Everything was in order for Priya. The packers were hired. The new flat in Bengaluru was available. She was disposing each box of hers with care, in her 2BHK at Andheri.
Then her Labrador, Bruno, sat in the corner of a bare living room, and he wouldn't budge.
Not, as Bruno was trying to make out, because he was a bit dramatic. Dogs can feel the changes before they occur – the packing tape and the bubble wrap, plus the missing furniture, said to him that something BIG was about to happen in his world.
Finally, Priya made it to Bengaluru with Bruno. It took her three weeks of preparation, two trips to the vets and one booking on a different line to no avail, but also a 14-hour road trip that she says was "chaotic but worth every minute.
And that's the aspect of relocating with pets that every packers and movers completely neglects: moving with pets in India is one of the most emotional and practically difficult aspects of relocation.
This guide can't be blashé about it. Before picking up and relocating your dog or cat to a new city in India, here are a few things you should know about moving with pets.
What Packers and Movers Will Not Help You With
So let's get to the point, right from the beginning. Whether you're moving your household items, furniture, car or bike, ShiftEazy will match you with 1,120+ verified transporters. Our movers excel at what they do.
However, they are unable to transport your pet. No reputable packers and movers company in India will move live animals in relocation process—any moving company that promises to move your pets with your household is not safe or legal.
Your dog and cat must be transported separately — either by plane, train, or automobile. They all have different requirements, prices, and appropriateness for pets of different sizes, breeds, temperaments, and distance.
Let's take a look at how each of these functions.
Option 1 – Flying With Your Pet
The quickest method is to fly – but there are more rules than most pet parents realize.
Which Airlines Let Pets on Board in India 2026?
As of this writing, Air India is India's domestic airline that's the most pet-friendly. If the weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 10kg, small dogs and cats are allowed to travel in-cabin in economy class. Carriers should be soft-sided and under seat. Air India also transports larger pets in climate controlled cargo, on domestic flights. Make sure to make a booking at least 48 hours in advance: pet bookings are made on board and are not available online.
Akasa Air started the initiative ‘Pets on Akasa' and permits dogs and cats weighing up to 7 kg (combined weight) in-cabin on most of its domestic narrow-body flights. Costs range from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per sector. Limited, 3 pets per flight (book early).
SpiceJet allows pets only in climate controlled cargo (not in cabin). The price of the fees depends on weight and route range, ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹7,500.
SpiceJet accepts pets in climate-controlled cargo only – not in the cabin. Fees range from ₹4,000 to ₹7,500 depending on weight and route.
IndiGo, that's where the majority of people are surprised. Normal domestic animals are not allowed on IndiGo for cabin or cargo on most flights. Accepted only certified service animals for passengers with disabilities. For those who booked an IndiGo flight with the assumption that their pets would be able to fly, you should check this right away.
The documents needed for an animal going on a domestic flight.
- Valid vaccination certificate — rabies vaccine administered at least 30 days before travel
- Core vaccines: DHPPi for dogs, FVRCP for cats — all up to date
- Fit to Fly certificate from your vet — issued within 48 hours of travel
- IATA-approved carrier meeting the airline's size specifications
Cost of Flying With a Pet Domestically
|
Travel Type |
Approximate Cost |
|
In-cabin (small pet under 7–10 kg) |
₹3,000–₹7,000 per sector |
|
Cargo hold (medium pet) |
₹5,000–₹10,000 per sector |
|
Cargo hold (large pet) |
₹10,000–₹15,000 per sector |
Breed note: Flat-faced breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs and Persian cats) are not allowed on most Indian airlines — please check before booking!
Option 2 – Train Travel With Your Pet
Indian Railways is the most comfortable and affordable option for medium- to large-sized For medium to large sized dogs, Indian Railways is the most comfortable and affordable option—and also the preferred choice of most Indian pet parents moving within 500–1500 km.
The condition: Pets are allowed to be carried on Indian Railway in two ways: If you book the whole compartment then you and your pet can go together in First AC (1A) couple or cabin, or else you can book it as registered parcel luggage without coming with you.
The first coupe option for moving is highly recommended—the pet stays with you all the way. Rather than being separated from you in a freight van, your dog or cat will be safe, comfortable, and with you on a full AC coupe - which costs more (you pay for all berths).
Things to take on trips to the train:
- A vaccination certificate/health record is required.
- At the station's parcel office, the charge for pet transportation is to be paid.
- A specially designed IATA approved crate/carrier as per Indian Railways guidelines.
The charges for travelling with a pet are far cheaper than those for air travel – the extra for the pet is relatively low and the principle charge is the booking of the full compartment (coupe) charge if travelling by train.
The best routes for pet train travel: Delhi-Mumbai (Rajdhani Express), Mumbai-Bengaluru (Udyan Express / Netravati Express), and Delhi-Hyderabad (Telangana Express). Many dogs will find it less stressful to fly overnight on a long-distance train than to travel in cargo for 1.5 hours. While you take care of your pet's move, ShiftEazy's verified packers movers in Mumbai can take charge of the furniture on your move.
Option 3 – Road Travel: The Most Common Choice for Moving with Pets in India
If you're traveling up to 800 km, you may be able to get your cat to the destination by road in the comfort of your own car (or a rented cab) without much stress, depending on your pet.
What makes road travel work:
- Your pet will be able to stay with you all along.
- Pace is yours — take water and bathroom breaks every 2 hours
- No need to worry about lost luggage and no check-in hassle.
- Many cats and dogs that are nervous get better off in a familiar car smell.
