🚗 How I Faced Challenges Traveling with My Dog in India & Made It Stress-Free!

Traveling with a dog in India isn’t as simple as packing your bags and heading out. When I first tried to take Ludo, my Pomeranian, on a trip, I faced multiple roadblocks—unclear airline policies, last-minute train booking surprises, and the struggle to find the right travel accessories for his comfort and safety. But after a few trials (and errors!), I finally figured out how to make pet travel stress-free.

If you’re planning a trip with your furry friend, here’s everything I learned about traveling with a dog in India by flight, train, or car—so you don’t have to make the same mistakes I did.

---

✈️ The First Time I Flew with Ludo – Here’s What Went Wrong!

I booked a flight, packed his essentials, and thought we were all set. Big mistake! I didn’t check the airline’s pet policy properly, and I ended up scrambling last minute to make arrangements. Lesson learned: Always check pet policies BEFORE booking your ticket.

What You Need to Know Before Flying with Your Dog in India

✔ Choose a pet-friendly airline → Air India & Vistara allow small pets in the cabin
✔ Book your pet’s ticket early → Limited pet slots are available per flight
✔ Get an airline-approved pet carrier → It should be ventilated & spacious
✔ Carry vaccination & health certificates → Most airlines require proof within 72 hours of travel

🚨 My Mistake: I didn’t confirm pet availability on my flight, and I had to reschedule my trip because the airline had no more pet slots left.

---

🚆 Traveling by Train with a Dog – The Surprise Rule I Didn’t Know!

Trains seemed like the perfect way to travel with Ludo—until I arrived at the station and was told pets aren’t allowed in most compartments! Turns out, pets can only travel in First AC cabins IF you book the entire coupe.

How to Book a Train Ticket for Your Dog in India

✔ Book a First AC coupe or cabin → You must book the entire space (2-4 berths) to bring a pet
✔ Submit a request to the Chief Reservation Officer → Do this at least 48 hours before your journey
✔ Carry a leash, collapsible water bowl & hygiene pads → Train journeys are long, and your pet needs comfort
✔ Get a health certificate from a vet → Issued within 24-48 hours of travel
✔ Read the official IRCTC pet travel rules → IRCTC Guidelines

🚨 My Mistake: I didn’t book the entire coupe, and the railway staff refused to let Ludo stay in the cabin with me. We had to rebook the whole trip!

---

🚗 Car Travel with a Dog – The One Thing That Made All the Difference

Road trips seem like the easiest way to travel with a pet—until you realize your dog won’t sit still for long hours! The first time we took Ludo on a long drive, he kept moving around, making the trip stressful for both of us. That’s when I discovered the dog seat belt—a game changer!

Essentials for a Comfortable Car Ride with Your Dog

✔ Dog seat belt or travel harness → Prevents your pet from moving around & keeps them safe
✔ Portable travel bowl for water & food → Prevents dehydration during long trips
✔ Car seat cover or pet hammock → Keeps your car clean & fur-free

🚨 My Mistake: I thought Ludo would sit calmly in the backseat. Without a seat belt, he kept moving, and I had to stop multiple times to calm him down.

👉 Dog Seat Belt for Car Travel: Buy Now

---

🛍️ My Must-Have Travel Accessories for Dogs

Through trial and error, I’ve narrowed down the 3 essentials I never travel without:

🎒 Best Pet Carrier → Shop Airline-Approved Carrier
🦺 Dog Seat Belt for Car → Buy Now

---

🌍 Final Tips for Stress-Free Pet Travel in India

✔ Plan ahead – Whether train or flight, book pet-friendly options early
✔ Carry all pet essentials – Water, leash, food, comfort items
✔ Be patient – Traveling with pets takes extra time & care

📢 Follow Furrmama for more pet-friendly lifestyle insights! 🐶✈️