Travelling with Pets in India: Complete Guide to Safe Pet Travel
By Petzify Editorial Team · · 10 min read min read
Whether you're relocating, going on vacation, or visiting family during festivals, travelling with a pet in India requires careful planning. This guide covers everything — trains, flights, road trips, documentation, and finding pet-friendly hotels.
Documents you need before travelling with a pet in India
Before any travel — by road, rail, or air — have these documents ready: a current health certificate issued by a registered veterinarian (most transport services require one dated within 10 days of travel), up-to-date vaccination records including Rabies, and your pet's registration certificate if your municipality requires one.
For interstate travel, some states (particularly in the North-East) have additional entry regulations for pets. Check with the destination state's Animal Husbandry Department if you're travelling to states like Nagaland, Mizoram, or Manipur, which have restrictions on bringing in certain dog breeds.
Travelling by road — the most pet-friendly option
Road trips are the most flexible and comfortable way to travel with pets in India. Your car gives your pet their own space, you control the schedule, and there's no altitude stress or security checks.
Secure your dog in a carrier or with a car harness attached to a seatbelt — an unrestrained dog in a moving vehicle is a serious safety risk for both the animal and everyone in the car. For cats, a hard-sided carrier is safer than a soft-sided one, as cats can claw through mesh under stress.
Stop every 2–3 hours for water, a short walk, and toilet breaks. Never leave your pet in a parked car in India's heat — a car parked in the sun can reach 60°C within 10 minutes, causing fatal heatstroke.
- Crate-train your pet weeks before the trip to reduce anxiety
- Bring portable water bowl and enough food for the journey
- Keep windows cracked for ventilation — never leave windows fully open for dogs who may jump
- Carry a first-aid kit: bandages, antiseptic, and your vet's emergency number
- Stop at shaded rest areas — many Indian highways now have designated pet areas
Travelling by train with pets — Indian Railways rules
Indian Railways allows dogs to travel in the brake van (luggage van) of most trains. Dogs must be booked in advance at the parcel office, not the passenger ticket counter. You need to book a separate ticket for your dog, travel in the same train, and provide proof of rabies vaccination and a health certificate.
Cats are not officially listed in Indian Railways guidelines but have historically been accommodated similarly to dogs. Contact the station parcel office directly to confirm for your specific route.
Important: The brake van is unattended and can be hot in summer. This option is not suitable for young puppies, elderly pets, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs, or anxious animals. Consider road or air travel for sensitive pets.
Flying with pets in India — domestic and international
IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet allow pets on domestic flights, but policies vary. Most allow small pets (under 7 kg including carrier) in the cabin as "cabin baggage" on select routes. Larger dogs must travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold in an IATA-approved kennel.
Book your pet's spot when booking your own ticket — spots are limited (typically 2 per flight). You'll need a health certificate dated within 10 days of travel, vaccination records, and an appropriately sized airline-approved carrier. Arrive at the airport 30–45 minutes earlier than usual to complete the pet check-in process.
For international travel, requirements depend entirely on the destination country. Most countries require microchipping, a rabies titre test (blood test to verify antibody levels), and a waiting period of up to 180 days after the test. Start planning international pet travel at least 6–8 months in advance.
Professional pet transportation services in India
For long-distance moves — relocating to another city, sending a pet home when you travel abroad — professional pet transport services are the safest option. These services provide climate-controlled vehicles or cargo, handle all documentation, and provide regular photo/video updates during transit.
Petzify connects you with verified, licensed pet transport operators across India who specialise in comfortable, stress-free pet relocation. All operators on the platform are background-checked and insured.
Finding pet-friendly hotels in India
Pet-friendly accommodation in India has improved dramatically — many boutique hotels, home-stays, and Airbnb properties now welcome pets. Always confirm in writing that pets are allowed before booking, as policies change.
OYO, Airbnb, MakeMyTrip, and Goibibo have filters for pet-friendly stays. In Kerala specifically, several plantation homestays and beach resorts openly welcome pets. Goa and Himachal Pradesh also have strong pet-friendly accommodation options.
Once at the hotel, never leave your pet unattended in the room — noise-anxious pets can cause significant damage when they feel abandoned in an unfamiliar place. Travel with a familiar toy and blanket that carries the scent of home to reduce anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my dog on Indian Railways sleeper class?
No. Dogs are not permitted in passenger coaches — they must travel in the brake van (luggage van) as booked cargo. Only service/guide dogs accompanying visually impaired passengers are permitted in passenger compartments.
Which Indian airlines allow pets in the cabin?
IndiGo and Air India allow small pets (under 7 kg including carrier) in the cabin on select routes. Always verify the current policy when booking as airline rules change frequently.
What is the best way to transport a large dog between Indian cities?
For large dogs, road transport in a private vehicle (with a harness or crate) is the most comfortable and controllable option. If you cannot drive, professional pet transport services that use dedicated climate-controlled vehicles are the best alternative. Petzify's pet transportation service covers inter-city transport with licensed, insured operators.
