Read More
China’s high-speed rail network has launched a pilot pet transport service, allowing owners to travel with their beloved furry companions.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
Starting April 8, 2025, select trains on the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed rail will permit pet transport, turning the dream of taking pets on high-speed rail trips into reality. But how does it work, and can Hong Kong pets join in?
Advance booking required, size and breed restrictions apply
According to railway authorities, the pet transport service is is currently being provided on trial basis at 10 trains operating between five major stations: Beijing South, Jinan West, Nanjing South, Shanghai Hongqiao and Hangzhou East.
The trains are G119/118, G121/122, G127, G134, G183/184, and G195/196.
Passengers must book at least two days in advance via the 12306 mobile app under the "Pet Transport" section. Only one cat or dog per passenger is allowed per trip.
However, not all pets qualify. The service is limited to domesticated cats and dogs in good health, weighing no more than 15 kg and standing no taller than 40 cm in shoulder height. Additionally, 47 breeds classified as aggressive - such as Tibetan Mastiffs, Boxers, and German Shepherds - along with their mixed-breed descendants, are prohibited.
Pets and owners separated
The railway authorities said a "separate transport" policy is in place to ensure safety and hygiene.
Pets will be kept in special carriers equipped with air circulation, oxygen monitoring, noise reduction, and odor control to minimize disturbances.
Designated storage compartments in the middle of the train will hold the pet carriers, keeping them away from passenger areas. Staff will not open carriers during transit.
Designated train staff will monitor the pets via the carrier’s tracking system, checking every two hours to provide water (but no food). Owners cannot visit their pets during the journey.
Fees start at 558 yuan
Pricing is distance-based, ranging from 558 yuan (for trips under 1,000 km) to 1,258 yuan (over 2,000 km). An introductory 30 percent discount is currently offered.
Hong Kong pets face quarantine hurdles
While the service is very likely to expand in the future, allowing pet owners in Hong Kong to hop on the rides with their furry friends, a few challenges lie ahead.
Although bringing pets into mainland China is relatively straightforward - requiring health certificates, vaccination records, and microchipping, returning to Hong Kong is more complicated.
Under Hong Kong’s Public Health (Animals and Birds) Ordinance and Rabies Ordinance, pets entering from the mainland must undergo a four-month quarantine, with substantial associated costs. This may deter many owners from taking their pets northbound.
For now, whether West Kowloon Station will offer pet transport remains unclear. Until then, Hong Kong’s furry travelers might have to wait before hopping aboard the high-speed rail.
(Marco Lam)
