Pet owners in China can now transport their dogs and cats via high-speed rail without needing to board the train themselves. Under this system, pets are placed in specialized transport containers and delivered to their destinations, where designated recipients can pick them up at the arrival station.
Launched nationwide on April 8 by Chinese railway authorities, the service—known as "Aichongxing"—provides two distinct options: traveling on the same train as the owner or sending the pet independently. At the time of its official rollout, the program expanded to cover 121 high-speed railway stations and 228 train routes.
The standalone transport option, titled "Aichong Danduxing," allows individuals to ship their animals without purchasing a passenger ticket for that specific train. This alternative is particularly helpful for owners relocating to different regions who are unable to accompany their pets personally.
The service is currently restricted to healthy domestic dogs and cats meeting specific physical criteria. Eligible animals must weigh no more than 15 kilograms, stand under 40 centimeters tall at the shoulder, and measure less than 52 centimeters in length. For solo shipments, each customer is limited to one pet per train.
Reservations can be made two to five days prior to departure through the WeChat mini-program operated by China Railway Express (CR Express). Owners must submit their pet’s details and photographs. Once the booking is confirmed, they must bring the animal, along with valid identification and an official quarantine inspection certificate, to the CR Express office at the departure station. Upon arrival at the destination, owners or designees collect their pets following text message notifications.
To maintain passenger comfort, the transport process completely separates animals from regular travelers. Throughout the journey, pets remain secured inside dedicated crates placed in designated freight storage areas onboard the high-speed trains. Even if owners are passengers on the same train, they are not permitted to visit their pets while en route.
The specialized transport containers are equipped with advanced features, including air circulation, real-time monitoring of oxygen levels, temperature, and humidity, as well as noise and odor reduction systems. Additional technologies feature automatic water dispensers, night-vision video surveillance, and remote electric ventilation. Staff members oversee the animals' condition via monitoring systems, and all crates undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection after every trip.
Shipping fees vary depending on the travel distance. Solo transport incurs standard freight rates, whereas services where owners travel on the same train may qualify for seasonal discounts. Furthermore, railway authorities provide a basic insurance policy covering up to 2,000 yuan per pet. Availability across specific stations, train lines, and exact fare rates can be checked directly during the booking process.
The high-speed pet transport initiative began as a trial program in April 2025. According to Chinese railway officials, the system has successfully transported approximately 15,000 pets over its first year of operation. Looking ahead, railway authorities plan to develop integrated services that combine pet travel with tourism, continuously expanding the scope of high-speed rail offerings to meet the growing demand for animal mobility.
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