Traveling With Dogs: Car, Train & Flight Tips for Indian Pet Parents

Vacation time, long weekends, road trips, shaadi season — whatever the reason, more pet parents today are choosing traveling with dogs instead of leaving them behind. From hill stations and beaches to family visits in another city, your dog can absolutely be part of the plan with a little preparation.

Whether you’re traveling with dog in car, planning traveling with dogs in car long distance, booking a train, or even traveling with dog internationally, the basics are the same: safety, comfort, and routine. This guide walks you through what to pack, how to set up your dog travel bag, and simple dog travel tips for car, train, and air travel from India.

Before You Travel: Health & ID Basics

A few checks before the trip make a big difference:

• Vet check-up: If your dog has heart, joint, breathing, or anxiety issues, talk to your vet before you plan long-distance travel.

• Vaccination records: Always carry a copy of your pet’s vaccination card; it’s useful for hotels, airlines, and sometimes interstate checks.

• ID & microchip: Make sure your dog wears a collar with an ID tag (your phone number and city). Microchipping adds an extra layer of safety if they ever slip the leash.

What to Pack in Your Dog Travel Bag

Think of a dog travel bag as your pet’s mini suitcase. A good pet travel checklist keeps you from scrambling later.

1. Essentials

• Regular food and treats (don’t suddenly switch brands during travel)

• Drinking water + travel bowl

• Daily medications and any supplements

• Leash, harness/collar

• Poop bags, tissues, cleaning wipes

2. Comfort & sleep

• A familiar blanket or dog travel bed to use in the car, train, or hotel room

• One–two favourite toys or a chew for comfort

• An old T-shirt with your smell for anxious dogs

3. Safety gear

• Dog travel crate, dog travel cage, or dog travel carrier (whatever your dog is used to)

• Seat belt harness or car seat for dogs for extra safety in the car.

• Basic first-aid kit (bandage, antiseptic, any vet-prescribed meds for emergencies)

4. Documents

• Vaccination card and deworming history

• Health certificate/fitness to travel (especially for flights and traveling with dog in train)

Traveling With Dog in Car (Short & Long Distance)

Most Indian pet parents start with road trips. If you’re traveling with dog in car or planning traveling with dogs in car long distance, safety and regular breaks matter more than the route.

Set Up a Safe Space

• Use a crash-tested harness attached to the seatbelt or a secure dog travel crate/dog travel carrier on the back seat.

• Avoid letting your dog roam free or ride in the front seat — sudden braking or airbags can injure them.

• Put a pet seat cover on the back seat, then place their dog travel bed or blanket on top so it smells like home.

Comfort, Food & Breaks

• Feed a lighter meal 2–3 hours before the journey to reduce motion sickness.

• Stop every 2–3 hours so your dog can stretch, sniff, pee/poop, and reset.

• Always offer fresh water at breaks. Collapsible travel bowls make this easier.

Car Travel Dog Walking Tips

• Keep your dog on leash before you open the car door — new places can be overwhelming.

• Avoid letting them stick their head fully out of the window; dust and debris can hurt their eyes and ears.

• If your dog is anxious in the car, start with short practice drives before planning a long trip.

Traveling With Dog in Train (Indian Railways)

Traveling with dog in train is possible in India, but you need to follow Indian Railways rules. Recent updates allow online booking for dogs and cats on certain trains and classes.

Key Points (Always Recheck Current Rules)

• Dogs can travel in First AC/First Class when you book an entire coupe or cabin under one PNR.

• Pets usually need to be booked through the luggage/parcel office as “luggage” a few hours before departure.

• Pups and smaller dogs can travel in a basket or dog travel crate in some situations, but you must confirm for your specific train.

Train Travel Tips

• Use a sturdy dog travel cage or crate lined with absorbent pads plus a blanket.

• Carry enough food, water, and a small cleaning kit (tissues, wipes, poop bags, newspaper).

• Keep your dog on leash even inside the compartment — sudden sounds, vendors, or crowds at stations can scare them.

• Avoid sedation unless your vet specifically advises it.

Traveling With Dog Internationally (Flights From India)

Traveling with dog internationally needs the most planning. You’ll need to think about your destination country’s rules, airline policies, and the right dog travel crate.

Before You Book

• Check pet import rules for your destination (microchip, rabies titre test, waiting periods, permits).

• Talk to your vet at least 1–2 months in advance for vaccines, documents, and fitness to fly.

• Confirm airline rules:

  • Weight limits for pets in cabin vs cargo

  • Exact size of dog travel carrier/dog travel cage allowed in cabin

  • IATA-compliant dog travel crate requirements for cargo/checked-in pets

Crate Training & Comfort

• Choose an IATA-approved crate where your dog can comfortably stand, turn, and lie down.

• Let your dog sleep and eat in the crate at home for a few weeks before the flight so it feels like a safe den, not a punishment.

• On flight day, feed a light meal a few hours before travel and keep water available using a no-spill bowl.

Choosing Pet-Friendly Hotels & Stays in India

The good news: more hotels, homestays, and resorts in India are becoming pet-friendly. The not-so-good news: rules differ everywhere.

When booking:

• Use filters like “pet friendly” and then call the property to confirm:

  • Size/breed restrictions

  • Extra pet charges

  • Areas where dogs are allowed (room only / garden / café etc.)

• Check if there’s a park, walking lane, or quiet area nearby for early morning and late-night walks.

• Carry your own bedding, bowls, and cleaning supplies so you leave the room as clean as you found it — this makes hotels more open to hosting pets again.

Quick Checklist for Traveling With Dogs

Before you step out, run through this simple dog travel checklist:

• Updated ID tag + microchip

• Vaccination card + vet’s fitness-to-travel note (for trains/flights)

• Packed dog travel bag with food, water, treats, bowls, meds, toys, poop bags

• Blanket or dog travel bed your dog already uses at home

• Harness, leash, and backup leash

• Safe setup for traveling with dog in car (crate/harness)

• Bookings and paperwork ready for traveling with dog in train

• IATA-approved dog travel crate/dog travel cage/dog travel carrier for traveling with dog internationally

• List of nearby vets and emergency clinics at your destination

Traveling with dogs doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With a bit of planning, the right gear, and a realistic idea of what your dog can handle, road trips, train journeys, and even flights can become special memories you share together. You don’t just reach a destination — you collect stories, photos, and that happy tired look your dog gets after a day of exploring with you.