Are you relocating to another city in India or going out for a holiday and still worried about your pet? Well, not anymore. This article is solely based on pet travel and relocation within India. Follow these basic steps while traveling with your globetrotter pet and unleash new experiences with them in a whole new place.
Which Airlines to Prefer?
The first basic step is to choose the airline for a comfortable experience. In India, there are basically two very renowned and popular airlines that are pet-friendly, i.e., Akasa Air and Air India. Currently, SpiceJet allows pet travel in cargo. There is no official documentation for furry travel in the case of IndiGo; I would highly suggest you contact the official line or online support.
Book Tickets For Your Pet
Currently, you cannot book tickets for your pet through online booking. You can book tickets before your departure on your preferred airline. Citing the methods of ticket booking for your pet in two airlines in India that accept pets.
For ticket booking in Akasa Air, you must contact their care center for assistance. Pets whose weight is exceeding 30 kg or above can book tickets from the cargo terminal.
For ticket booking in Air India, ideally, first call the airline to confirm the flight number that allows pets, and then book online the same flight. After a successful booking, call the flight company again or chat online to attach the pet to the booking. You can do this by booking it from Air India customer support or visiting any Air India office.
What to Prefer? CABIN or CARGO
Different airlines have different rules regarding pet travel in India. Pet parents mostly want their furry partner to be with them, but it can’t happen all the time. It solely depends on the breed, size of the pet, and the availability of seats.
For example, Akasa Air allows pets that are three months or older. Only three pets per flight in total are allowed, with a maximum of two permitted in the cabin and one in the cargo compartment. Accommodation in cargo or cabin also depends on their weight and the carrier. Only pets that are up to 10 kg (including the carrier) are allowed to travel in the cabin. Those weighing above 10 kg and up to 32 kg can be transported as checked baggage/cargo. Dogs weighing up to 32 kg or up to a maximum of 100 kg can be arranged via the cargo terminal.
Similarly, in Air India, only pets who are 8 weeks old can travel in the cabin, and 3 weeks old can travel in cargo. Pets that are up to 7 kg (including the carrier) are permitted to travel in the cabin. For pets that weigh up to 32 kg (including the carrier), they can be transported in the aircraft’s cargo hold as checked baggage.
In most cases, dogs of the brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed are not allowed to travel in cargo because they pose a health risk.
Pregnant pets are not allowed to travel.
Carry Documents Of Your Pets
It is important to carry all the important documents needed by the airline so that you will not create a mess at the last moment.
Indemnity Form:
Few airlines need indemnity forms for pets. An airline pet indemnity form is a legal agreement that passengers must sign, releasing the airline from liability for any injury, illness, or death of their pet during air travel. It is important to fill out the indemnity form provided by the airline. Click this link to get the PDF of the indemnity form of Akasa Air and the indemnity form of Air India.
Health Card:
Visit your local veterinarian for your pet’s health card. The card mostly includes the name, age, breed, and size of your pet, and whether it is free to travel or not.
Make sure the card is made within 72 hours before your flight.
Vaccination Card:
You must get a valid vaccination certificate from a local veterinarian. It should include DHPPi, anti-rabies, and other important vaccines for your pet, along with the respective dates and official stamps from the veterinary clinic.
Valid Rabies Vaccination Certificate:
A separate rabies vaccination certificate is needed.
The certificate should show that the vaccine should be done at least 30 days before travel and within 12 months of the travel date.
Things To Keep In Mind While Flying
- Don’t forget to carry the Leash of your dog with you
- There should be a label on the kennel that includes your name, your dog’s name, and your address
- For pets in the cabin: You should not put food or water inside the container of your dog. Keep his meal with you and feed him from outside while he is inside the pet carrier bag.
- Keep absorbent pads with you and dispose of them when soiled
- Your dog should be socially well-trained so that it will be calm and composed throughout its journey.
These are my findings, but I would highly recommend discussing with them their latest pet policy or calling them.
- Check this link for IATA-approved containers: https://www.iata.org/contentassets/b0016da92c86449f850fe9560827bbea/pet-container-requirements.pdf.
- Check out these links for guidelines provided by the airlines themselves:
FAQs
Which airlines in India allow pets to travel on domestic flights?
There are a few airlines that are pet-friendly and allow pets to travel. These are Akasa Air, Air India. Currently, SpiceJet only allows cargo travel. There is no official documentation about pet travel in IndiGo; it is better to connect with their customer support. Every airline has a chat portal to talk and book a pet seat after a confirmed ticket.
Can I book my pet’s flight ticket online with Indian Airlines?
NO, you cannot book flight tickets for your pet through the online mode. You need to talk to the customer support or visit the airline for the same.
What are the factors and methods for pet travel on an airline?
Cabin and Cargo are the two ways for a pet to travel. It depends on the pet’s breed, size, weight, and cabin availability. They all vary from airline to airline.
Are there any breed or health restrictions for pets flying domestically in India?
Yes. Most airlines generally do not allow brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds and pregnant pets to travel in cargo on flights to avoid any health risks.
How to keep my pet comfortable when traveling in cargo alone?
When traveling alone with Cargo, make sure he is hydrated, well fed, and not overfed, and play a lot with him before so he will be tired when traveling. Keep their favorite toy near them or put something having your smell or your perfume to keep them calm.
