Whether it was the sheer joy of having adorable new members in our family or the magical feeling of just being together, we never realized when our tug of war slipped away quietly and we gladly booked our tickets to Pune together. These furry friends were a bribe to convince us to relocate to Bengaluru, and here we were, packing up our belongings to move back to Pune…all of us, including the cuddly bunnies!
When the blissful moment of glory and happiness passed, the realization hit that it was unsafe for the rabbits to travel via air. Although rabbits can travel on the airplane, it can be a daunting experience for them. Also, certain airlines do not allow traveling with bunnies.
Hence, we chose to enjoy the bustle of our incredible railway system and booked our tickets in advance.
Train Travel with Pet Rabbits
Rabbits are prone to get stressed easily and any form of travel can be straining for them. However, with proper care, tools, and techniques, it can be achievable and even made enjoyable for them.
The Prerequisites
A spacious carrier– Smaller confined spaces of a carrier makes them feel safer and provides more protection than carrying them in large cages.
Carrier layering– Line the carrier with a towel, travel/training mat to keep them dry and comfortable.
Hay for the warmth– Put some hay bundles to keep them comfortable and the extra cushion prevents them from sliding around in the moving vehicle. It is also their food.
Favorite food/treat– Rabbits mostly avoid eating much during travel. A favorite treat could lure them into nibbling something and prevent them from remaining hungry for a long period.
Water supply– It is preferable to carry an attachable water bottle that doesn’t spill or leak. Your furry friends need to remain hydrated.
Railway Regulations
Indian Railways is the best mode to carry your pets to long-distance as it is safe, affordable, and allows smaller pets to travel too. However, there are some rules to be followed for a smooth and hassle-free experience.
- Pets need to be carried only in the AC First Class accommodation, and the entire cabin needs to be reserved for yourself. Remember, despite getting the permission to travel with your pet, if any fellow-traveler objects to the same, you will have to send your pet to the brake van. Hence, a coupe all to yourself comes quite handy.
- After ticket booking, it is advisable to write to the Chief Commercial Officer-Railways to explain the special case of traveling with a pet so that you are allotted a coupe/cabin and not any random seat in the First Class.
- There is a nominal conveyance fee that needs to be prepaid in the parcel office, at the station of origin. You need to reach the station beforehand to do that.
Our Fun-filled Adventure
After the initial discomfort and onset of stress due to a new environment and unfamiliar sights and sounds all around, our rabbits finally did settle down with ease. We fed them hay and their favorite food, and made sure to keep them hydrated throughout. Once they started becoming familiar with the new setup, we occasionally brought them out of the carrier and they even excitedly explored the berths we were occupying. They kept licking our hands every time we stroked them and made them feel soothed and secured.
Staring out to the rolling hills and landscapes, gazing at the expanse of nature’s sights and manmade townships, we were gratified that we didn’t have to worry about our friends being left out somewhere.
We were glad we brought them back home with us!
“Whoever says, it’s only a rabbit, has never loved one!”
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Must have been a journey to remember! Rabbitting along chal chaiya chaiya chaiyya chaiyyaaa…..
These two bunnies seem to have found the right home with you’ll!! 🤗🤟
😄😄😄😄 Yes indeed it was. I now that you mention the chaiyya chaiyya element, the memories seem to have become more fond and fun now 🤩
Thankyou so much Radhika 😘❤
You now have become an Bunny Mummy!! Looking forward the next ones..
😀😘 Thankyou dear 🤗
I was hoping to see the carrier. Tell me how many heads did you make turn when you walked in with the rabbits??
Thankyou so much Sonia 😀😀
Almost everyone seemed awed by the little ones and the fact that we were traveling with them 😆
So happy to know that you took your bunnies along and didn’t leave them back just because of the hassle of traveling with them. Also, thanks for sharing the prerequisites for train travel. Your little bunnies are so adorable.
Thank you so much, Neha 😘❤
Okay, to be honest, this is my first time reading a post on traveling with bunnies and I absolutely loved it. Just reading about this makes me feel happy, I am sure you must have had a fun experience traveling with these beautiful bunnies 🙂
Thankyou so much Kavita 😊 yes, it was thrilling!
One of my friend in Mumbai has a rabbit. She often shares stories of her life with her pet. Once she told me how she travelled to Delhi to her mum’s house with her pet. It was surely a memorable experience for you too. Thanks for sharing.
Thankyou Neha 😊 and thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Such cute passengers! Must have been a fun-filled journey for sure. I have never seen pets on a train journey, had no idea about it. Your posts are not just but informative too. Keep up the great work.
Thankyou so much Rashi, for reading and appreciating. I am glad you like it 😊
It must have been fun filled experience as you had prepared well. This post would be very helpful for others planning pet journey on train.
Thankyou so much 😊🤗
You seem to be a great Hunny Bunny Mommy, Jyoti!
They look really cute. I recollect the photos of two rabbits my parents had much before I was born.
Thankyou so much Ashvini 😊🤗
This is indeed news to me that Indian railways allows pets to be carried in first class compartments. I guess one has to take a lot of precautionary measures when you are carrying animals as delicate as bunnies as you have mentioned. It was very interesting to read about your experience.
Thankyou so much, for reading and appreciating 😊🙏
They are indeed lucky bunnies. Loved their carrier and the care you have taken to make their travel comfortable. I remember travelling with my pet Pug few years ago in train. A memorable journey it was!
Thank you so much Amritha! So good to know about your travel experience with your pug. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts 😊
Thanks for the information about travelling with pets. You took such good care of the two adorable bunnies.
Thankyou Sinjana 🤗
Aww first of all your rabbits are so cute.. thanks for these valuable tip[s while travelling with pets.
Thankyou so much Judy 🤗
You now have to be Bunny mom. Your love for your pets can be felt though this one strongly.
Thankyou so much Parul 😊
The pointers for train journey are very helpful. Rabbits are cute pets for sure.
Thankyou so much Kinshoo 😊
Such cutie bunnies. Good you took them along. Good post!
Thankyou Jayshree 😊
The last time I had to do that – bring a pup via train and hence book a whole ac first – was over 20 years ago.
Still have fond memories of that time, taking the tiny puppy in a small basket.
Wow, I am sure that must’ve been a journey to remember. I can totally relate to the warm feeling of bringing a friend along and the fun all the while.
Thankyou so much for dropping by and sharing your thoughts!
That is so adorable. I am really glad the Indian Railways now allows pets in the compartments. It would have been a journey to remember.
Yes, it was, Ritu! Thank you so much for reading and appreciating! 😊
This is very interesting, traveling in a Indian train with your pets, I wasnt aware of this being possible.. Thanks for sharing finer aspects and tips here.
Thank you so much Srikanth, for reading and appreciating!
Ohhhh…. wow such cute co-passengers. they are my adorable duos! Well, the railway reservation regarding the pets is something I did not know. Lovely write up Jyoti!
Thankyou so much Chinmayee 🤗😊
Really a wonderful journey. However need some help and information. I have few queries on the travel part did they ask for any forest department clearance for the travel because I have a pet rabbit and I did an enquiry on the travel process from Bangalore to kolkata but the SMVT Bengaluru CCO office are saying we need to provide a forest department clearance. Is it really required? Can you please provide some inputs on the same?
Thankyou so much for visiting and giving it a read. So glad to know about your pet rabbits. While we travelled we were not asked to provide any such document, only the permission from the railways to travel with our pets, tickets for AC first class, and a letter submitted to the Chief Commercial Officer Railways. If the rules have changed then I am not aware. Wishing you the very best and a safe and enjoyable journey with your bunnies.