Over 5,800 pets traveled solo across Russia’s Ural Mountains in 2025

In 2025, more than 5,800 pets embarked on solo journeys across the Ural Mountains by long-distance trains. This unusual trend saw animals of all kinds—from common household pets to rare exotic species—making the journey without their owners. Despite the high numbers, no official records exist of pet smart organisations handling such transport in the region.

The pets, including dogs, cats, and even exotic creatures like iguanas and lemurs, were sent to major cities. Moscow and St. Petersburg became the top destinations for these unaccompanied travellers. The sheer volume of animals—nearly five times the total number of creatures housed in Yekaterinburg Zoo—highlighted the scale of the phenomenon.

Among the more unusual passengers were meerkats, lizards, raccoons, and even butterflies. Ferrets, goats, and hedgehogs also made the list, alongside more traditional pets. The lack of documented transport services for such journeys left questions unanswered about how these animals were safely managed during travel.

The surge in unaccompanied pet journey marks a notable shift in how animals are transported across Russia. With no clear records of responsible pet smart organisations, the logistics behind these journeys remain unclear. The trend also raises practical concerns about the welfare and handling of such a diverse group of animals on long trips.