How to travel with pets in India 

Can’t leave your floof whining in a pet shelter for a quick vacation? 

You think of packing for a weekend getaway. The moment you turn around to announce the plan to your family, you feel something cold and wet on your leg. You then ruffle your pet’s hair and smile at it dejectedly. Neither can you leave your lovable pet behind, nor can you bring them along with you. Or can you? Of course, you can bring them along! 

Here’s a complete guide to help you figure out how to travel with pets in India. Let’s start off with the basics.  

Drop by at your vet’s first! 

Taking your pet along means a little extra paperwork. You must visit the vet and collect health and vaccination certificates including a letter that certifies that your pet is fit to fly high up in the clouds. If your pet is prone to motion sickness, then make sure you don’t feed them before flying. You can also try taking your pet on long drives a month before, thus allowing it to get accustomed. You have to make sure that your pet is ready to be on a flight for a couple of hours. 

Note: With COVID-19 on the rise, airlines may take extra precautions. Make sure you’re updated with the guidelines and double-check everything before booking your flight seats.  

Can your pet fly with you? 

Well, of course! Airlines like Jet Airways, Spice Jet, Vistara, and Air India are pawesome and permit pets on board. However, there are age limits for pets who can fly.  

For instance, in some cases, pets below 8 weeks are not allowed to fly. Pregnant animals cannot fly as well. Then there are specific aggressive dog breeds such as boxers, bulldogs, and spaniels, short-muzzled dog breeds, and a few cat breeds that do not have permission to be on the flight.  

Again, selected airlines allow pets in the cabin, else they go in pet crates designed for the comfort of your pet and approved by the International Air Transport Association. Also See: TheBoomerangShop – Thanks!

Cost of traveling with pets on a flight 

Mind you, taking pets on a flight might be a little tough on your pockets.  

Nah, don’t worry this is just your way of showing your floofies how much you love them! 

Many airlines charge on a per kilogram basis. Spice Jet, for example, takes pets on Rs. 74 per kilogram. Domestic travel with a medium dog could go up to Rs. 20,000 and up to 2 lakhs for international travel. 

Following are some dos and don’ts that you should remember by heart while traveling with your pet: –  

Dos: 

1. Be prepared with pet first aid and natural pet calmer in case the requirement arises. 
2. Make sure your pet has a name tag. The buzz of the airport can be a little overwhelming for your pet and it might be slightly anxious and go on the loose. 
3. Keep your vet’s contact number handy. You might need it for emergencies with your pet or any related paperwork. 
4. Make sure that your pet’s nails are clipped to make sure it doesn’t get captivated with the carrier doors, holes, and crevices. 
5. Carry a current photograph of your pet. Trust us, you don’t want to be utterly speechless and confused when you’re questioned about the appearance of your lost pet by the airport authorities. 

Don’ts: 

1. Don’t give your pet a tranquilizer. If your pet feels agitated and uncomfortable, give them a natural pet calmer. 
2. Don’t give your pet anything to eat a few hours before the flight. Motion sickness never knocks before arriving and creates a mess. 
3. Don’t book your flight tickets without checking for provisions to keep your pet at ease. 
4. Don’t fill your pet’s crate with toys. They need all the space they can get. 
5. Don’t take your pet for air travel unless absolutely unavoidable. 
6. Don’t mix your pet’s necessities with your own. It is absolutely necessary to pack their separate luggage.  

Having pets as your travel partner can be expensive and it is not a hassle-free job. They need to be taken care of. You have to keep an eye on them all the time. However, with the growing trend of traveling with your pets in India, it’s getting quite easier than ever before. Book your travel tickets with Travelxp at an affordable range and compare different airlines and choose the best from the rest. 

Oh and, don’t forget your pet in the crate. Don’t give us that’s a ridiculous thing to say look! It happens when there are a couple of children, confused parents, and a bunch of suitcases to take care of. We hope this piece has given you a clearer picture of traveling with pets in India. Fly safe and create joyful memories with your floor!