A New Breed of Traveller Emerges
For years, Indian pet owners faced a difficult choice: travel without their beloved animals or don't travel at all. The landscape, however, is changing rapidly. A cultural shift, accelerated by the pandemic, has seen more Indians welcoming pets into their homes
and treating them as integral family members. This "humanisation" of pets means they aren't just animals; they're companions, children, and, increasingly, travel buddies. There are now over 31 million pet dogs in India, and the population is expected to grow. Consequently, the demand for travel that includes these furry family members has surged, pushing the hospitality and transport industries to adapt.
Hospitality Rolls Out the Welcome Mat
The Indian hospitality sector is responding enthusiastically to this new market. What was once a rare exception is now a key feature for many establishments. Major hotel chains like ITC Hotels, Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), and Marriott International are expanding their pet-friendly policies across numerous properties. These aren't just 'pets allowed' policies; they are full-fledged 'paw-cation' experiences with amenities like special pet beds, dedicated play areas, and even curated pet food menus. Data from Booking.com shows that 'pet-friendly' was one of its top search filters globally in 2025, with nearly 15 million searches, indicating a massive shift in traveller priorities. In India, luxury villas and homestays are also seeing a boom, with some operators reporting up to an 80% year-on-year increase in bookings for pet-friendly properties.
The Journey, Not Just the Destination
Getting there is half the battle, and transport options are slowly but surely catching up. Road trips have become the go-to for pet parents, with a staggering 93% of Indian travellers favouring them for the flexibility and comfort they offer their pets. For longer distances, air and rail travel are becoming more viable. Air India has expanded its 'Paws on Board' policy, allowing small pets in the cabin on many domestic and international routes. Other airlines like Akasa Air also offer in-cabin options, though most still require larger pets to travel in the cargo hold, which remains a source of anxiety for many owners. Indian Railways permits pets to travel in First AC cabins, provided the entire coupe is booked by the family, offering a more grounded alternative for those who plan ahead.
Navigating the Remaining Hurdles
Despite the positive momentum, pet-friendly travel in India is not yet seamless. The rules can be inconsistent and confusing. Each airline has its own set of regulations regarding carrier size, weight limits, and required paperwork, such as health and vaccination certificates. Booking a pet on a train requires navigating a specific process that often involves visiting the parcel office after your ticket is confirmed but before the chart is prepared. While many hotels are welcoming, access to common areas like restaurants and pools can be restricted. Furthermore, a lack of awareness and standardisation means pet parents must do thorough research for each trip to avoid last-minute complications. There's also a clear preference for dogs and cats, with options for other types of pets being virtually non-existent for formal travel.
