Vande Bharat Sleeper Pet Box: Rules, Booking, Charges & How to Travel With Pets
The Vande Bharat sleeper pet box is a dedicated pet enclosure built into India’s newest premium overnight train — and it’s sparked a nationwide debate among pet parents.
Indian Railways introduced this facility as part of the Vande Bharat Sleeper rake design, giving dog and cat owners a structured option for long-distance train travel with pets in India for the first time.
This guide covers official IRCTC pet travel rules, Vande Bharat sleeper pet box charges, how to book, documents required, user reviews, and the best pet carriers for train travel in India.
Table of Contents
Are Pets Allowed on the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train?
Yes — but with conditions.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train has a dedicated Vande Bharat sleeper dog box built into the rake, located at both ends of the train, just behind the loco pilot’s cabin. This is a fixed, in-train metal enclosure provided by Indian Railways — not a carrier you bring yourself.
This facility is separate from the existing Indian Railways rule that allows pets in AC First Class cabins only. As of February 2026, Indian Railways has not released a standalone public policy document specific to the Vande Bharat sleeper pet box. The Current India recommends that passengers confirm booking availability directly at the parcel or luggage counter of their departure station before travel.
What Does the Vande Bharat Sleeper Pet Box Look Like?
Travel creator Kailashi Yash Bajpai (@explorewithkailashi) shared a viral video in January 2026 showing the inside of the Vande Bharat sleeper dog box for the first time. Based on that footage, the enclosure includes:
- A large, cage-like metal structure with a securely latched door
- Built-in food and water holders
- Fixed position at both ends of the rake, near the driver’s cabin
- Pre-booking requirement — walk-in bookings are not accepted
The design concept is similar to the traditional dog box found in Indian Railways brake vans or guard coaches, but positioned within the sleeper coach formation of the Vande Bharat Sleeper.
Read: Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains: Routes, Ticket Price Features
Official Indian Railways Pet Travel Policy
Official PDF: https://contents.irctc.co.in/en/PetBookingInTrains.pdf
The following rules from the Indian Railways pet booking framework apply to the Vande Bharat sleeper pet box until specific updated guidelines are published:
Where Pets Are Allowed on Indian Trains
| Coach Class | Pets Allowed? |
|---|---|
| AC First Class — entire 4-berth cabin or 2-berth coupe, single PNR | Yes |
| AC 2-Tier | No |
| AC 3-Tier | No |
| Sleeper Class | No |
| Second Class | No |
| Guard Van / Brake Van Dog Box | Yes (separate booking) |
| Vande Bharat Sleeper Pet Box | Yes (pre-booking required) |
Key Rules
- Only one pet is allowed per PNR
- In AC First Class, you must book the entire cabin or coupe under a single PNR — not just one berth
- The freight charge for a dog box booking is ₹30 per kilogram of the pet’s weight
- No refund is given on pet freight charges — even if the train is cancelled or delayed
- Puppies or kittens that fit inside a basket can travel in any class, charged as regular baggage
- Pet owners are fully responsible for feeding and watering their animals during the journey
Liability Disclaimer
Under Section 99 of the Railways Act, Indian Railways is not liable for any loss, injury, sickness, or non-delivery of animals after the transit period. Pet owners assume full legal responsibility for their animal’s safety during rail travel.
Read: Helpline No Of IRCTC – Complaint Number Of Railway
Vande Bharat Sleeper Pet Box Charges
As of February 2026, Indian Railways has not published a separate charge specific to the Vande Bharat sleeper pet box. The existing Indian Railways pet freight structure applies. Here is a full cost breakdown:
Your Train Ticket (Mandatory)
You must hold a valid, confirmed ticket. RAC and waitlist tickets do not qualify. Indicative fares per kilometer:
| Class | Approx. Per-km Rate | ~1,000 km Journey | ~2,000 km Journey |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC 3-Tier | ₹2.4/km | ₹2,300–₹2,400 | ~₹4,800 |
| AC 2-Tier | ₹3.1/km | ₹3,000–₹3,100 | ~₹6,200 |
| AC First Class | ₹3.8/km | ₹3,600–₹3,800 | ~₹7,600 |
GST is charged separately on top of the base fare.
Pet Freight Charge
The Indian Railways freight rate for pets in a dog box or pet box is ₹30 per kilogram of the animal’s body weight.
| Pet Weight | Freight Charge |
|---|---|
| 10 kg | ₹300 |
| 20 kg | ₹600 |
| 25 kg | ₹750 |
| 40 kg | ₹1,200 |
Important: Pet freight charges are non-refundable under any circumstance — including train cancellation, passenger PNR cancellation, and no-shows.
