Ukrzaliznytsia has changed the rules for transporting animals - what passengers should do.

Ukrzaliznytsia has updated the rules for transporting pets by train. Now traveling with animals requires adherence to approved norms. However, they are aimed at making journeys with four-legged companions more comfortable for all passengers.

This was reported by the press service of Ukrzaliznytsia on Telegram.

Rules for transporting large animals

To minimize negative reactions to the updated requirements and make them as acceptable as possible for pet owners, railway representatives consulted with UAnimals, specialists from the Ministry of Community Development, and transport experts from partner countries before submitting their proposals for consideration.

As a result, rules for transporting animals on Ukrzaliznytsia trains were adopted. From now on, large dogs (over 45 cm at the withers) can travel in carriages of all types, but with warnings:

• on the high-speed Intercity+ train, all seats arranged in a single block in the row must be purchased, and the dog must be on the floor next to the owner, under the seats or next to them;
• in the 'Lux' sleeping car and in international RIC cars, all seats in the compartment must be purchased;
• service dogs of Defense Forces representatives can travel in all types of wagons for free regardless of their size (leash and muzzle are mandatory).

Traveling with small animals

As for cats and small breed dogs up to 45 cm at the withers, they are allowed to travel in the compartment without a carrier provided that all seats are purchased. Thus, pets will be able to move freely and ensure a healthy sleep.

'The carrier does not necessarily have to be a 'hard construction' — for travel, a modern bag, backpack, or other container with a waterproof bottom is sufficient', Ukrzaliznytsia clarified.

Owners of four-legged friends must have veterinary documents, a separate ticket for the animal, a leash, and a muzzle during the journey. It is the responsibility of pet owners to ensure the comfort of everyone around.

Cases of discomfort or allergic reactions among passengers are not uncommon. In such cases, it is necessary to contact conductors/stewards, who will find another comfortable place for the owner and the animal until the journey is over.

What else Ukrainians should know

It is reminded that passengers of intercity and international bus services must provide a veterinary document confirming the health status of the pet for transportation. Without it, passengers will not be allowed on the bus.

We also reported that pet owners could be fined thousands of hryvnias for abandoning their pet. If these actions lead to injury or death of the animal, imprisonment for a term of 1 to 3 years is threatened.

Ukrzaliznytsia has amended the rules for transporting pets on trains to make journeys more comfortable for all passengers. Now owners can transport their pets while adhering to the new requirements, which include obtaining a separate ticket, having veterinary documents, and using a leash and muzzle.