Pets on High-Speed Rail: A Practical Guide — Cage Dimensions / Fares / Important Notes
Last time I took my pet on the High Speed Rail, I was asked by station staff at the platform to go back and re-measure t
Last time I took my pet on the High Speed Rail, I was asked by station staff at the platform to go back and re-measure the carrier—I was completely frustrated in that moment. This article organizes everything you need to know (as of 2026) about taking your pet on the HSR, so you can sort out all the details before you leave and avoid panicking at the station.
Why Choose the HSR for Traveling with Your Pet?
Taiwan has plenty of options for mid- to long-distance travel, but not many of them are truly "pet-friendly."
Compared to driving yourself, the HSR means you don't have to worry about your pet getting restless in the back seat during highway traffic jams. Compared to the Taiwan Railways, the travel time is significantly shorter, so your pet spends far less time in the carrier. The cars are entirely non-smoking, air-conditioned, and the seats are more spacious than those on typical coaches—making the environment relatively stable for nervous cats or small dogs.
The biggest advantages are its high punctuality rate and frequent departures, which allow flexible planning for same-day round trips or quick overnight getaways. Whether you're taking your pet to another city for vaccinations, a health check, or visiting family, the HSR is highly recommended by Pet Editor.
That said, the HSR's pet policy is "stricter than lenient, more relaxed than strict"—meaning pets are allowed on board, but there are specific rules regarding containers, cleaning fees, and check-in procedures. Skipping your homework can easily get you sent back off the platform.
Recommended Travel Process
Confirm Details When Booking
The HSR does not impose special restrictions on which trains or seats allow pets, but certain carriages (such as accessible seating areas or areas near nursing rooms) have regulations that may be adjusted according to announcements. After completing your booking, be sure to check the remarks field or visit the official website for the latest notices.
One Week Before Departure: Carrier Training
This is the step where things most often go wrong. The size, material, and ventilation of the carrier (or pet bag) are all regulated—you can't just buy any stylish carrier and hop on board. See the next section, "Practical Information Summary," for detailed size classifications.
Pet Editor recommends preparing the carrier at least one week before departure so your pet can get used to it at home. A carrier your pet has never used, introduced on the day of travel, will cause strong resistance and add unnecessary stress to the trip. You can place a towel with a familiar scent or a piece of clothing you've worn inside the carrier to help reduce anxiety.
Check-In Process on the Day
Once you arrive at the station, don't go straight through the gates. You need to bring your pet and the carrier to the "Service Counter" or "Baggage Check-in Area" to complete the registration process. The specific documents required or forms to fill out will depend on the announcements at each station.
After passing through the gates, your pet and the carrier will be assigned to a designated area inside the carriage, usually near the first or last row of seats, so station staff can keep an eye on them. Your pet must remain in the carrier at all times—cannot be let out, cannot leave the carriage, and cannot be fed onboard.
Arrival and Connecting Transport
When you arrive at your destination, it's recommended to use the "Manual Exit" or inform station staff that you're traveling with a pet, to avoid inconvenience if the gates don't register the carrier properly. If you plan to transfer to a taxi or rental car after exiting, it's advisable to book a pet-friendly vehicle in advance. Pet Editor usually notes "traveling with a pet" when booking through the app, and drivers typically prepare protective mats for the trunk.
Practical Information Summary
Carrier Size Classifications
The HSR divides pet carriers into several tiers, with different fares or cleaning fees corresponding to each tier. The specific size limits (length × width × height) are subject to the official HSR website announcements. Be sure to check the official website again before departure, as policies may be adjusted.
The general categories are as follows:
| Tier | Suitable For | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Cats, small dogs | Under-seat space |
| Medium | Medium dogs, two cats | Front of seating area or designated spot |
| Large | Large dogs, multiple pets | Requires separate arrangement (subject to announcement) |
Pet Editor's reminder: When measuring, place your pet inside first—don't measure just the empty carrier. There should be space between the top of your pet's head and the carrier ceiling when standing, and your pet should be able to lie down fully stretched out for a proper fit. In terms of materials, hard-shell carriers offer better protection but less ventilation; soft carriers are lightweight but can be torn open by larger dogs. Choose based on your pet's personality.
Fares and Cleaning Fees
The fare calculation for traveling with a pet typically involves adding a "cleaning fee" or "pet ticket" to the base ticket price. Specific amounts are subject to HSR announcements.
In some cases, small pet carriers may be free of charge (but registration is still required), while medium and large carriers may incur additional fees. Pet Editor recommends checking the "Traveling with Pets" section on the official HSR website for current rates, or calling customer service to confirm.
Types of Pets Allowed
Currently, the HSR permits small household pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds. The specific allowed types, weight limits, and breed restrictions are subject to official HSR announcements.
Pet Editor's reminder: Certain dog breeds (such as brachycephalic/short-nosed breeds) often face additional restrictions on public transport due to respiratory structure issues. Whether the HSR has similar regulations should be confirmed before departure.
Station and Platform Notes
Among all HSR stations in Taiwan, some are equipped with "pet-friendly restrooms" or wash basins for cleaning pets, but the number is limited. You can check whether your destination station has these facilities before departure.
Pets must remain in their carriers at all times on the platform—no letting them out to run around. When the platform air conditioning is strong, you can drape a thin cloth over the carrier for warmth, but be sure to keep the ventilation openings clear to avoid overheating.
Pet Editor's Reminders / FAQ
Q1: Can my pet sit with me in the seat?
No. Your pet must remain in the carrier at all times, and the carrier must be placed according to HSR regulations—cannot be placed on your lap, on the seat, or in the aisle. You also cannot let your pet out for toilet breaks or water mid-journey (unless it's a longer stop, as directed by station staff).
Q2: What if my pet keeps barking/meowing on the train?
This is a top concern for many pet owners. Pet Editor recommends starting "carrier training" one week before departure to get your pet used to being alone in the carrier, paired with treats as rewards. You can also place a toy or piece of your clothing with a familiar scent inside. If your pet is extremely anxious, you can discuss short-term mild sedation with your veterinarian—but Pet Editor does not recommend self-medicating your pet.
Q3: What documents do I need to prepare?
Generally, a pet registration certificate (with an implanted microchip) or a recent health certificate is commonly required. The specific documents required are subject to official HSR announcements. If it's your first time, Pet Editor recommends bringing extra photocopies of the documents just in case.
Q4: Do I need to mention I'm bringing a pet when booking?
Yes, it's recommended. After booking, reconfirm the announcements before departure, as some specially added services or promotional ticket types may have different arrangements for pets.
Q5: Can I bring more than one pet?
Yes, but you must comply with the carrier size and pet count limits announced by the HSR, and additional fees may apply. It's advisable to call customer service in advance to confirm, to avoid being asked to separate them on the spot.
Q6: Are there extra restrictions during national holidays or peak hours?
During peak hours, carriages are crowded, and your pet's carrier takes up extra space, which can inconvenience other passengers. Pet Editor recommends avoiding the first and last days of long holidays, or choosing off-peak trains—the experience will be much better, and your pet will be less stressed.
The information in this article is based on official HSR (THSR) announcements, and pet-friendly policies may be adjusted at any time. Before booking and departing, be sure to check the "Traveling with Pets" section on the official website for the latest regulations, or call customer service to confirm (weight limits, carrier sizes, cleaning fees, document requirements, etc.), to avoid being unable to board at the station.
