How to Move House with a Dog or Cat in India (Train, Flight, Car and Movers)

Picture the morning of the move: the door is open, strangers are carrying boxes, and your dog or cat is somewhere in the middle. Moving with a pet in India is far easier with a plan, and the biggest decision is how your pet will travel.

This guide covers moving house in India with a dog or cat, from the first vet visit to the first week in the new home. You will get train, flight, car and packers and movers compared, with the rules that apply in India, a 3 to 4 week preparation plan and a moving-day plan, and settling-in steps with answers to common questions.

Rules and fees change, so confirm them with the railway or airline before you book.

Choose How Your Pet Will Travel

This decision shapes the certificates, carrier and booking time you need later, so settle it first. The right option depends mainly on your pet's size, temperament, health and the distance.

By train in India

• Pets travel with you only in AC First Class or First Class, and only when the whole coupe or cabin is booked.
• AC 2-tier, AC 3-tier and AC Chair Car do not allow pets.
• Book your pet at the parcel or luggage office at least 3 hours before departure, with your ticket and the vet's certificate. The certificate must state the pet's breed, colour and gender.
• If a co-passenger objects, or First Class is not available, the dog travels in a box in the luggage van. Ask the parcel office about availability and conditions.
• Charges follow luggage rates. Carry your own food, water, collar and leash.

By flight within India

Pet policies differ from airline to airline, so check the airline's own pet page before you book. As an example, Air India's pet travel page lists the limits below.

• In the cabin: up to 10 kg combined weight of pet and carrier.
• As baggage or cargo: 10 kg to 32 kg.
• Minimum age: 8 weeks for the cabin and 3 months for the cargo hold.
• Carrier size, fees and booking steps are airline-specific. Air India's page listed ₹7,500 for a domestic pet in the cabin and ₹16,000 for domestic cargo when this guide was checked.
• Book your pet directly and early, carry the vet certificate, and reach the airport early. Heavier pets travel in the hold.

By car

Driving suits many moves within a state, and safety is what makes it work.

• Use a harness or a secured crate. Never let your pet travel loose or in the boot.
• Stop every few hours for water and a short leash walk.
• Give a light meal beforehand and travel in the cooler hours.
• For cats, use a secure carrier and keep a litter tray ready.
• Get your pet used to riding for long periods before the move, so it causes less trouble on the day.

With packers and movers

You can also read how packers and movers can help in your relocation.

Get Your Pet Ready Before the Move

Start about 3 to 4 weeks before the move. This is a recommendation rather than a rule, because crate training and vet visits take time.

• 4 weeks before: visit the vet and begin crate training.
• 2 weeks before: sort out identification and documents.
• 1 week before: pack the pet kit.
• The day before: decide where your pet will stay on moving day.

Visit your vet

Ask about:

Sedation is covered in the FAQs below.

Get your pet used to a crate or carrier

• Keep the crate open at home with bedding and treats inside.
• Build up the time your pet spends inside in small steps over the weeks.
• Your pet should be able to stand, turn around and lie down in it.
• Choose the final size once you know the airline or railway rules.

Identification: microchip and a tag with your phone number

• Ask your vet about a microchip.
• Put your mobile number on the collar tag, not only the new address.
• Keep a recent photo of your pet on your phone.

Documents and the travel kit

Do not introduce new food.

Check pet rules at your new home

The Animal Welfare Board of India circular says a housing society or RWA cannot legally ban pet dogs, even by majority, or restrict them by size, as long as the owner follows municipal rules. A society can still make reasonable conduct rules, such as leashing in common areas.

On Moving Day

Keep your pet away from the packing and loading

Open doors and strangers are when pets bolt, so decide in advance where your pet will be.

• Keep your pet in a closed, quiet room with water, and put a "do not open" note on the door.
• A friend's home or boarding is a good alternative.
• Load your pet last.

During the journey: food, water, breaks and ID

Settling Your Pet into the New Home

The first days: a safe room and what to watch

• Set up bedding, bowls and familiar items in one room first.
• Secure windows, doors and balconies. In apartments, balcony nets help. Our guide to pet-proofing your new home covers the rest.
• Let your pet explore the rest of the home gradually.
• Some stress is normal for a few days.

Registrations and the new vet

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving with Your Pet: What to Remember

Choose the travel mode that suits your pet, prepare early, keep your pet safe on moving day, and settle it gently into the new home. Confirm the current rules with the railway or airline before you book.