Rules for transporting animals on Russian Railways trains 2022 - How to transport dogs and cats on long-distance trains

The rules for transporting cats change almost every year. Sometimes these changes concern details and special cases, sometimes they affect the entire “ritual” of transportation as a whole. In this regard, the question of how to carry a cat on a train becomes a philosophical question. The list of amendments being made is difficult to keep up with both for travelers with pets and for the railway company employees themselves, which often leads to troubles at the time of boarding.

How to transport a cat on a train

Some cat owners prefer to cleverly break the rules and take their pets to places where they should not be taken. However, the punishment for such disobedience can be very severe - up to and including being thrown off the train. We will tell you below about how to avoid extreme measures and take into account all the introduced laws on the transportation of animals.

Veterinary certificate

Back in 2015, every cat owner who wanted to place their animal on a train had to visit a veterinary station and purchase a health certificate for their pet. The validity period of the certificate was limited, so those people who came for it in advance risked being left on the day of the trip with a useless, invalid piece of paper. This document was valid for only five days, which meant that literally a couple of days before the trip the owner had to visit the veterinary station.

Many owners consider visiting the veterinary station the most tedious preparation point

When traveling abroad, two veterinary certificates are required - in Russian and in the language of the country you are traveling to. English is often used as an international language.

Sample of an international veterinary certificate

There were no provisions for any tests on the territory of the veterinary station itself. The cat owner must come with an existing veterinary passport, which contains information about all vaccinations performed and the health status of the animal. Vaccination had to be done no more than a year, and no less than a month before departure.

Required vaccinations

The situation is further complicated by the fact that there is no single list of required vaccines. In this matter, each veterinary station shows itself “creatively”. For some specialists, a rabies vaccination is enough, while others require vaccination against:

• Rhinotracheitis;
• Calcivirosis;
• Panleukopenia.

As a rule, veterinary stations do not inspect animals and issue certificates based on existing documents

It is difficult to predict the vagaries of each specific station, so universal vaccination was the optimal solution. Even before vaccinations, the cat had to be dewormed in order to avoid side effects from vaccination. In short, the pet owner faced a difficult and exhausting journey from the veterinary station to the treasured railway station.

How to prepare your pet?

Constantly changing conditions are stressful for cats, so the owner’s task is to do everything to ensure that the pet suffers as little as possible from this. It is necessary to purchase a container for transporting cats, with normal ventilation and a strong frame. Lack of air and lack of support in the bag provoke nervousness and panic in the cat. You need to prepare your pet for moving in a container in a calm home environment. You should place the carrier in the room so that the cat sniffs it and climbs inside. Once he gets used to it, he will calmly ride in it. It is not recommended to give food to the animal before the trip. The last feeding is allowed 6 hours before departure.

How to calm an animal?

To prevent your cat from becoming nervous during the trip, it is recommended to give her sedative drops, selected by a doctor.
Few cats tolerate travel well, especially for the first time. They meow for a long time out of excitement and sometimes get motion sickness. To relieve discomfort, veterinarians advise giving your cat sedatives in drops. It is better to discuss the selection of the drug with your doctor at your appointment, since they do not have the same effect on all pets. Some cats become even more nervous due to the unusual sensations caused by the medication. You need to start giving your pet drops a few days before the trip. There is no need to leave your cat alone, but at the stations you can go out for a walk with him. List of effective medications to calm your pet:

• "Fitex";
• "Stopstress";
• "Fospasim";
• "Cat Baiyun".

To transport a cat abroad, you will need to have a microchip implanted under the skin for identification.

Reform 2022

If after all these frightening descriptions you go to unload your suitcases, then don’t rush. In January 2022, another amendment was adopted, this time transforming all preparations for the trip beyond recognition. Pet health certificates were abolished. Abolition, however, does not mean a complete lack of control over the pet’s condition on the part of Russian Railways employees.

Don't be confused if you meet an ignorant guide and explain the situation clearly to him

As already mentioned, all orders from above spread to the ground at a snail's pace. Therefore, if you arrive fully armed, with knowledge of the changed legislation, there is no guarantee that you will not meet an employee who will certainly ask you for an animal passport. Moreover, if you call the company and start asking different specialists questions on this topic, you may well hear mutually exclusive information.

Often Russian Railways employees themselves have conflicting information and cannot agree on the issue of transportation

The main points that you should take away from the winter reform are as follows:

1. Transportation rules now depend on which compartment you choose. Some types of compartments, which we will talk about next, are not accessible to animals;
2. The size of a cat is no longer determined by its physical characteristics, but by the carriage in which the animal is placed;
3. You cannot purchase a single “cat” ticket - for each train and each type of car the price is set individually.
4. Sleeping and luxury carriages remain inaccessible to cats.

