Travelling with a dog in India is possible — but the rules are buried in obscure railway circulars, airline fine print, and hotel policies that change without notice. This guide compiles everything.
Trains — Indian Railways rules
AC First Class only. Dogs are permitted in AC First Class compartments if you book the entire coupe (2-berth or 4-berth). Cost: regular ticket + luggage charge (₹60-120 depending on distance). You must carry: vaccination certificate, health certificate from vet (within 3 days of travel), and leash/muzzle.
Not allowed: Sleeper, AC 2-tier, AC 3-tier, general compartments. No exceptions.
Book the entire coupe to avoid conflicts with co-passengers. Carry waste bags, water, and food for the journey. Your dog's vaccination certificate is mandatory.
Flights — airline policies
| Airline | Cabin | Cargo | Max Weight | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air India | Yes (small dogs) | Yes | 5 kg cabin / 32 kg cargo | ₹5,000-15,000 |
| IndiGo | No | Yes | 32 kg | ₹8,000-20,000 |
| Vistara | No | Yes | 32 kg | ₹7,000-18,000 |
| SpiceJet | No | Yes | 32 kg | ₹6,000-15,000 |
Documentation: Vaccination certificate, health certificate (within 7 days), airline-approved carrier, microchip recommended. Book cargo space at least 48 hours before departure.
Hotels — pet-friendly options
The landscape is improving. ITC Hotels, Taj (select properties), and most homestays on Airbnb allow pets with advance notice. Budget ₹500-2,000 extra per night as a "pet fee." Always confirm in writing before booking. See our 50 verified pet-friendly hotels →
Road trips
The easiest option. Your car, your rules. Tips: stop every 2 hours for water and bathroom. Never leave your dog in a closed car (reaches 50°C in 15 minutes). Secure with a car harness or travel crate. Carry first-aid kit, water, and waste bags.
Pet Passport makes travel simpler
Petrāah's Pet Passport is a verified digital health ID — vaccination records, health certificates, microchip data — all in one shareable document. Airlines, railways, and hotels can verify your dog's health status with a QR scan. — Ranjiesh, Leo's dad.
The one thing to do today
Check your dog's vaccination certificate. Is it current? Is the vet's stamp legible? That single document is required for every form of travel in India. Get it updated if it's expired.
Your pet deserves better than scattered records
Petrāah keeps everything in one place — vaccination tracker, AI health companion, digital passport, and more. Founding members get it all at ₹3/day, locked for 3 years.
Reserve your founding spot →Sources & further reading
- Indian Railways — Pet travel circular and rules. www.indianrailways.gov.in
- DGCA — Pet travel regulations for Indian airlines. www.dgca.gov.in
- Air India — Pet travel policy. www.airindia.com
- IndiGo — Cargo pet transport policy. www.goindigo.in
- ITC Hotels — Pet-friendly accommodation policy. www.itchotels.com