PET FRIENDLY TRAEL

Pet-Friendly Travel

Pet-friendly travel involves planning trips where pets are welcome, with popular destinations in India including Goa, Coorg, and Lonavala, and the industry seeing a rise in pet-friendly hotels and resorts like Camp Della. Key considerations include health and vaccination records, using professional pet relocation services for complex travel, packing pet essentials like food, water bowls, and favorite toys, and ensuring responsible behavior like picking up after your pet in public spaces.

To have a successful trip with your pet, you must plan ahead by researching transportation rules, booking pet-friendly lodging, and gathering all necessary supplies and documentation. Popular options include road trips, air travel (on specific airlines), and train travel in first-class coupes.

Popular Pet-Friendly Destinations in India

• Goa : A popular coastal destination that welcomes pets.

• Coorg : Known for its trekking, camping, and beautiful forests, according to this article.

• Manali : Offers trails, open spaces, and streams, with accommodations like The Himalayan welcoming pets.

• Kerala : Another state offering various travel experiences for pet owners.

• Mumbai Region : Resorts like Camp Della in Lonavala and Whispering Woods offer dedicated pet-friendly facilities.

Planning Your Trip

• Health and Vaccinations : Ensure your pet's vaccinations are up to date and carry their records. A fit-to-fly certificate is often required for air and train travel.

• Documentation : Keep your pet's registration papers and other necessary health certificates readily accessible.

• Professional Services : For international travel, or complex domestic moves, consider using a pet relocation service for assistance with documentation, crate training, and logistics.

Packing Essentials

• Food and Water : Pack enough food and treats, along with a travel-friendly food and water bowl.

• Comfort Items : A favorite blanket or toy can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort for your pet.

• Safety Gear : Include a sturdy leash, harness, poop bags, and any necessary medications.

Responsible Pet Ownership

• Cleanliness : Always pick up after your pet in public places to maintain cleanliness and ensure you and your pet are welcome.
• Calm Demeanor : Pets can sense your stress, so try to remain calm and relaxed during travel to keep your pet from feeling anxious.

Before you travel

• See the vet : Schedule a check-up with your veterinarian to ensure your pet is healthy enough for travel. Get any required vaccinations and a health certificate, which may be needed by airlines, railways, or international authorities.

• Organize documents : Keep an up-to-date file with your pet's vaccination records, health certificates, and identification details. This can be crucial for check-in and in case of emergencies.

• Acclimate your pet : Introduce your pet to their crate or carrier in the weeks leading up to the trip. This makes the travel container a "happy place" rather than a source of stress. For car travel, take shorter practice trips to help them get used to the motion and the vehicle.

• Pack pet essentials : Prepare a separate bag with all the items your pet will need.
• Food and water (with travel-friendly bowls)

• Leash, collar, and harness

• Waste bags and cleaning supplies

• Medication and a pet first-aid kit

• A favorite blanket and toys to provide comfort and familiarity

Travel by car

Road trips offer the most flexibility when traveling with a pet.

• Secure your pet : Use a carrier, pet seatbelt, or harness to keep your pet safely restrained and prevent them from distracting the driver. Never leave a pet unattended in a parked car, as temperatures can quickly become dangerous.

• Plan frequent breaks : Schedule stops every few hours to allow your pet to stretch their legs, drink water, and take a bathroom break.

• Monitor comfort : Keep the car well-ventilated and at a comfortable temperature. For anxious pets, a calming spray or pheromone collar can help.

Travel by air

Airline policies for pets can be strict, so it's vital to research and book in advance.

• Choose a pet-friendly airline : Check current regulations, as rules and eligible airlines can change. For domestic Indian routes, carriers like Air India and Akasa Air have provisions for pet travel, sometimes limited to the cabin.

• Know the rules : Pets may travel in the cabin if they meet size and weight requirements, including their carrier. Larger pets may need to travel in a temperature-controlled cargo hold, which requires an International Air Transport Association (IATA)-certified crate.
• Prepare for check-in : Arrive at the airport several hours early to complete the required check-in formalities.
• Consider direct flights : Whenever possible, book a direct flight to minimize stress and potential mishaps during layovers.

Travel by train

In India, pets can travel on certain rail services, but it requires careful booking.

• Book a private coupe : The most reliable way to travel with a pet is by securing a confirmed booking in a first-class coupe, either for two or four people.

• Follow procedure : After getting your confirmed tickets, you must submit a written request at the main station's reservation office to be allotted a coupe. On the day of travel, report to the parcel office with your pet's health documents to pay the parcel charges.

• Keep your pet comfortable : For cats, traveling by train is convenient as a litter box can be placed in the coupe.

Pet-friendly accommodation

• Check policies in advance : When booking a hotel or vacation rental, always call and confirm their specific pet policies. Some may have restrictions on size or breed and may charge additional fees.

• Look for pet perks : Some hotels, like Pullman in New Delhi or the Tree of Life Resort in Jaipur, offer extra amenities such as designated pet areas, special menus, and grooming services.

• Consider vacation rentals : For more flexibility and space, search for pet-friendly Airbnb or other vacation rentals that offer private, open areas.