Often Russian Railways employees themselves have conflicting information and cannot agree on the issue of transportation

Despite the fact that having a veterinary passport and related certificates is no longer mandatory, it does not mean that the owner can safely ignore this document. We will talk further about why a veterinary passport is needed and what its useful functions are.

Veterinary passport for a cat

Video - current transportation rules

Features of transporting animals in various airlines

Despite the fact that all the comprehensive information about transporting animals of various airlines is contained on their official websites, you will still have to call and clarify the special rules for transporting dogs on an airplane.

On average, you need to notify the airline at least two days in advance that you are flying with an animal. If you do not do this, you will be refused permission to transport your dog or cat at the airport.

The main thing that managers warn about over the phone is the cost of a ticket for a dog. Travelers, however, are also most interested in how much a plane ticket for a dog or cat costs.

The animal is considered excess baggage and is not included in the free baggage allowance. Prices for transporting “our little brothers” in airlines vary greatly.

You will have to pay for the ticket for your dog at the airport before departure. You will not be able to book it in advance on the Internet. Therefore, airlines recommend arriving at the airport with your pet in advance.

Aeroflot

Aeroflot is the oldest and most reliable airline in Russia. Compared to other airlines, Aeroflot charges a more impressive amount for transporting an animal.

Thus, on domestic flights when transporting one animal in the cabin or luggage compartment, you must pay an amount of 3,750 rubles. On international flights, the cost is pegged to the dollar exchange rate and is approximately 5,500 rubles.

Despite the recently introduced rules requiring only a veterinary passport for a dog to be provided, Aeroflot managers still require a veterinary certificate, Form No. 1.

Utair

UTair is more pet-friendly on board. Thus, the main requirement of the airline is only a timely vaccination against rabies.

The tariff schedule for the transportation of dogs and cats in Russia is presented as follows:

• in the cabin weighing up to 10 kg – 2500 rubles;
• in the luggage compartment weighing up to 23 kg – 2500 rubles;
• in the luggage compartment weighing from 23 to 32 kg - 5,000 rubles;
• in the luggage compartment weighing from 32 to 50 kg - 7500 rubles.

When traveling internationally, the airline charges between 50 and 150 euros for transporting an animal, depending on its size.

S7

An interesting feature in the rules of transportation of S7 Airlines is the ban on the carriage of puppies and kittens under the age of 8 weeks by aircraft due to possible dehydration of the animals.

In Russia, the cost of transporting an animal with this airline will cost 2,000 rubles if the animal weighs less than 8 kg in the cabin or from 8 to 23 kg in the luggage compartment.

Transporting the same animal from Russia to Europe will cost you 70 euros, and to the CIS countries – 50 euros.

Preparing for the trip

Before setting off on a long journey with your pet, it is advisable to do a number of simple manipulations that will make the trip easier for both the cat and you in the future:

1. Implant a chip into an animal. Despite the fact that this advice sounds somewhat threatening, many owners resort to this procedure. When transporting a cat, the likelihood of its loss increases, and no one can be 100 percent insured. The chip will allow you to determine the location of the cat using a special program in case of its escape and will save you from tedious searches;

   The miniature chip does not harm the animal’s body and is not felt by it in any way.

2. Give your pet worm prevention three months before the departure date. The absence of the need to have a veterinary certificate should not entail a special lack of responsibility for your pet. This way you will protect yourself and your possible travel companions from possible infection;

   Dirofen in the form of a suspension is literally created for pets who cannot tolerate tablets

3. Make sure you have all your cat's required vaccinations throughout the year.

Condition of the cat after transportation

After the move, the animal, of course, continues to experience stress.
This happens not only because of the transportation itself, but also because the animal ends up in a completely new place for it, in a new apartment. Basically, the behavior of the animal is as follows:

• refusal to eat for several days (1-3 days);
• refusal to go to the toilet (up to 24 hours after moving);
• the animal does not make contact with the owner, hides under the sofa or in another secluded place.

After 2-3 days, this condition passes and the cat begins to behave as usual. After a week, Mars had already completely settled down - his appetite returned, he began to go to the litter box and behave like the master of the house.

Transporting cats on high-speed trains

There is no single set of rules for transporting cats that is valid for every train. Before setting off, the owner should familiarize himself with all the possible options and weigh the pros and cons.

Table 1. Rules for transporting cats on high-speed trains

In which carriages are cats allowed?

The possibility of transporting pets is provided in all carriages, excluding luxury. Passengers with allergies to cat hair may experience some inconvenience. In this case, you can agree with the conductor to replace one compartment with another.

