High-speed rail pet consignment services now cover 25 stations on eight major lines, including the Beijing-Shanghai, Beijing-Guangzhou, Beijing-Harbin, and Shanghai-Kunming routes, with 38 bullet train services offering the option for pet transport.

The service, which saw its pilot program launched on April 8, expanded its scope on June 20.

Under the current pilot project, passengers can now transport their pets on a broader network of routes at a 30 percent discount from standard rates.

Each traveler is allowed to consign one healthy, domesticated cat or dog weighing no more than 15 kilograms and standing no taller than 40 centimeters at the shoulder.

On the day of travel, owners are required to present valid ID and an animal quarantine certificate at the China Railway Express counter at the departure station to complete the procedures.

Once checked in, pets can accompany their owners on board in dedicated pet containers equipped with pet food, water and a surveillance camera for real-time monitoring.

"The high-speed rail pet consignment service follows the rule of 'departing together and arriving together' for both owners and their pets. Given the hot summer weather, railway authorities will strengthen disinfection and cleaning of pet containers and enhance safety management throughout the entire process of transportation," said Cheng Yan, manager of the China Railway Express Wuhan branch in central China.