Visit Ukraine – How to travel with pets by train in 2025: new rules for transportation in Ukraine and abroad

To travel with your pet by train, both abroad and within Ukraine, you need to prepare a number of documents. Find out more, everything you need to know about the rules for transporting animals by rail

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When planning a trip by train abroad or within Ukraine with your pet, you need to prepare a list of necessary veterinary documents in advance and follow certain transportation rules.

Read on to learn about the current rules for transporting animals.

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Rules for transporting pets by train abroad and within Ukraine

First of all, you need to purchase a ticket for your four-legged friend. You can buy it in the mobile app or at the ticket office.

The cost of a ticket for a pet is the same as the cost of a ticket for luggage. If you did not purchase a document for your pet at the same time as your ticket, you can buy it in the app without going to the ticket office.

About the new rules for transporting animals on buses — read here.

What are the rules for travelling with animals on trains within Ukraine?

After public outcry, including a story about a soldier who was forced to travel in the vestibule because of his service dog, Ukrzaliznytsia, in cooperation with the Ministry of Development, the Ministry of Justice and animal rights activists, reviewed the current regulations.

From 2024, updated rules for the transport of animals will come into force:

1. Large dogs (over 45 cm at the withers) can now travel not only in compartment cars, but also in:

– ‘Luxury’ class cars – provided that all seats in the compartment are purchased;

– Intercity+ high-speed trains – travel is permitted provided that adjacent seats (in a single block) are purchased;

– international RIC carriages – subject to the standard requirement of purchasing all seats in the compartment;

– service dogs of representatives of the Armed Forces may travel in all carriages at no extra charge, but only with a muzzle and leash.

2. Small animals (up to 45 cm at the withers) may travel without a hard carrier if the passenger has purchased the entire compartment. Soft bags or backpacks with a waterproof bottom are permitted.

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What should passengers with animals know?

Persons transporting pets should also remember that the following are mandatory conditions for transportation:

– availability of veterinary documents;

– purchase of a ticket for the animal;

– availability of a muzzle and leash (for large dogs).

If other passengers feel uncomfortable or have allergies during the trip, it is recommended to contact the conductor — the staff will try to offer an alternative seat.

What are the rules for travelling with animals by train abroad?

– To leave Ukraine, you must have an international veterinary passport with you.

– A valid international veterinary certificate confirming the animal’s health status, issued by a veterinarian of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection at the state border.

– When travelling to Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Moldova, small animals can be transported on all trains without purchasing additional seats.

– For travel to Hungary, Austria and Romania, animals up to 45 cm tall can travel with their owners in a transport container, and a separate ticket must be purchased for the animal.

– Large dogs must be transported in a muzzle on a rigid leash and all seats in the train compartment must be purchased.

Important! Additional documents and requirements may be required for the transport of animals to some countries.

What do you need to travel abroad with your pet?

To leave Ukraine for some countries, you may also need:

– a microchip for your pet;

– valid rabies vaccination;

– current serological test results for antibodies to the rabies virus;

a document confirming that the animal is not of breeding value;

– a certificate of compliance of the animal container with IATA standards;

– a VET-1 certificate;

– other documents.

For more information about crossing the border with cats, dogs and other pets in 2025 and the rules for importing animals into Europe, please click here.

A complete list can be found at the link.

For more information before travelling, UZ recommends contacting the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection.

Planning a trip around Ukraine or abroad by train or bus?

Book your tickets quickly and hassle-free through the Visit Ukraine portal. Convenient destination selection, affordable prices, 24/7 support — everything to make your trip with your pet peaceful and comfortable.

Trains, buses, international flights — all in one place.

Select the route you need and book your ticket in just a few clicks!

Remember! Travelling around Europe with transfers can be not only affordable but also exciting if you plan everything carefully. The main thing is to choose the right route and know where to buy tickets safely and conveniently. How to book tickets with transfers without stress when travelling to Europe — read the link.

Photo: Unsplash

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Frequantly

asked questions

What documents are required for traveling abroad by train with a pet?

To travel outside Ukraine, you must have an international veterinary passport, a valid international veterinary health certificate, and any additional documents required by the destination country (microchip, rabies vaccination, serology test, etc.).

Are large dogs allowed on trains within Ukraine?

Yes. According to the updated 2024 rules, large dogs (over 45 cm at the withers) may travel in “Lux” cars, “Intercity+” trains, international “RIC” coaches, and regular compartments if all seats are purchased. Service dogs of the Defense Forces may travel in all train cars free of charge.

When do you need to buy all seats in a compartment?

Buying out the entire compartment is required if the passenger is traveling with a large dog or transporting a small pet without a hard carrier. On most international routes, large dogs are allowed only if all compartment seats are purchased.

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