For many “pet owners,” traveling with their beloved pets, especially on long journeys, is a concern. Many cat owners may ask, “Can pet cats take the high-speed train?” The answer is: currently in China, pet cats cannot be carried into the high-speed train compartments, but some pets meeting certain conditions can be sent via consignment through railway authorities, and China Railway is piloting pet consignment services on some high-speed train routes.

Pet transportation policies for high-speed trains and regular trains

According to relevant regulations from China Railway, currently, except for guide dogs, no live animals can be carried into high-speed train or bullet train compartments. This is mainly due to concerns about public health safety, the riding experience of other passengers, and the safety of the pets themselves. After all, in high-speed, crowded compartments, the sounds, smells, or unexpected situations from pets may affect other travelers and also cause considerable stress for the pets.

However, the travel needs of our "fur babies" are real, and railway authorities have been paying attention and researching solutions. In recent years, discussions about “whether pets can be taken on high-speed trains” remain popular. The China Railway Customer Service Center (12306) even conducted surveys on pet transportation on high-speed trains, widely collecting opinions and suggestions. Notably, starting April 8, 2025, the railway department began piloting “isolated transportation, separation of people and pets, and special care” pet consignment services on some Beijing-Shanghai high-speed train routes, and the 12306 App simultaneously launched the “pet consignment” feature, which is undoubtedly good news for pet families.

Regarding regular trains, some of them currently provide pet consignment services. This means your cat can travel with you via freight, but you need to complete the necessary procedures and place the cat in the baggage car.

Precautions for taking cats on trains (regular train consignment/escort)

If you choose regular trains for pet consignment or escort, there are important matters to understand and prepare in advance to avoid delays or discomfort for your cat.

1. Advance consultation and preparation:

• Confirm whether the luggage transportation service is available: Not all stations and all regular trains offer pet consignment services. You need to call China Railway 12306 or China Railway Express 95572 customer service for consultation, confirm whether the departure and destination stations offer luggage transportation services, and learn which trains can handle consignment. Some cities may not have opened this service yet.
• Obtain an animal quarantine certificate: This is a required “ID card”! You need to take your cat to the local animal health quarantine department to get the Animal Quarantine Certificate. Usually, you need to bring the pet's immunization certificate (such as rabies vaccination proof) and the owner's ID card. Note that the quarantine certificate is generally short-lived (usually valid for 7 days), so you need to arrange the timing properly.
• Prepare a suitable transport container: Preparing a safe, ventilated, sturdy cage for the cat is vital. The bottom of the cage should have a pad preventing feces leakage, and have locks and a water dispenser. Do not use cardboard boxes. The cage size should allow the cat to comfortably stand, turn, and lie down.
• Understand pet weight limits: Usually, the total weight of the pet (including cage) for railway consignment should not exceed 20 kilograms.
• Prepare food and water: For longer trips, prepare the cat's food and water inside the cage to ensure they won’t go hungry or thirsty during the journey.

2. Handle consignment/escort procedures:

• Arrive at the station early: Be sure to leave ample time before the train departs, generally suggested 3 to 4 hours prior, at the station's luggage room or China Railway Express window for procedures. Some stations' luggage rooms have limited hours, and for night trains, you may need to handle it during the day.
• Present relevant documents: You must show your ID and the cat's Animal Quarantine Certificate, and fill out the consignment form. Staff will check your materials and the pet’s transport container.
• Choose between consignment or escort: Pet transportation on regular trains divides into consignment and escort:
  • Consignment: The pet is alone in the luggage compartment while the passenger rides in the passenger car; people and pets are separated. Typically suitable for trips within 200 kilometers without the need for feeding midway.
  • Escort: Passengers need to buy a ticket on the same train as their pet; the pet is in the luggage compartment. Passengers can visit and care for the pet at scheduled times in the luggage car (usually limited to, for example, no more than three visits). This is suitable for trips over 200 kilometers or when feeding is needed midway.

3. Precautions during the journey:

• Environmental adaptation: Before departure, try to let your cat get familiar with the transport cage. You can put clothing with your scent or toys they like inside to help relieve stress.
• Fasting and elimination: Fast the cat a few hours before boarding and ensure it has eliminated to reduce chances of motion sickness or cage soiling during travel.
• Pay attention to weather changes: Luggage compartments are usually at ambient temperature; if passing through areas with large temperature differences, prepare to keep your cat warm.
• Maintain communication: Make sure the information on the consignment form is accurate and keep your phone available so station staff can contact you if necessary.

4. Upon arrival:

• Pick up promptly: After the train arrives, pick up your cat quickly at the station luggage room with your ID and consignment documents. If the train is delayed, ask staff for the cat's arrival status.
• Comfort your cat: After a long journey, cats may feel anxious and tired; provide them with sufficient comfort and care upon pickup.

High-speed train pet consignment pilot service

With social development and increasing pet ownership, railway authorities are actively exploring more convenient ways for pet travel. The pilot pet consignment service on some Beijing-Shanghai high-speed train routes is a positive sign. According to publicly available information, this pilot service has the following features:

• Pilot scope: Currently only piloted on some Beijing-Shanghai high-speed train routes.
• Isolated transportation: Pets are transported in designated areas separated from passenger areas to reduce impact on other passengers.
• Separation of people and pets: Passengers ride in passenger cars, pets in dedicated consignment zones.
• Special care: The railway provides dedicated personnel to care for consigned pets.
• Online reservation: Passengers can make online reservations via the 12306 App's “pet consignment” feature in advance.
• Pet requirements: Currently the pilot only includes family-raised, healthy cats and dogs weighing no more than 15 kilograms and with a shoulder height no higher than 40 centimeters.
• Fees: Pricing during the pilot is tiered by transport distance, with initial discounts.

This pilot service is still in the exploratory stage. Whether it will expand to more routes and train models and the specific implementation details still need to be followed via official railway sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Except for guide dogs, can other pets be carried into high-speed train compartments?

A: Currently no. Per railway rules, except for guide dogs, no live animals are allowed to be carried into high-speed train or bullet train compartments.

Q: Can cats be consigned on trains?

A: Yes. Some regular trains provide pet consignment services, but you need to consult the station and complete related formalities in advance. Additionally, some Beijing-Shanghai high-speed train routes are piloting pet consignment services.

Q: What documents are needed to consignment pet trains?

A: You generally need the owner’s ID card, the cat's Animal Quarantine Certificate, and the pet immunization certificate.

Q: What are the requirements for pet consignment cages?

A: The cage must be ventilated, sturdy, have locks and a water dispenser, and contain a pad to prevent feces leakage. Cardboard boxes are not allowed. The cage size must allow the cat to move comfortably inside.

Q: Are there weight limits for pet consignment?

A: For regular trains, pets including cages generally must not exceed 20 kilograms. The Beijing-Shanghai high-speed train pilot limits single pets to 15 kilograms.

Q: What are the features of the high-speed train pet consignment pilot service?

A: The pilot service on Beijing-Shanghai high-speed trains includes isolated transportation, separation of people and pets, dedicated care, and online reservations via 12306 App, but has restrictions on pet breed, weight, and shoulder height.

Summary

Overall, although currently you cannot hold your cat and sit with it inside the high-speed train compartments to enjoy the scenery, you can still bring your cat along by arranging consignment on regular trains or by following and using the pilot high-speed train pet consignment service. When planning to travel by train with your cat, be sure to understand the latest railway transport regulations in advance, prepare all necessary documents and suitable transport equipment, and ensure proper care during the journey so your "fur baby" can arrive safely and comfortably. With the railway department responding to traveler needs and technological advances, traveling with pets will become more convenient in the future!