In the case of an international move, the passenger will have to buy the entire compartment. During long train stops, you can walk with your cat on a harness. You can take your cat with you on a trip even if you have to travel by train.

Travel registration

Nowadays, tickets are purchased in two ways, which determine the specifics of further actions:

1. Order a ticket via the Internet. As a rule, on the websites of railway companies, when purchasing a ticket, you can select all the additional functions, which include transporting a pet, which will increase the cost of the ticket. Upon arrival at the station, you just need to show your passport and present the ticket printed from the website;

   When ordering a ticket through the website, pay attention to the carriages marked with the letter Z - these are the ones you need

2. Purchasing a ticket through the station ticket office. When purchasing a ticket directly, you inform the cashier about the presence of the animal and discuss the package of necessary documents and the final cost of the ticket, after which you redeem it.

It is advisable to notify Russian Railways employees of your intention to transport the animal in advance (two to three days before the day of departure). You can do this by calling the toll-free number 8-800-222-07-66.

The simplest procedure for transporting a cat applies to all trains

Please note that commuter trains do not require containers. It is enough to pay an additional fee for the animal, and entry into the carriage is open.

Legislative regulation

Every owner must follow the current rules for transporting cats by train. To do this, you need to delve into the essence of the issue and its subtleties.

The portal’s lawyer will help you deal with them; you can send a request to him on the site at any time.

After filling out the pop-up form, the consultant will give advice on the rules for transporting cats on trains.

Regulations for the transportation of animals by rail are mandatory for all passengers. Any citizen, having purchased a ticket, automatically agrees to comply. Violation of these will result in prescribed penalties.

The legislative framework in this area consists of:

1. Charter of railway transport No. 18-FZ dated 10/01/2003 as amended in 2022.
2. The Order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation approved the Rules for the transportation of passengers and luggage No. 473 dated 12/19/2013 in the new edition of 2022 certified by the Ministry of Railways of the Russian Federation and standards for the delivery of animals by rail.
3. “Rules for the transportation of animals by rail” approved by Order No. 35 of the Ministry of Railways of Russia.

Watch the video: “How to transport a cat on a train.”

Useful tips

Transporting a cat on a train is difficult for owners, since during the entire time people are worried about the condition of their family member. You can make the animal’s fate easier by following these recommendations:

• You cannot limit your cat's access to water. Place a bowl of water in the container and constantly monitor its contents.
• At stations you are required to walk your cat. A leash is used for this. Walk with her as far as possible from large crowds of people, but observing safety precautions.
• During a walk, you need to check whether the animal has gone to the toilet. If not, health problems may arise. Sometimes the animal does not go to the toilet, eat or drink during the trip, which can last up to 3 days. In this case, immediately upon arrival you need to contact a veterinarian and explain the situation. The doctor will prescribe treatment to eliminate dehydration and restore the functions of the urinary system.
• For food, it is better to take dry cat food on the road. But if your pet has not tried it before, it is better to keep the same food and provide it on the train. Otherwise, you may experience stomach and intestinal upset.

Monitor your cat's condition closely during the trip. If the situation allows, you can remove the animal, which is on a leash, from the container and hold it in your arms. Or put him to sleep next to you if you know for sure that he won’t run away. To avoid funny things, it is better to tie the leash to the train table.

In addition to our article, we recommend reading the story of one traveler with a cat. You will find a lot of useful information in it - https://pikabu.ru/story/v_poezd_s_kotami_4974906

Electric trains

Transporting animals on commuter trains has been simplified as much as possible. Dogs, regardless of size, must be muzzled and on a leash. Large breeds are allowed to be transported only in the vestibule, and only two “heavyweight” animals can be in one carriage.

Cats with a calm nature do not need to be carried. Cages with birds and small rodents also do not require additional space - they are held in hands. But it is necessary to buy a ticket for any animal other than a guide dog. This can be done at suburban ticket offices or directly at the controllers if the passenger boards at an intermediate station. The cost of travel for animals is 25% of the standard ticket price. Such a document cannot be purchased from vending machines; it must be stamped accordingly.

As a rule, ticket inspectors are rarely interested in tickets for four-legged passengers, especially if they sleep peacefully on the owner’s lap, differing little from ordinary luggage. But when it is discovered that a cat or dog is riding as a hare, you will have to pay a fine.

conclusions

So, let's summarize. Your main actions if you plan to transport a cat by train to the Russian Federation:

• Find your way around the flight.
• Call the Russian Railways help desk (or the carrier) and find out whether pets can be carried on this flight and in which carriage. Find out more about the conditions.
• Issue a receipt for transporting your pet. You can do this in parallel with purchasing a ticket for yourself or after, presenting your ticket when issuing a receipt.
• Buy a durable cat carrier.