China's rail network to allow pets on more high-speed trains

Pets will be allowed to travel on more high-speed trains, as China's railway is planning to expand its trial pet service.

The service provider China Railway Express Co announced the expansion on Friday, adding that the upgraded service now covers 8 major high-speed rail lines, 25 stations, and 38 bullet trains – including popular routes like Beijing-Shanghai, Beijing-Guangzhou, Beijing-Harbin, and Shanghai-Kunming.

Passengers can now transport one pet on the same train. Each pet must be a domesticated cat or dog in good health, weighing no more than 15 kilograms and no taller than 40 centimeters at the shoulder. Required documents include a valid identity card and a certificate of animal quarantine.

In April, the railway system launched a pilot program allowing pets to travel on select high-speed trains along the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, marking a first for the country's rail system.

The pilot service is being tested on 10 train services running between five major stations: Beijing South, Jinan West, Nanjing South, Shanghai Hongqiao and Hangzhou East. Travelers can make reservations through the 12306 ticket booking system, the railway ticket and service booking network, at least two days in advance.

The service is part of broader efforts to modernize the country's transportation infrastructure and meet the growing demand for pet-friendly travel options, according to China Railway Express.

Before this initiative, pets were not permitted on China's high-speed trains. However, pet transport is allowed on certain routes in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom under specific conditions. In China, updated regulations issued in July 2022 prohibit the carriage of live animals such as chickens or ducks on passenger trains, with some exceptions for slower services in rural areas.

Travelers seeking details about the pet transport service may contact the 24/7 hotline 12306 or specialized logistics line 95572, or check the 12306 ticket booking system. The company said it will actively solicit passenger feedback to refine the service and ultimately enhance convenience for pet owners traveling by high-speed rail.