In-Cabin Travel Cost (AC First Class)
For small pets traveling inside an AC First Class cabin, passengers must book the full cabin. This means:
- Full fare for all 4 berths (4-berth cabin) or 2 berths (2-berth coupe) under one PNR
- On a ~1,000 km route: approximately ₹14,400–₹15,200 for a full 4-berth cabin booking
Vande Bharat Sleeper Cancellation Charges
| Time of Cancellation | Deduction |
|---|---|
| Early cancellation (any time after booking) | Minimum 25% of fare |
| 72 hours to 8 hours before departure | 50% of fare |
| Within 8 hours of departure | 100% — no refund |
Note: Pet freight charges remain non-refundable regardless of when the ticket is cancelled.
Sample Total Cost: 1,000 km Journey, 20 kg Labrador, AC 3-Tier
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| AC 3-Tier ticket | ₹2,300 |
| Pet freight (20 kg × ₹30) | ₹600 |
| GST (~5% on ticket) | ~₹115 |
| Estimated Total | ~₹3,015 |
How to Book the Vande Bharat Sleeper Pet Box
Option 1: Online via IRCTC (for AC First Class In-Cabin Bookings)
- Visit irctc.co.in → click TRAINS → select Dogs/Cats Booking
- You will be redirected to parcel.indianrail.gov.in
- Log in using your registered mobile number and OTP
- Enter your confirmed PNR number (must be First AC or First Class)
- Select the number of pets and provide a valid photo ID
- Pay via SBI Payment Gateway (UPI or QR supported)
- Receive a Luggage Ticket Number via SMS and email
Read: IRCTC Trains – How To Book Tickets, Check PNR Status, Live Train Tracking And More
Option 2: At the Station (for Vande Bharat Sleeper Pet Box Booking)
As of February 2026, the Vande Bharat sleeper pet box can only be booked at the parcel or luggage office at your departure station. Online booking for this facility is not yet available.
- Arrive at the station at least 3 hours before departure
- Go to the parcel or luggage counter
- Submit all required documents (see below)
- Pay freight charges in cash or via accepted modes
- Get your pet weighed and collect the luggage ticket confirming the booking
The Current India recommends calling your departure station in advance to verify availability on your specific train and route.
Documents Required for Pet Travel on Vande Bharat Sleeper
- Vaccination certificate — pet must be vaccinated against rabies, distemper, and other standard diseases
- Fitness certificate from a registered veterinarian — must be issued within 24 to 48 hours before travel, and must mention the pet’s breed, color, age, and gender
- Confirmed train ticket (PNR)
- Passenger photo ID — Aadhaar card, passport, or equivalent government ID
User Reviews: What People Are Saying About the Vande Bharat Sleeper Pet Box
The Vande Bharat sleeper pet box became a trending topic in India in January 2026 after the viral video by @explorewithkailashi. The Current India has compiled reactions from social media, travel forums, and pet owner communities.
Positive Reactions
- Dedicated space appreciated: Many pet owners praised Indian Railways for creating a purpose-built enclosure. Earlier, dogs could only travel in the guard’s brake van alongside goods and luggage, with no dedicated setup.
- Built-in food and water holders: This design feature was widely praised as a sign that animal comfort was considered during the planning phase.
- Progress acknowledged: Multiple users described the facility as “a genuine step forward” for pet-inclusive travel on Indian trains.
Concerns Raised
- Size concerns for large breeds: Several users flagged that the enclosure may be too small for overnight journeys, particularly for breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, or Great Danes.
- Overnight separation: The sentiment “Bacchon Ko Cage Me Kyu Rakhe?” (Why keep them in a cage?) trended online, reflecting discomfort with confining pets for 10 to 15 hours.
- Ventilation and temperature: Users raised questions about whether the pet box area is air-conditioned or ventilated, and whether any railway staff checks on animals during the journey.
- Absence of official guidelines: Many users and animal welfare groups called for published rules on maximum pet size, species restrictions, monitoring standards, and emergency protocols.
Animal Welfare Community Response
Animal welfare advocates in India broadly welcomed the introduction of the Vande Bharat sleeper pet box but called for improvements including better ventilation, cushioned flooring, size-based enclosure options, and mandatory welfare checks at long-halt stations.
“The Vande Bharat sleeper pet box is a meaningful first step in making Indian Railways more pet-friendly. However, Indian Railways must publish specific, transparent guidelines covering pet size limits, species eligibility, ventilation standards, and staff responsibilities before this facility can be considered fully reliable for pet parents.”