The reasons why road trips are difficult are the large distance, the hot weather in the summer months and the fact that some pets get car sick when traveling on the road. Keep AC on at all times and never leave your pet in a car, and consult your vet about anti-nausea medicine if necessary.
Road travel necessities: Safety harness or crate, water every 90 minutes, familiar blanket or toy and a vet health certificate (some state checkposts will check for pet documents).
Documents Every Pet Parent Needs Before Moving
Regardless of transport mode, have these ready before your move date:
For all moves:
- Updated vaccination booklet—rabies (at least 30 days before travel), DHPPi (dogs), FVRCP (cats)
- Vet health certificate — issued within 48 hours of travel for air, within a week for road/train
- Microchip certificate (if applicable — increasingly standard for pedigree dogs)
For air travel:
- Fit to Fly certificate from a registered veterinarian
- Airline-specific pet booking confirmation
- IATA-approved carrier meeting airline size specifications
For interstate road travel: Some states, including Tamil Nadu and Kerala, require a vet health certificate at border checkposts — always carry vaccination records.
Start paperwork at least 4 to 6 weeks before your move date. Vaccination timing windows are non-negotiable.
City-Wise Pet Relocation Guide – What Nobody Tells You
Delhi to Bangalore / Delhi to Mumbai
Routes from Delhi by long distance. The train travel is the most comfortable in a First AC coupe (on the Rajdhani Express) for most dogs weighing over 15 kg. Larger breeds need to be transported by air for cargo. It is technically feasible, but 2150 km (Delhi to Bangalore) is very tough on the road, for both pet and driver.
When you hire a verified Delhi packing and moving company to pack and move your household items, make sure to make a booking at the same time — that means book a shift in ShiftEazy for your pets' move and book a shift in ShiftEazy for your home move to avoid being in two places simultaneously.
Mumbai
Pet owners have particular issues in Mumbai; a number of housing societies in tall rise buildings have pet prohibition. Always check out the pet policy of the society before signing your new lease in Mumbai. Typically, the societies in Andheri, Powai and Bandra West are more pet friendly in comparison to South Mumbai. If you move your household goods, schedule traveling dates for your pet separately – your pet should not come into the flat when the moving chaos is going on.
Bangalore
In 2026, Bangalore is the most pet friendly metro city of India, with dedicated dog parks in Koramangala, Cubbon Park, Indiranagar and Whitefield. There are some restrictions on breeds in the gated communities, however, of the city of Electronic City and Sarjapur Road, many have specific ones — some societies do not allow breeds above a certain size or weight. Make sure the type of animal is taken before you sign a lease.
Chennai and Pune
Compared to most Indian metros, Chennai is much warmer, and acclimating pets that move from Delhi/Mumbai will need special attention including during April-June. Avoid letting your dog outside in the hottest part of the day (12 PM - 4 PM) during the first few weeks. ShiftEazy's network includes all major metro corridors in Chennai area for such moves.
Helping Your Pet Settle Into the New Home
Pets are stressed out even after the actual moving process! What does actually work:
Outline their space first. Put together a pet's bed, food bowls, water, and familiar toys before you unpack anything else. In a new environment the most effective calming tool is the familiar smell of their bedding.
The first 48 hours should be quiet. No guests, no rearrangements, no extended vacations. Allow them to learn at their own pace.
Maintain existing routines. Same walk times, same feed times – routine signals that do not represent a change in life, only a change in address.
On Day 1, find a vet. Make sure your pet is registered with your local veterinarian within the first week — in times of stress, pets' immune systems get lowered, and the vet relationship before an emergency matters.
Allow cats additional time. As a rule a cat that is in a new home will go into hiding for 3-7 days, which is considered normal. Open one quiet room at a time in a progressive manner over 2-3 days, starting with one room.
FAQs – Moving with Pets in India
Q1. Can packers and movers help with moving with pets in India?
NO — any operator that provides such is not operating legally or safely. Animals can't be shipped as cargo. Your pet is required to be transported by air, train or road separately. Your pet's transport needs will need to be arranged separately via an airline, Indian Railways or a dedicated pet relocation service, ShiftEazy's verified movers take care of your household goods, furniture and vehicles.
Q2. What is the best airline to fly with to travel with pets within India in 2026?
Currently, Air India and Akasa Air are the pet-friendly domestic airlines in India. Air India has policies for pets in-cabin up to 10 kg weight and lets pets in climate-controlled cargo for bigger pets. Akasa Air permits pets below 7 kg in-cabin on all flights at an additional charge of ₹3,000-₹5,000 per sector. Ordinary pets are not allowed in the cabin and cargo of IndiGo on most domestic flights — please check before booking.
Q3. At what time does a dog or cat feel at home in a new home?
If you stick to a schedule, the dogs will get used to it in 1-2 weeks. Cats take longer – 1-4 weeks is normal – some cats may be hiding for the first 3-7 days. The most crucial aspects are familiar bedding and toys set up before they arrive, consistent feeding and walk times, quiet first 48 hours, and registering with a local veterinarian within the first week.
Your Move. Their Move Too.
Bruno finally reached Bengaluru. He explored every nook and cranny of his new flat, fixed it is to the sunny side of the balcony door and was himself again within a week.
The move was hard. But it was doable – Priya had a plan for Bruno and a different plan for the household goods.
It's just what it should be. Moving Day calls for 100% of your pet's attention. You should hire a professional moving company that has been verified. The second part is taken care of by ShiftEazy, so you can concentrate on the first.
