Flying with Pets in India
Some airlines allow small cats and dogs in cabin; others only permit pets in cargo with advance booking.
Pets fly only with advance airline approval, health certificates issued within 24–48 hours, and IATA-compliant crates. Small cats/dogs sometimes ride in cabin (usually ≤7 kg including carrier); heavier animals travel in pressurised cargo.
Key highlights
- Call the airline to reserve a pet slot and note crate size/weight limits.
- Schedule vet visits for vaccination updates and parasite treatments.
- Order an IATA-approved crate (length = nose to tail + half leg height).
Each Indian airline runs its own pet policy. Air India, Vistara, and Akasa allow limited cabin pets; IndiGo only permits them in cargo. Submit requests at least a week in advance because most flights cap pets at two per sector.
Documents are non-negotiable: fit-to-fly vet certificate, vaccination card (including anti-rabies shot >30 days old), microchip data for international travel, and import/export permits when crossing borders.
Crates must follow IATA Live Animal Regulations—rigid walls, metal bolts, absorbent bedding, and water cups accessible from outside. Sedation is discouraged because it affects breathing at altitude.
When allowed vs. when not
✅ When it's allowed
- •Acclimate your pet to the crate weeks in advance with short practice sessions.
- •Freeze water in the dish overnight—the ice melts slowly during the flight without spilling.
- •Carry extra pee pads, wipes, and a travel litter tray for long layovers.
🚫 When it's NOT allowed
- •Don’t sedate pets without veterinary advice; many airlines refuse sedated animals.
- •Avoid wire or soft carriers for cargo—they do not meet IATA standards.
- •Do not remove the pet from the carrier inside the terminal unless instructed by security.
Day of travel
- ✔Feed a light meal 4 hours before departure; avoid heavy food right before check-in.
- ✔Attach copies of documents to the crate in a waterproof pouch.
- ✔Arrive 90 minutes earlier than usual for pet screening and payment formalities.
Common airline pet policies (India)
| Airline | Cabin? | Key notes |
|---|---|---|
| Air India | Yes (≤7kg) | One pet per cabin section, prior approval |
| Vistara | Case-by-case | Requires vaccination + airline consent form |
| IndiGo | No | Only in cargo via approved partners |
Frequently asked questions
Are emotional support animals recognised in India?+
Can rabbits or birds fly?+
What if my pet exceeds the cabin weight limit?+
Travel tips
- ✈️Place an unwashed T-shirt inside the crate so your scent calms the pet.
- ✈️Use GPS-enabled collar tags to monitor location during long transfers.
- ✈️Carry a printed photo of your pet; helpful if ground staff need to identify the crate quickly.
Related guides
Official references
DGCA guidelines — simplified
Verified on: 6 Dec 2025
Disclaimer: Aviation and security rules change frequently. Always confirm with your airline, airport help desk, or CISF officers before you travel.