On the morning of April 9, Ms Xiao from Guangzhou became one of the first customers to utilize the newly launched "Pet Solo Travel" service via the official 12306 train ticket booking platform. She arranged for her cat to be transported to her hometown, departing from Baiyun Railway Station.

The "Pet Solo Travel" service, introduced by the railway authorities on April 8, is designed for travelers who cannot accompany their pets. It accommodates domestically trained cats and dogs in good health, weighing no more than 15 kilograms, with shoulder heights not exceeding 40 centimeters, and body lengths not exceeding 52 cm. Pricing is based on travel distance, and each customer receives a complimentary 2,000-yuan ($290) insurance policy.

An official displays the pet travel box. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_baiyunfabu]

Pets are transported in upgraded, specialized containers equipped with air circulation, oxygen and temperature monitoring, noise reduction and odor removal features. Additional functionalities include smart water replenishment, night-vision video monitoring and remote-controlled ventilation. These containers are placed in a separate high-speed rail express compartment, isolated from passenger areas, with staff monitoring pets in real time without opening the containers.

Currently, Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station offers this service on 14 high-speed trains each day, mainly to destinations in Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi provinces and Shanghai. Pet owners can book the service two to five days in advance via the "China Railway Express" WeChat mini-program or the 12306 platform.

The real-time system that can monitor pets during the journey without opening the containers. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_baiyunfabu]