Don’t you just wish your four-legged companion could follow you everywhere—on road trips, train journeys and flights, without a hitch? For many pet parents in India, that dream is slowly becoming a reality. With the rise of the DINKWAD lifestyle (double income, no kids, with a dog) the country is opening its doors to furry travellers.
But a pet-friendly trip isn’t as simple as packing a lead and treats. Every animal has its quirks, each train compartment and hotel front desk its own rules. A “pet-friendly” label is no guarantee, and successful pet travel often hinge on wide-open spaces, manageable distances, and your pet’s temperament.
For those hoping for a holiday that’s as joyful for their pets as it is for themselves, there’s much to learn from Indian pet parents who have mastered the art of travelling with animals: patience, preparation, and a generous dose of flexibility.
The Fine Print Of Pet Travel
Before the fun begins, there’s paperwork to navigate. For Riddhima Paul, train travel with her Shih Tzu, Chinu, starts 24 hours before departure. Two first-class tickets must be booked for a private coupé (so other passengers aren’t disturbed) and a written request goes to railway authorities, along with Chinu’s vaccination records and a veterinary fitness certificate. Even the station where paperwork is submitted depends on the route.
“Suppose you’re going to Calcutta from Mumbai, then you have to go to VT station,” she explains. “But if you’re travelling to Delhi, it’s Bandra. That’s something you really have to watch.”
On travel day, Chinu is weighed at the parcel office and issued a transport receipt. Until they reach the compartment, he must remain in his crate.
Air travel brings its own set of hurdles. Yashika Prakriti Ram Lal Das Bholla recalls flying with her Chihuahua, Yoda, between Bengaluru and Delhi. Despite having a fit-to-fly certificate, vaccination proof, and indemnity forms, the journey was far from smooth. One flight had to be rebooked because the aircraft wasn’t suited for pets, and her veterinary-approved carrier was once rejected, forcing a last-minute scramble.
“Pet-friendly doesn’t mean seamless,” Yashika says. “You have to confirm, reconfirm, and then confirm again.”
For owners of larger breeds, flights are often not an option. PR professional Unnati Gala refuses to let her Doberman, Bagheera, or German Shepherd, Grace, travel in cargo—a concern shared by Arshia Shaikh with her 16-kilogram dog. This leaves trains or road trips as the only viable alternatives.
Budgeting is another reality. Arshia sometimes saves for months for a single train journey: ₹15,000 for two coupé tickets, plus pet charges, and ₹6,000–10,000 for a pet-friendly homestay. Local taxis often cost more when drivers realise there’s a dog onboard.
“If I’m paying that much for train tickets,” she says, “I might as well hire a car.”
Comfort Comes First
Once logistics are settled, comfort is paramount. Long train rides, hours in a car, or flights at 30,000 feet can be disorienting for animals. The principle all pet parents agree on: routine matters.
Arshia’s mornings start at 7 a.m., whether in Himachal Pradesh or Delhi. Vrushali Kacholia, with her German Shepherd Bruce, began city drives gradually, extending them as he grew accustomed to the motion. Chinmoyee Kalita, travelling with Bella, a once-sensitive rescue, prepared her dog with extended walks, lighter meals, and hydration before longer drives.
Familiar items—beds, toys, mats—help pets recreate routine in new environments, making unfamiliar spaces feel like home. Sudden changes in feeding schedules or diet are avoided; comfort is carefully curated.
The Reality Of A Pet-Friendly India
A few cat cafés or dog parks do not a pet-friendly city make. While there is progress, most interviewees agreed that India is still more pet-tolerant than genuinely accommodating.
Luxury hotels often exclude larger breeds, and hostels are rarely viable. Unnati turned to private villas and farmhouses, giving her dogs space and safety. On a recent trip during Uttarayan in Gujarat, she booked a seven-acre farmhouse near Ahmedabad to shield Bagheera and Grace from loud music and kites. Chinmoyee, travelling with Bella to Corbett, chose a villa with resident dogs so her pup could roam without constant lead supervision.
“Many hotels use ‘pet-friendly’ as a marketing hook rather than a genuine commitment,” Chinmoyee notes. “True inclusivity means proper spaces, understanding staff, and thoughtful accommodations.”
Open spaces are crucial, especially for bigger dogs. Riddhima has found Goa exceptionally welcoming for Chinu and her Golden Retriever, Luna, where restaurants and beaches allow them freedom. Vrushali’s Bruce thrives on the beaches and hill treks of Mahabaleshwar, while Yashika favours Bengaluru’s calmer lanes and pet-friendly cafés over Delhi’s crowded streets.
The Joy Beyond Logistics
First-time pet travel can be stressful, for both humans and animals. Appetite issues, anxiety, and protective instincts are common. Documentation and bureaucratic steps add to the tension. But these challenges are navigable.
Vrushali emphasises a recall phrase for outdoor adventures; Riddhima recommends crate training and including familiar bedding or toys; Yashika advises backpack-style carriers that are ventilated and airline-compliant. With preparation, even anxious pets can thrive.
And then comes the payoff: watching your pet explore, adapt, and even lead the adventure. Chinmoyee recalls Bella during a Mussoorie glamping trip: “She had the time of her life, running ahead, pausing, and then patiently waiting for us to catch up. Watching her so confident and happy in an unfamiliar place was incredibly moving.”
Arshia reflects on Himachal: “My dog would sleep next to me at night, rest her face on my back, and follow me everywhere. It was pure joy.”
The memory of your dog sprinting into the ocean, curling up after a long day of exploration, or resting trustingly at your side will outlast every logistical hurdle.
As Yashika puts it, “I think your pets deserve to see the world as much as you do.”
Related: Best Pet-Friendly Cafes & Restaurants To Visit In Singapore With Your Fur Baby
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
The views expressed in this interview are solely those of the interviewee and do not reflect the opinions of the publication.
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