Your Guide for Pet Traveling

Your Guide to Traveling with Your Furry Buddy!

Are you a pet parent planning to take your furry friend on an adventure? If so, this guide is here to help make that dream come true. Before embarking on your journey together, it's essential to prepare yourself and your fur ball and this guide will help you with just that.

Can you carry your pet while traveling?

Be it a domestic or an international destination, you and your pet can travel together. Almost all modes of transport –bus, train or plane – allow it but they all come with their own unique set of rules; read on to learn what they are.

Traveling in Train with Pet

With multiple stops, plenty of ventilation, and lots of room for them to stretch their legs, train journeys are amongst the most comfortable options to travel with your pet if traveling domestically.

On indianrailways.gov.in, it is stated that pet dogs are allowed to travel in second-class luggage and brake vans (SLR) if they're kept inside a crate. Moreover, the passenger is permitted by Indian Railways to bring their four-legged friend with them in AC first class or first class compartments as long as the whole compartment has been booked exclusively for their use.

When taking a train journey with your pet, they'll be classified as luggage and billed at 30kg when brought in their crate. Reach the station atleast three hours in advance from the train’s scheduled departure time to get the parcel booking done for your pet.

In the case of first-class or AC first-class compartments, pets can travel for no additional cost up to 60 kg per pet. Dogs cannot enter other compartments such as second-class cabins, sleeper classes or any compartment beyond the AC2 tier. Pets can be registered at the counter with one hour to spare before the train departs.

Before booking your pet, ensure that their vaccination certificates & other important documents are up-to-date and are available with you. Fitness Certificate from a Veterinary Doctor citing that the pet is not suffering from any contagious or infectious disease obtained 24- 48 hours before the train’s departure has to be mandatorily submitted alongwith the vaccination cards. You can get the same on www.kuddle.pet by scheduling a vet home visit.

Carry their favourite snacks, & water, and other essential items to make the trip more efficient. Make sure to keep your pet hydrated and feed light during the travel. Lastly, be mindful of other passengers and make sure your pet is well-behaved throughout the journey.

Flying with your Pet

Before your vacation, it's best to connect with your vet to ensure your pet's health and current vaccinations are on point to fly with you.

In India- Air India, Jet Airways and Akasa Air allow pets while IndiGo and Air Asia don't. Rules and regulations differ for every airline, hence it's best to check with the specific airline and be sure that pets are allowed on board & that your pet meets all the requirements. In many airlines, pet carriage is subject to approval of the commander of the flight.

If they are small enough to fit into a carrier, your pet could be allowed to travel in the cabin with you in certain airlines. But if your pet is too large or in the case of multiple pets, they may need to travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold. Reach the cargo 4 hours early to departure. Try to tire your dog before the departure by playing with them or taking them on a walk so they can sleep on the way for a more comfortable journey.

If your pet is flying as checked-in baggage, ensure they are safely secured in a well-ventilated container with enough room to move around comfortably. The container must be strong i.e made up of non chewable material. Pets can only go in an IATA approved carriage. Get your pet comfortable with the container by introducing the container to them days in advance.

Documents required for air travel with pet are-

Fitness certificate from Qualified Veterinary Doctor

Vaccination records with Rabies Vaccination date

A declaration indemnifying that the pet parent assumes responsibility and risks associated with the pet in the container.

All documents are to be submitted in English otherwise specified. More documents might be required depending on the airlines you are choosing.

Finally, be mindful of other travellers in the cabin and keep your pet under control if they are allowed to travel with you. Invest in a good muzzle and crate for the pet’s comfort and other people’s safety.

Road Trips with your Pet

Are you and your pup or kitty setting out on a road trip? Don't forget that, just like humans, our furry friends can suffer motion sickness in a car. Hence it is important that you get them accustomed to car travel by taking them on short drives first and then slowly increasing the distance. And don't overlook safety; having a pet carrier or harness is recommended to ensure that your little companion is completely protected in your vehicle!

Additionally, keep their snacks and water. Make sure to take regular stops and bring along toys or other items that can keep your pet engaged during the journey.

Time to get ready for your dream trip with your pet!

No matter how you travel, safety should always be your top priority when travelling with a pet. Be sure to double-check before boarding any mode of transportation to ensure that you and your pet are ready for the journey ahead! After all, we want our travels together to be as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.