Air India’s Guide to Travelling with Pets from USA to India

snigdhrani
April 30, 2025

Do you feel bad leaving your pet at home every time you travel? Why let your furry friend stay alone at pet care? Even traveling internationally with pets can be a daunting experience, especially with long-haul routes like between the USA to India Flights.

Fortunately, there are very few flights that allow you to allow pets on board Air India. Whether it’s an extended vacation or relocating to India from the USA or Canada, taking your pet all along is easy. Just may need to understand the airline’s pet policy and prepare for smoother travel for you and your pet.

If you want the same, check out the best pet-friendly Flights to India with FlyDealFare-making traveling easy, less anxious, and comfortable. Meanwhile, grip on blog sharing when you are flying with pets.

The General Pet Policy

Air India allows passengers to fly domestic dogs, cats, and birds to travel in the cabin. They would check baggage and provide specific requirements; however, when it’s international routes, Air India Flights to India from the USA, pets can generally be transported with fleet’s hold or manifest depending on the weight and size.

Points to Know

  • ✔ Only small pets are allowed in the cabin (up to 5 kg including the carrier).
  • ✔ Larger pets must travel in the hold.
  • ✔ Only one pet per passenger is permitted in the cabin.
  • ✔ Air India does not allow snub-nosed breeds in the cargo hold due to health risks.
  • ✔ Proper documentation and prior booking are mandatory.

Booking Air India Flights to India with Pets

While booking your tickets to India on Air India, it is imperative to notify the airline at least 72 hours in advance of your plan to bring a pet. This is good as the airline allows a certain number of pets per flight, so advance notification lets a confirmation with space on board for your furry friend.

Health and Vaccination Requirements

Traveling from the USA to India with pets isn’t simple. You may need to assure over the health compliance strictly noticed policies. Meanwhile need to prepare on; 

  • Veterinary Health Certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
  • Vaccination Records, including valid rabies vaccination.
  • Microchipping is mandatory for entry into India.
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from India’s Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS), which must be arranged in advance.

Notable is the need to have NOC from the port of entry in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Bangalore. The proper documents let your pet get easy entry. Keeping and submitting documents like a pet’s health certificate, vaccination history, and travel itinerary is crucial.

Crate and Carrier Guidelines

From your idea for pet travel in the cabin or in the hold; Air India requires IATA-approved travel crates. These must be; 

  • ✔ Be well-ventilated and escape-proof.
  • ✔ Be large enough for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
  • ✔ Contain absorbent material on the floor.
  • ✔ Display a visible label stating “Live Animal” and your contact information.

Onboard Pet Comfort and Safety Tips

Taking long-haul flights to India from the USA or Canada can last over 15 hours or more. Therefore it is important to make pets comfortable. The tips like;

  • ✔ Feed your pet at least 4 hours before departure and avoid feeding just before the flight.
  • ✔ Freeze water in a bowl inside the crate; it will melt gradually and keep your pet hydrated.
  • ✔ Line the crate with soft bedding.
  • ✔ Avoid tranquilizers unless prescribed by a vet, as they may affect breathing during the flight.

Arriving in India with Your Pet

Once you reach your desired destination in India, you will be directed to the Animal Quarantine counter for inspection. Make sure you have; 

Once you arrive on Air India flights to India, you’ll be directed to the Animal Quarantine counter for inspection. Ensure you have:

  • ✔ Original health and vaccination certificates.
  • ✔ Microchip details.
  • ✔ NOC copy (if already issued).
  • ✔ Your passport and e-ticket as proof of travel.
  • ✔ Once it’s done, your pet will be released, and you can enjoy the trip to India with your furry friend. 

Things to Remember When Booking Flights to India with Pets

  • ✔ Must check pet restrictions based on breed and size.
  • ✔ Do limit your travel to non-peak months for less crowded flights to make your pets less anxious on board.
  • ✔ Choose direct USA-to-India flights to minimize layovers and stress.
  • ✔ Contact Air India support and AQCS in advance to ensure all documents are approved.

Enjoy Traveling With Your Pets-Book Air India Flights to India From FlyDealFare

Pets don’t understand the terms and policies over long-haul flights but you can. Thus, if you are planning to start a trip in India and bring a pet on board, it is crucial to know the airline authorities beforehand. FlyDealFare is the best solution to book Flights to India, as it offers pet-friendly booking options to carry furry friends in the cabin. Explore affordable tickets to India, choose a pet-friendly airline, and make your long-distance travel stress-free. Because at the end of the day, pets are family—and they deserve to fly in comfort, too.