Recently, a small green icon with the Chinese character "宠" (pet) has started to appear beside certain train numbers shown on the official ticketing platforms of the Railway 12306. This icon indicates that the trains concerned offer pet consignment service.

This service, which was launched in April this year, initially covered only 10 trains. It is now available on 50 trains across multiple high-speed railway routes, with the Railway 12306's booking and consignment system upgraded accordingly.

How to Book?
For trains that support pet transport, the "宠" icon can be found by the train numbers on the booking page. After a passenger successfully purchases a ticket, the "Pet Consignment" (宠物托运) option will automatically appear. Then, click "Book Now" (预约下单) and select the departure station, destination, and date of consignment, and the system will automatically show real-time availability. Next, the passenger can fill in the reservation information, including details of the pet owner, the recipient, and the pet, on the information page and submit the order. A staff member will review the application within 2 hours, and the result will be sent via SMS notification.

In addition to the earlier service model where pets and owners travel on the same trains, a new option for independent pet transport has been launched, allowing pets to be sent by train without being accompanied. This is done by making a reservation through the corresponding customer service hotline (95572) 2–5 days before the planned consignment date. Each booking allows for one pet. A detailed list of the stations offering this service is available under the "High-Speed Railway Pet Consignment" (高铁宠物托运) section in the Railway 12306 App.

Please note that every pet owner must arrive at the station 2–6 hours before the train departure to complete the consignment procedure, with a valid identity document and a valid "Animal Quarantine Certificate" (动物检疫合格证明).