Complete Guide to Pet Travel in India: Train, Flight & Road
Learn how to travel with pets in India. Complete guide covering railway rules, airline policies, road trips, and documentation. Plan stress-free trips with your pets.
Traveling with your pet in India can feel overwhelming. Between confusing airline policies, railway documentation, and finding pet-friendly hotels, many pet parents simply give up and leave their furry friends behind.
The infrastructure challenges are real. While the pet travel services market in India is growing rapidly - expected to see the highest CAGR in the Asia-Pacific region according to Grand View Research - many pet parents still face significant barriers when trying to travel with their pets.
This guide covers everything you need to know about pet travel in India, including exact costs, required documents, and insider tips that make the journey smoother for both you and your pet.
The Current State of Pet Travel in India as of Jun 2025
India has over 31 million pet dogs and 2.44 million pet cats, according to Statista report from 2024. Yet our transportation infrastructure hasn't kept pace with this growing pet population.
Whether you're planning to take the train (check our detailed railway pet travel rules) or considering air travel, each mode has unique challenges.
Things are changing rapidly. In 2024 alone, Air India flew over 7000 pets aboard its flights. Indian Railways reported 1,586 pet bookings in 2022, with more than 7000 pets accompanying travellers on trains that departed from Pune Railway Station between January 2023 and February 2024.
Each mode of transport has its own rules, costs, and challenges. Let's break them down.
Indian Railways Pet Travel: Complete Guide
Train travel offers the most economical option for long-distance pet travel in India. Spanning a network of over 1,32,310 km, the labyrinthine Indian railway system supports approximately 24 million passengers every day and accommodates pets too.
Trains That Allow Pets
Not all trains accept pets. Not all trains have a 'dog box' or First-Class compartments, dogs can only travel on trains that have them. Here's what works:
- Mail/Express trains with AC First Class
- Trains with Second Class Luggage and Brake Van (SLR)
- Rajdhani trains (AC First Class only, no dog boxes)
- Shatabdi trains don't allow pets at all
Railway Pet Travel Costs
The fees depend on how your pet travels:
- Rs 30 per kilogram will be levied if the pet is being carried in a dog box and Rs 60 per kilogram if the pet is travelling with the pet parent in the passenger coach
- Minimum charge applies even for small pets
- Payment happens at the parcel office on travel day
Required Documents for Train Travel
Keep these documents ready:
- Vaccination cards – Your pet needs to be fully vaccinated and all their vaccination proofs must be carried along with you during your train journey
- Fitness certificate – You need to get your pet's fitness certificate from his/her veterinary doctor 24-48 hours before the journey
- Your confirmed train ticket
- Valid ID proof
Booking Process
- Book your own ticket first (AC First Class if you want pet with you)
- Reach the station at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure and take your pet to the luggage/parcel office of the railway station
- Pet gets weighed and you pay accordingly
- No advance booking for pets - it's first-come, first-served
Travel Options
You have three choices:
- AC First Class Coupe: Book entire coupe, keep pet with you
- Dog Box in Brake Van: Cheaper but pet travels separately
- As Luggage: For smaller pets in carriers
Air Travel with Pets: Understanding Airline Policies
Air travel is faster but requires more planning. Air India is solely responsible for assigning a seat when you travel with pets, and policies vary significantly between airlines.
Air India's Pet-Friendly Approach
Air India leads in pet-friendly policies:
- Maximum two pets are permitted in-cabin per flight
- The combined weight of the pet and the container must be at most 7 kg/15 lb for cabin travel
- Pets over 7kg travel in cargo hold (up to 32kg total weight)
- Minimum age of pet flying in the cabin is eight weeks
Booking Your Pet's Air Travel
- Please book the flight at least 72 hours before departure for the carriage of pets in the cabin
- Contact customer support or visit airline counter
- Standard excess baggage charges by weight/piece will be applied, regardless of whether the free baggage allowance is utilised.
International Travel Restrictions
Some destinations have specific rules:
- For flights from United Arab Emirates (UAE), you will be able to transport your pet in the cabin (based on the destination-specific regulations). However, pets are not permitted in the cabin on flights departing India and arriving in UAE
- UK requires pets as cargo only
- You will need a 'No Objection Certificate' or 'Pre-import Clearance' from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS) for international travel
Documentation for Air Travel
Essential paperwork includes:
- Health certificate (issued within 72 hours)
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- DGAC form (2 copies for direct flights, 4 for connecting)
- For international: import permits, quarantine certificates
Road Trip Planning with Your Pet
Road trips give you maximum control but require different preparation. The flexibility comes with responsibility - you manage everything from rest stops to overnight stays.
Finding Pet-Friendly Accommodations
The biggest challenge is most Indian hotels don't accept pets. Start your search early:
- Use pet-specific booking platforms
- Call hotels directly (policies change)
- Consider homestays and Airbnb
- Keep vaccination certificates handy
Many hotels in hill stations like Manali, Shimla, and Ooty have become pet-friendly due to demand. Beach destinations in Goa also offer good options.
State Border Documentation
Different states have different requirements:
- Karnataka requires health certificates at borders
- Some Northeast states need special permits
- Keep multiple copies of vaccination records
- Carry recent photographs of your pet
Essential Road Trip Supplies
Pack these items:
- Collapsible water bowls
- Familiar blanket or toy
- First-aid kit
- Motion sickness medication (consult vet)
- Waste disposal bags
- Extra leash and collar
Stop every 2-3 hours for bathroom breaks. Never leave pets in parked cars - temperatures can rise dangerously within minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' experiences:
- Documentation Errors: Missing even one document means denied boarding. Create a checklist and verify twice.
- Last-Minute Booking: There is no provision of advance booking of dogs. They are booked at the counter, one hour before departure of the train for railways, but airlines need 72-hour advance notice.
- Wrong Travel Class: Booking sleeper class then expecting to travel with pet won't work. Only AC First Class allows pets in train compartments.
- Overfeeding Before Travel: Give light meals 2-3 hours before journey. Full stomach increases motion sickness risk.
- Ignoring Breed Restrictions: Some breeds of dogs and cats, such as brachycephalic (snub-nosed/flat-faced), may be at risk of flying in the cargo compartment and are not allowed.
Festival Season Considerations
Diwali, Holi, and other festivals create unique challenges:
- Book transportation months ahead
- Expect higher prices
- Prepare for firecracker anxiety
- Carry calming sprays
- Consider traveling before/after peak days
Making the Journey Comfortable
Small details make big differences:
- Temperature Control: Indian weather varies drastically. Carry cooling mats for summer, warm blankets for winter.
- Hydration: Offer water frequently but in small amounts to avoid accidents.
- Familiar Items: A favorite toy or your worn t-shirt provides comfort through familiar scent.
- Regular Updates: For cargo travel, ask staff for updates at stops.
Future of Pet Travel in India
The infrastructure is improving. Pet owners are now allowed to bring their dogs or cats anywhere they travel thanks to a new regulation from the Ministry of Railways. Online booking systems are being developed, making the process easier.
More hotels recognize the pet market opportunity. The pet care market worth $3.6 billion in 2024 drives businesses to become pet-friendly.
Pet travel in India requires patience and planning, but it's absolutely possible. Whether you choose the economical train route, faster air travel, or flexible road trips, success comes from understanding the rules and preparing properly.
Start with short trips to build confidence. Join online pet parent communities for real-time advice and updates. Most importantly, stay calm - your pet takes cues from your energy.
Ready to plan your pet's travel? Check our detailed guides on railway pet travel rules and airline pet policies comparison for mode-specific deep dives into documentation, costs, and insider tips.
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Krishna M
Krishna M
