Traveling with pets in India is becoming easier as airports enhance their pet-friendly facilities. Dedicated pet relief areas at select Indian airports, like Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, provide sanitary and comfortable spaces for pets to relieve themselves. These areas feature artificial grass, waste disposal bins, and sprinkler systems to maintain cleanliness, ensuring a stress-free experience for pets and owners. As pet travel grows in popularity, more airports, including Mumbai and Bengaluru, are expected to introduce similar facilities to meet demand.
This guide explores the pet relief areas at Indian airports, with a focus on Delhi’s pioneering ‘Pet Fly’ desk, airline policies for pet travel, and tips for traveling with dogs or cats, including international flights from the USA to India.
Pet Fly Desk
Since 2014, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) has led the way as India’s first airport to offer a ‘Pet Fly’ desk at Terminal 3. Managed by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), this service streamlines pet travel with end-to-end support, including:
[](https://www.firstpost.com/business/living-business/flying-with-your-dog-delhi-airport-launches-indias-first-pet-fly-desk-1980779.html)- Assisting with airline clearance from Indian airlines.
- Ensuring pets are accommodated in an appropriately sized, IATA-compliant kennel.
- Checking pets in as excess baggage with applicable fees.
- Scanning kennels through X-ray machines before boarding.
The Pet Fly desk also offers amenities like water bowl refills and pet freshening services, making it a vital resource for pet owners at DEL.
Are Pets Allowed in Airport Lounges in India?
While Indian airport terminals are increasingly pet-friendly, lounge policies vary. Lounges like the Plaza Premium Lounge or Air India’s Maharaja Lounge at DEL’s Terminal 3 may allow small pets in carriers, but restrictions often apply due to hygiene or space concerns. Always contact the lounge directly to confirm their pet policy before arriving, as some may prohibit pets entirely.
[](https://www.indiabaggagerules.com/2024/07/pet-relief-areas-at-indian-airports.html)[](https://www.indianeagle.com/traveldiary/indira-gandhi-airport-2/)Does Delhi Airport Have a Pet Relief Area?
Yes, Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) features pet relief areas equipped with artificial grass, waste bags, disposal bins, and pop-up sprinklers for cleaning liquid waste. Located in Terminal 3, these areas complement the Pet Fly desk, enhancing DEL’s reputation as a pet-friendly hub. Other airports, like Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) in Hyderabad, are also adding pet relief zones to support growing pet travel demand.
[](https://www.indiabaggagerules.com/2024/07/pet-relief-areas-at-indian-airports.html)[](http://petfriendlytravel.com/pet-relief-areas-airports-us/)How Do Dogs Travel on Planes in India?
Dogs can travel on domestic flights in India either in the cabin or cargo hold, depending on size, breed, and airline policies. Small dogs (up to 7 kg, including carrier) can travel in the cabin in a soft-sided, ventilated kennel (max 18 x 18 x 12 inches) under the seat. Larger dogs must travel in the cargo hold in IATA-approved crates. Airlines like Air India, Vistara, and Akasa Air allow pets, while IndiGo restricts cabin travel to service animals. Key requirements include:
[](https://www.indiabaggagerules.com/2024/07/pet-relief-areas-at-indian-airports.html)[](https://www.carrymypet.com/airlines-in-india-that-allow-pets-on-board)[](https://www.ixigo.com/pets-on-domestic-flights-story-1159743)- Health and rabies vaccination certificates issued within 72 hours of travel.
- Indemnity forms (e.g., two copies for direct flights, four for connecting flights).
- No pregnant pets or those under 8 weeks old.
- Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds may be restricted in cargo due to breathing risks.
Always book pet travel 48 hours in advance and arrive 3 hours early for check-in.
[](https://airpets.in/blogs/air-india-airlines-pet-travel-policy)Are Pets Allowed on Flights from the USA to India?
Pets can travel from the USA to India, but strict airline and Indian import regulations apply. Only six airports—Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Chennai (MAA), Hyderabad (HYD), and Kolkata (CCU)—handle pet imports. Required documentation includes:
[](https://www.indiabaggagerules.com/2024/07/pet-relief-areas-at-indian-airports.html)[](https://www.myticketstoindia.com/blog/top-5-pet-friendly-airlines-from-usa-to-india/)- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from India’s Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS).
- Veterinary health certificate with microchip number, issued within 72 hours of travel.
- Rabies vaccination and entry permits for India.
Airlines like Air India restrict pets in the cabin on USA-India routes, allowing only service animals. Pets typically travel as cargo, and airlines like Delta or American Airlines offer pet-friendly services with fees (e.g., $125-$200). Book through a pet relocation agent for complex routes.
[](https://surffares.com/travelguru/pet-friendly-airlines/)[](https://www.flyopedia.com/blog/6-best-airlines-for-traveling-with-pets-from-usa-to-india/)Frequently Asked Questions
Which Indian airports have pet relief areas?
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi has pet relief areas with artificial grass and waste disposal. Other airports like Hyderabad (HYD) and Bengaluru (BLR) are adding similar facilities.
What is the Pet Fly desk at Delhi Airport?
The Pet Fly desk at DEL’s Terminal 3 assists with airline clearance, kennel sizing, excess baggage check-in, and X-ray scanning, making pet travel seamless.
Can pets travel in the cabin on domestic flights in India?
Yes, small pets (up to 7 kg, including carrier) can travel in the cabin on airlines like Air India, Vistara, and Akasa Air, in a soft-sided kennel under the seat.
What documents are needed for pets on flights from the USA to India?
Pets need a No Objection Certificate (NOC), a health certificate issued within 72 hours, rabies vaccination records, and entry permits for India.
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