Everyone likes to travel and explore new places, and so does your pet dog. But travelling with them is a whole another level of adventure. Travelling along with your pet can be a bit tedious since the rules are a bit unclear and misinformation is everywhere. Through this blog, lets focus on how we can ease your travel with your furry travel buddy whether it is a road trip, a train journey or a flight.

Before Travelling

Just as it is important to pack your stuff before travelling, it is important that you pack these essentials of your pet along with you.

A collar with your dog’s ID tag containing its name, address, and your contact number especially
A health checkup and fitness certificate from a registered veterinarian
Updated record of your pet’s vaccination status, especially for rabies vaccine
A comfortable carrier to keep your dog in
Essential items like water, pet food, bowls, leash, waste bags, towels, treats, medicines, etc.

Travelling by train

Indian railways supports passengers travelling with their pets but they need to comply with the rules for the same. First AC travel is strongly recommended when travelling with your pet, your dog can either travel along with you in your cabin with the consent of your co-passengers or in the luggage van if travelling in the cabin is not approved.

You need to book yourself a First AC ticket. Then apply at the luggage office at least 24 hours before departure. Submit important documents such as your pet’s vet fitness certificate and vaccination records. Charges are calculated according to your pet’s weight. Make sure your dog is leashed properly and well behaved. You are responsible for your pet’s hygiene and behavior since authorities may refuse cabin travel if your co passengers object to it.

Travelling by car

If your pet is sensitive to noise or uncomfortable with confinement, you can choose to travel by car. Although there is no legal restrictions if you are travelling with your pet in your own vehicle, however you should comply by some safety guidelines.

Do not allow free movement of your dog while you are driving the vehicle, make sure they are restrained with the help of a seatbelt, or the crate is tightly secured to the vehicle. It is important for both your and your pet’s safety that your pet should not obstruct you or vehicle’s controls in any way.

To make sure that you have a comfortable travel with your dog, you should take a look at the following advices:

Take a break every 2-3 hours
Never leave your pet unattended in parked vehicle
Avoid feeding them heavy meals before travel as it may cause nausea
Make sure to maintain proper ventilation and temperature in your vehicle

Travelling by flight

For domestic travel by flights, different airlines have their own set of rules and regulations, however a few of the common requirements include your pet’s veterinary fitness certificate issued around the date of travelling, updated vaccination records, and the owner’s identification.

According to the general airline policy, your pet may travel in the cargo hold which would be pressurized and temperature controlled or in the cabin along with you however the latter is limited to small dogs that too in a few airlines only. It is mandatory that you do advance booking due to the limited availability of pet capacity. Make sure that the crate in which your pet will be travelling should be airline-approved, has a leak proof base and has well maintained ventilation, and it is clearly labelled with the owner’s name and contact details.

For making sure your pet is comfortable while travelling, avoid travelling during peak summer hours, and choose non-stop without any layovers.