Xiamen in east China’s Fujian province will allow guide dogs on trains with their visually disabled owners beginning May 1, according to an announcement by the China Railway Corporation and China’s Disabled Persons’ Federation.

Guide dogs must be properly trained and acquire work certificates granted by the International Guide Dog Federation(IGDF). Passengers who wish to bring guide dogs must bring IDs, certificates of physical difficulties, guide dogs’ work permits and health and immunity certificates.

Guide dogs are required to be on leashes and guide saddles when entering the train station. Security checks are needed for both owners and guide dogs.

If the journey is longer than 12 hours, another travailing companion is required to take care of the guide dog.

When purchasing tickets, disabled travellers should notify staff for better seat arrangements. If any help is needed, please dial 12306 for more information.

Written by Liu Xiaoyu from China Daily Fujian Bureau