before the trip.

Sanitary conditions

Russian Railways gives a fairly detailed description of the transportation container, ensuring compliance with sanitary standards.

Carrying should:

• be spacious enough for the dog;
• lock securely;
• well ventilated;
• have a dense bottom without holes, covered with hygienic filler.

If the general rules are followed, the handler will not require certificates of vaccinations, since they are only needed to bring the dog into the territory of other countries.

Transportation and documentation for the dog according to the 2021 rules

Starting from 2017, in order to take a pet outside the country, you do not need to obtain a veterinary certificate. Therefore, the main document for exporting a pet is a veterinary passport, which indicates all vaccinations performed and information about the animal. This document must be certified by a veterinarian at a government medical institution.
In addition to the passport, it is mandatory to have a chip or a special stamp.

It is also very important to know that if you are going with your pet to an international exhibition, it is very important to have a special veterinary certificate with you, which is evidence that in the region where you live there are no quarantines or outbreaks of infectious diseases such as rabies. But, before leaving home, in the country where you will be you need to contact a veterinary clinic in order to also put the appropriate mark on this certificate.