Now You Can Travel With Pets Across India, Know How
- Travel Lifestyle Tour Guides
Donna Hussain- 0
- 10 minutes read
Want to travel with pets? Now the hotels are getting ready to welcome your furry friend. This is evident that the pandemic has seen a good shift in the lifestyles of individuals. The world now has become more pet-friendly. For this people now wish to travel with their pets as they worry about leaving them behind. So if you are wondering how to travel with pets in India, then this article is for you.
With the pace at which COVID-19 vaccinations are taking place across the globe, people are now finding it convenient to discuss and make plans about traveling. However now people want to travel with pets and this has become the new normal.
According to Ritu Malhotra, who is the South Asian Regional Manager at Booking.com asserts that the Indian travelers have now realized the need to act on their goal that is related to travel as the restrictions of travel are gradually being released with successful vaccinations. According to Ritu Malhotra,
“Over the past year, the pandemic has disrupted people’s schedules and has kept many restricted to the confines of their homes. Pet owners, in particular, have had the chance to spend more time with their pets and strengthen their bonds, while the last year also saw many people joining the ‘pet parents club’.”
During the pandemic lockdown, the pet-friendly policies, and pet adoptions have boomed in the hospitality segment.
To allow you to overcome the confusion about traveling with your pet, we bring here a list of provisions that will allow you to take your furry friend wherever you travel.
Travel With Pets On Train
If you wish to travel with pets by train in India there are provisions for that. The Indian Railways has separated the rules for carrying pets on trains. For carrying animals like birds and dogs, one will need to pay some additional charges of Rs 30, under section 77-A of the “Indian Railway Act”. This is mentioned on the official website of india.gov.in.
On the website, it has been further mentioned that carrying dogs in the 1st class compartments will call for a minimum fee of,
''Rs 10 per dog, charges being Prepaid...The dogs must be provided with collars and chains. Owners should make their own arrangements for food and water for the dog during the journey. Dogs detected unbooked will be charged at six times the Luggage Scale Rate subject to a minimum of Rs 50.''
However, there is one thing that should be noted, that the Indian Railways mentioned,
“We do not allow crying pets in the ACC Sleeper Coaches, Acc chair car coaches sleeper class and second class coaches. If a dog is found being carried in contravention of this rule, it will be removed immediately to the brake-van and charges will be levied six times the Luggage Scale Rate subject to a minimum of Rs 50.''
While keeping all the regulations and rules in mind, one should make sure that their pets do not end up creating a nuisance for other passengers who are traveling. And if you prefer traveling with pets in a car then there is nothing better than that.
Carrying Your Pet On A Flight
You may wonder, are there any pet-friendly airlines in India. There are many flights that allow pets, but before you take your pet for a flight, ensure he or she is fit enough to travel in flight. If they are then look for the perfect pet-friendly airlines for flying.
While according to Jet Airways, Vistara, and Air India pet policies allow pets on board, flights like AirAsia and IndiGo do not allow pets in their flights.
Carrying your pets on the flight will need valid Rabies vaccinations and health certificates, which will be followed by the approval of the commander of the flight.
As per the website of Air India,
''The pet must be properly carried in soft ventilated bags/kennel in the prescribed size (kennel size not to exceed 18" x 18" x 12"). The weight of the pet including the container should not exceed five kgs. for carriage in the cabin. Pets of larger size/weight will be carried in the cargo hold.”
Two pets at maximum are permissible per flight, for which the traveler will have to pay an additional charge. As per the website,
“Maximum of two pets are permitted per flight and passengers accompanying such pets will be seated in the last row of booked cabin class. A label will be affixed on the container showing the name of the pet. A moisture absorbent mat must be placed in the container. The pet dog must be properly muzzled and leashed.''
On the other hand, within India Jet airways accepts only Rabbits and birds. Their website reads the following,
''Book your pet at least 24 hours in advance as accompanied baggage for domestic flights. Live animals will be carried in the cargo hold only and cannot be carried in the cabin. Jet Airways will accept a maximum of three pet containers on B737 aircraft and a maximum of 5 pet containers on A330 / B777 aircraft, subject to space availability. One guest can carry a maximum of three pet containers on Domestic flights in the aircraft held subject to space availability.”
Containers that carry pets are not permitted on the flights if it is not clean or the pet turns out to be too savage for that flight.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Before you book your hotel, first find out which among them allow the accommodation of pets. You will find a number of pet-friendly homestays, hotels, and resorts in India. Some among them are Vivanta by Taj in Kerala, Camp Della Resort in Lonavala, and Life Resort in Jaipur to name a few.
Whether your pet is traveling by flight or by train and even residing in the best of hotels, it does not relieve you from the responsibilities that you have as the owner. One needs to maintain caution regarding the comfort and health of his or her pet throughout the trip. But despite so many hotels allowing the accommodation of pets, there are few things that you should keep in mind when you are taking your pet for your trip.
According to Supriya Malhotra, who is the Area General Manager of The Ascott Limited in Chennai,
“Pets are welcome at our properties in India. Whether it’s a short staycation or an extended trip, guests are welcome to check in with their pet for an additional fee. A daily maintenance charge along with a refundable security deposit will be collected during check-in. The deposit amount will vary depending on the duration of stay and the apartment type chosen.”
The owners must share the information related to their pet prior to arrival in every hotel they go to.
Conclusion
As the world is recovering from the adverse effect of the pandemic and its lockdown phenomenon, it has altered into being a pet-friendly world, and India is no exception. Many new avenues have opened for individuals to travel with pets. The Indian Railways allow pets under certain conditions, many flights have provisions to carry pets, though there are extra flight charges for pets in India, and there are many accommodations available now that offer residing facilities for pets. You will only need to find the perfect options for your pet and take care of the fact that they do not create any nuisance.
