Ningbo offers high-speed train transportation for pets

Pets can now travel by high-speed rail from Ningbo, Zhejiang province, with a new pet transport service launched at the city's railway station. 

Starting Oct 15, Ningbo Railway Station introduced a pet consignment service that allows passengers to book pet transport via the 12306 app. The service enables eligible cats and dogs to travel on the same train as their owners, though kept in a separate, monitored compartment to ensure comfort and safety. The program is now available on two routes: train G182 from Ningbo to Beijing and train G173 from Beijing to Ningbo.

Only domesticated cats and dogs in good health are eligible. Each pet must weigh no more than 15 kilograms and stand no taller than 40 centimeters at the shoulder. Each animal travels in a specialized container with air circulation, oxygen and humidity monitoring, noise reduction, and deodorization features. Pets are isolated from passengers but supervised throughout the journey by trained staff.

Fares are calculated based on distance, with the cost set at 360 yuan ($50.54) between Ningbo and Hangzhou or Nanjing and 460 yuan between Ningbo and Beijing. During the pilot phase, a 30 percent discount applies, along with complimentary basic insurance coverage of 2,000 yuan per pet.

In April, China Railway initiated a pilot program for transporting pets on high-speed trains, which has garnered favorable feedback from passengers. The Ningbo rollout marks another step in enhancing convenience, as railway authorities continue to collect passenger feedback and refine services to make travel smoother for people and their furry companions.