How To Travel With A Dog On A Plane: A Comprehensive Guide For Pet Owners

Have you ever had to scrap your holiday plans because you couldn't bear to be separated from your furry friend? It can be a real bummer not to be able to fully relax and enjoy your getaway because you're constantly worried about your pet's welfare. 

But all that heartache can be avoided if you bring your pet along for the ride. At the same time, it may seem like a tall order, but taking your pet on vacation is possible if you stick to some key guidelines.

Pet-Friendly Rail Journeys In India

If you're planning to take your furry friend on a train ride in India, ensure you're aware of the rules set forth by Indian Railways. A fee of Rs 30 must be paid for carrying animals like dogs and birds, per section 77-A of the Indian Railways Act (per information available on indianrail.gov.in).

First-class compartments have a minimum fee of Rs 10 per dog, but the pet owner is responsible for providing collars, chains, food, and water. Unbooked dogs will face charges six times the Luggage Scale Rate, with a minimum of Rs 50.

Please note that dogs are not allowed in ACC Sleeper Coaches, Acc chair car coaches, sleeper class, and second-class coaches. Violating this rule will immediately remove the dog to the brake van and a fee six times the Luggage Scale Rate (minimum of Rs 50).

To ensure a pleasant journey for everyone, ensure your pet isn't disturbing other passengers. You can keep them entertained with toys or chews. When it comes to train travel with dog in India, following the rules and keeping your pet well-behaved will ensure a comfortable and safe journey for all.

Key Points:

🔹 Pay a fee of Rs 30 for carrying pets on trains (Rs 10 minimum for first-class compartments)

🔹 Provide collars, chains, food, and water for pets. 

🔹 Pets are not allowed in certain coaches. 

🔹 Avoid pets causing disturbance to other passengers.

🔹 It's recommended to carry a copy of your dog's vaccination and health records with you, in case they are requested by the railway authorities.

🔹 If your dog is prone to motion sickness, it's a good idea to speak to your vet before the journey and get medication to help with the condition.

How To Travel With a Dog On a Plane?

Traveling with your pet by air requires careful planning to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for you and your furry friend. Before booking your flight, ensure your pet is healthy and fit to travel. Research pet-friendly airlines and compare their policies to find the best fit for your needs.

Some airlines, such as Air India, Jet Airways, SpiceJet, and Vistara, allow traveling with a dog on a plane, while others, like IndiGo and Air Asia, do not. 

It's important to remember that you'll need to provide good health and rabies certificates for your pet and get approval from the flight commander before traveling. Each airline has restrictions on the size, weight, and number of pets allowed per flight. For example, Air India allows a maximum of two pets with a weight limit of 5 kg. 

At the same time, Jet Airways only accepts birds and rabbits within India, with a limit on the number of containers based on the aircraft type. Additionally, the pet container must be clean and the pet well-behaved. To ensure a smooth experience for you and your furry friend traveling with a dog on a plane, book in advance and follow the guidelines set by the airline.

Key Points:

🔹 Make sure your pet is fit enough to travel. 

🔹 Look for a pet-friendly airline. Air India, Jet Airways, SpiceJet, and Vistara allow pets on board, while IndiGo and Air Asia do not.

🔹 Pets must have good health and Rabies vaccination certificates and must be approved by the flight commander.

🔹 Air India requires a soft ventilated pet container/kennel with a size not exceeding 18" x 18" x 12". The weight of the pet and container must not exceed 5 kg. 

🔹 Jet Airways accepts only birds and rabbits within India, which must be booked 24 hours in advance.

🔹 A maximum of 2 pets are allowed per flight in Air India, and a label with the pet name must be affixed on the container.

🔹 Jet Airways accepts a maximum of 3 pet containers on B737 aircraft and 5 on A330 / B777 aircraft, subject to space availability.

🔹 Pets containers must be clean, and the pet should not be too savage.

Accommodation For You And Your Furry Companion

One of the first things to consider is where you will be staying. There are several pet-friendly accommodations in India, including Tree of Life Resort in Jaipur, Vivanta by Taj in Kerala, and Camp Della Resort in Lonavala. Before making any bookings, research and find a hotel that allows pets. 

However, just because you and your pet are traveling in comfort and style doesn't absolve you of your responsibilities as a pet owner. You must still be mindful of your pet's health and well-being throughout your journey.

A dog food travel bag is a practical way to transport your dog's food while traveling. It keeps the food fresh and secure and often has multiple compartments for storing food and treats. Look for a durable and easy-to-clean bag with enough space to hold the amount of food your dog will need for the duration of your trip.

Key Points:

🔹 Before booking, research pet-friendly accommodation options, including homestays, resorts, and hotels.

🔹 Pet owners are responsible for their pet's health and comfort during the trip, regardless of the mode of transportation or type of accommodation.

Related Read: The Cutest Dog Breeds in the World: Finding Your New Furry Best Friend

Conclusion

In conclusion, traveling with pets requires careful planning and consideration of the rules and regulations set forth by transportation and accommodation providers. By following the guidelines and ensuring your pet's comfort and well-being, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip with your furry companion.

Remember to research pet-friendly options, provide the necessary documentation, and be responsible for your pet's behavior and needs throughout the journey.

FAQ

1. What Are The Rules For Flying With A Dog?

The rules for flying with a dog in India may vary depending on the airline and the specific flight, so it's important to check with the airline beforehand to confirm their particular requirements. However, some general guidelines are usually followed when flying with a dog in India.

Most airlines require that your dog be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned before it can travel.

You must provide a certificate of health issued by a licensed veterinarian, stating that your dog is healthy and fit to travel.

Your dog must be well-behaved and not aggressive toward other passengers or airline staff.

You must provide an appropriately sized kennel or crate for your dog, with enough space to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

The kennel or crate must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and sturdy.

Your dog must be secured in the kennel or crate during the flight, and the kennel or container must be stowed under the seat in front of you or the cargo hold, depending on the airline's rules.

You will need to pay an additional fee for your dog's travel, which may vary depending on the airline and the size of your dog.

2. How Much Does It Cost To Fly With A Dog?

The cost of flying with a dog in India can vary depending on the airline and the size of your dog, as well as whether your dog will be traveling in the cabin or the cargo hold. 

Airlines typically charge an additional fee for pets traveling in the house, ranging from around INR 2,500 to INR 5,000 (approximately $34 to USD 68) per flight. 

The fee for pets traveling in the cargo hold can range from around INR 5,000 to INR 10,000 (approximately $68 to $136 USD) per flight. However, it's important to note that fees vary widely between airlines, so it's always a good idea to check with the airline to confirm their specific prices and policies for flying with a dog.