Best Pet Carriers Compatible with Vande Bharat Train Travel in India
Even when using the built-in Vande Bharat sleeper pet box, passengers need a personal carrier to transport their pet between home and the station. The Current India recommends the following options based on size, safety, and availability in India:
For Small Dogs and Cats (Under 7 kg)
Savic IATA-Approved Plastic Carrier Available at: Heads Up For Tails (headsupfortails.com) Features: Hard plastic shell, front and top-loading doors, mesh ventilation panels, IATA-compliant Best for: Air travel and train travel
Buraq Premium Expandable Pet Carrier Available at: Buraqpets.com Features: Soft-sided, expandable mesh panels, padded interior, airline-compliant dimensions Best for: Pets that need extra room during transit
Forest Pet Shop Hard Shell Carrier Available at: Flipkart Features: Hard shell body, ventilation holes on all sides, car seatbelt slit Best for: Budget-conscious pet parents
For Medium to Large Dogs (7–25 kg)
DogTrust IATA-Approved Flight Crate (24″ to 36″) Available at: Flipkart Features: Heavy-duty plastic, meets airline and Indian Railways regulations, multiple size options Best for: Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies
PSK Pet Mart Heavy Duty Dog Travel Crate Available at: Flipkart Features: Airline-compliant design, sturdy plastic and metal frame, roomy interior Best for: Long-distance train or air travel
Marshall’s Pet Zone Travel Kennel Available at: marshallspetzone.com Features: Sizes from 18″ to 48″, metal frame options, suitable for crate training before travel Best for: Giant breeds and multi-day travel
Where to Buy Pet Carriers Online in India
| Platform | Brands Available |
|---|---|
| Amazon India (amazon.in) | Savic, Emily Pets, DogTrust, MidWest |
| Flipkart (flipkart.com) | DogTrust, PSK Pet Mart, Emily Pets |
| Heads Up For Tails (headsupfortails.com) | Savic, Petmate |
| Supertails (supertails.com) | Soft-sided carriers and backpacks |
| Buraq Pets (buraqpets.com) | Indian-made carriers |
| Marshall’s Pet Zone (marshallspetzone.com) | Hard crates in all sizes |
How to Choose the Right Carrier
- Size: Your pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down fully inside the carrier
- Ventilation: Look for mesh panels on at least 3 sides
- Material: Hard-sided plastic crates are more durable and easier to clean for train use
- Crate training: Let your pet eat and sleep inside the carrier for 2 to 3 weeks before the journey — this significantly reduces travel anxiety
Pre-Travel Checklist for Vande Bharat Sleeper Pet Travel
- Confirm the Vande Bharat sleeper pet box is available on your route and train
- Book your own confirmed train ticket (RAC and waitlist not accepted)
- Book the pet box at the parcel counter of your departure station
- Get a vet fitness certificate within 24 to 48 hours of travel
- Carry up-to-date vaccination records
- Buy a right-sized carrier for station transit
- Arrive at the station at least 3 hours before departure
- Pack pet food, water, a familiar toy, and any prescribed medication
- Avoid feeding a heavy meal within 3 to 4 hours of departure
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my dog on the Vande Bharat Sleeper?
Yes. The Vande Bharat Sleeper has a dedicated pet box that allows dogs to travel. Pre-booking at the station parcel counter is mandatory.
What is the Vande Bharat sleeper pet box charge?
As of February 2026, the charge follows the existing Indian Railways freight rate of ₹30 per kilogram of the pet’s body weight. A dedicated Vande Bharat-specific pet box tariff has not yet been published.
Is the Vande Bharat sleeper pet box air-conditioned?
Indian Railways has not officially confirmed whether the pet box area is air-conditioned or climate-controlled. Passengers should verify this with the station or railway helpline before booking.
Can cats travel in the Vande Bharat Sleeper?
Yes. Cats are allowed under the same Indian Railways pet travel rules that apply to dogs.
Can I book the Vande Bharat sleeper pet box online?
As of February 2026, online booking for the pet box on the Vande Bharat Sleeper is not available. Booking must be done at the parcel counter of the departure station.
What documents do I need to travel with a pet on the Vande Bharat Sleeper?
A vaccination certificate, a vet fitness certificate issued within 48 hours of travel, your confirmed PNR, and a valid government photo ID.
Final Word
The Vande Bharat sleeper pet box is the most significant move Indian Railways has made toward pet-inclusive train travel in India. It is not a perfect solution yet — size limitations, lack of official guidelines, unclear ventilation standards, and the absence of online booking remain real concerns. But the purpose-built Vande Bharat sleeper dog box is a structural step up from the old practice of sending pets to the guard’s brake van with cargo.
As routes expand and more pet parents share their experiences, Indian Railways will be under public pressure to improve this facility. If you have traveled with your pet on the Vande Bharat Sleeper, The Current India invites you to share your review in the comments or write to us directly.
Sources and References
- IRCTC Official Pet Booking Policy — https://contents.irctc.co.in/en/PetBookingInTrains.pdf
- Zee News — Vande Bharat Sleeper Pet Facility Coverage — https://zeenews.india.com
- CarryMyPet.com — Pet Box Facility on Vande Bharat Sleeper — https://www.carrymypet.com
- Free Press Journal — Viral Pet Box Video Coverage — https://www.freepressjournal.in
- Indian Kennel Club — Vande Bharat Sleeper Pets — https://indiankennelclub.com
