Air India Pet Travel Policy — Complete Domestic & International Guide

Flying with your dog or cat from India? Air India remains one of the few full-service carriers in the country that accepts pets both in the cabin and as cargo. But the rules are stricter than most people expect, and one missing document at check-in can end the trip before it begins.

This guide walks through every step of the Air India pet travel policy as of 2026 — cabin limits, cargo procedures, IATA carrier specifications, fees in rupees, breed restrictions, and the document trail you’ll need for both domestic and international journeys. It’s written for families who’d rather not learn the rules at the boarding gate.

What does Air India’s pet travel policy actually cover?

Air India allows live animals on most domestic and international flights operated by Air India aircraft, with separate procedures for cabin pets and cargo shipments.

The carrier’s official pet policy page outlines two distinct channels. Cabin transport is reserved for small dogs and cats traveling on domestic sectors only. Cargo transport — booked under the IATA Special Service Request code AVIH — handles larger animals and all international routes. Aviation regulator DGCA oversees both, requiring carriers to maintain temperature, ventilation, and welfare standards on every segment.

Pets traveling as cargo aren’t checked baggage. They move through Air India Cargo facilities at the airport, which means a different check-in counter, a different timing window, and a different paperwork trail than what most passengers are used to.

The policy applies only to Air India mainline flights. Air India Express and codeshare partners operate under their own rules, so booking a connecting itinerary requires checking each operating carrier individually.

Can pets travel in the Air India cabin?

Yes, but only on domestic flights, and only if your dog or cat plus carrier together weigh 5 kg or less.

Air India permits one pet per passenger in the cabin on domestic routes. The animal must remain inside an approved soft-sided carrier for the entire flight, stowed under the seat in front of you. Carriers cannot be placed on the seat or in the overhead bin.

The 5 kg cap is generous compared to some Indian carriers but tight for most dog breeds. A typical Indian Spitz pup, a small Shih Tzu, or a Persian cat will fit. Anything heavier — Labradors, Beagles, Golden Retrievers — must travel as cargo. Two pets cannot share one carrier, and one passenger cannot bring two carriers in cabin.

Cabin pet travel is also restricted by aircraft type. Smaller regional jets sometimes have limited under-seat space, so confirmation depends on the specific flight’s equipment. Always ask when you pre-book.

💡 HappyFares Tip: Cabin pet seats are limited per flight — usually one or two animals total. Even if your pet meets the size limit, the slot may already be taken. We’ve seen families book months out only to discover at the airport that cabin pet space was full. Always get written confirmation. Plan your booking with HappyFares.

How does Air India cargo handle pets (AVIH SSR code)?

Air India Cargo accepts pets under the AVIH (Animal in Hold) Special Service Request code for both domestic and international travel, with check-in handled through dedicated cargo terminals rather than passenger counters.

The AVIH code is an industry standard. When you book through Air India’s reservation team, your booking gets tagged with AVIH so cabin crew, ground staff, and cargo handlers all know a live animal is on the flight. This triggers temperature checks of the hold, priority loading at the end of boarding, and priority unloading on arrival.

For international cargo, Air India requires the pet to be tendered at the cargo terminal — not the passenger terminal — usually 4 to 6 hours before departure. Domestic cargo timing is shorter, typically 3 hours. The exact window depends on the airport. Mumbai and Delhi have separate dedicated live animal handling areas; smaller stations may use general cargo facilities.

Weight, kennel dimensions, breed, and destination all factor into pricing. There’s no flat fee — every booking is quoted individually.

What kind of carrier does Air India require?

Air India follows IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) for both cabin and cargo carriers, meaning the kennel must meet specific dimensional, ventilation, and structural standards.

Cabin carrier specifications

Soft-sided carriers are permitted for cabin travel. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you — typical maximum dimensions are around 45 cm long, 30 cm wide, and 25 cm high, though exact limits vary by aircraft. The pet should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally inside. Mesh ventilation panels on at least two sides are mandatory.

Cargo kennel specifications

Cargo travel requires a rigid, hard-shell kennel meeting IATA Container Requirement 1. Key features include:

• Solid plastic or fibreglass construction (no folding crates)
• Metal nuts and bolts — no plastic clips
• Ventilation on at least three sides for international travel, four sides for some destinations
• A spring-locked door with no internal wheels
• A leakproof floor with absorbent material
• Food and water dishes attached to the door, refillable from outside
• “Live Animal” labels and directional arrows on the exterior

The kennel must be large enough for the pet to stand upright without ears touching the top, turn around comfortably, and lie down with legs extended. Undersized kennels are the single most common reason pets get refused at check-in.

What documents do you need for Air India pet travel?

Every pet flying with Air India needs a veterinary health certificate, current rabies vaccination, and a microchip, with international travel adding several more layers of paperwork.

Domestic travel documents

• Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
• Current rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days before travel)
• Up-to-date core vaccinations (DHPP for dogs, FVRCP for cats)
• Microchip recommended, not always mandatory domestically
• Photo ID matching the booking name

International travel documents

• ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip — implanted before rabies vaccination
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Destination-specific rabies titer test (FAVN) for EU, UK, USA, and rabies-free countries — typically required 30 days post-vaccination and 3 months before travel
• Veterinary health certificate from a DGCA/AQCS-recognised vet
• Export No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS)
• Import permit from the destination country (where required)
• Endorsement of health certificate by the relevant government authority

[PERSONAL EXPERIENCE] In our travel desk experience, the AQCS NOC is the most underestimated document. Families often assume their vet’s certificate alone is enough — it isn’t. The AQCS endorsement at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, or Hyderabad is usually a same-day process, but lines build up before peak travel seasons.

What are the rules for international pet import from India?

International pet travel through Air India requires meeting both India’s export requirements via AQCS and the destination country’s import requirements, which vary dramatically by region.

Travel to the European Union

The EU requires a 15-digit ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, and a rabies titer test (FAVN) showing antibody levels of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The blood sample must be drawn at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, and the pet can only enter the EU 3 months after the blood draw. Pets need an EU Annex IV veterinary certificate endorsed by Indian authorities within 10 days of travel.

Travel to the United States

The CDC requires dogs to meet specific entry rules including a microchip, current rabies vaccination, and a CDC Dog Import Form. Rules tightened in 2024, so verify current requirements before booking. Cats face fewer restrictions but still require a health certificate.

Travel to the United Kingdom

The UK follows similar pre-EU procedures: microchip, rabies vaccination, tapeworm treatment for dogs (between 24 and 120 hours before arrival), and an Animal Health Certificate. Pets typically arrive via cargo only — cabin pet travel into the UK is not permitted.

Travel to UAE and Gulf countries

UAE requires an import permit from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, rabies vaccination, and a health certificate. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman each have separate rules. Most Gulf countries restrict certain breeds entirely.

💡 HappyFares Tip: The biggest mistake families make is timing rabies titer tests too late. EU and UK rules require a 3-month wait between blood draw and entry. That means if you want to relocate to Germany in June, the titer blood should already be done by March. Start the paperwork at least 4–5 months before international travel. Get help mapping the timeline.

What does Air India charge for pet travel?

Air India pet fees vary by travel class, route, and pet weight, with domestic cabin pets costing significantly less than international cargo shipments.

Domestic cabin pet fees

Cabin pet travel domestically generally runs ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per segment. This is treated as a separate charge over and above your ticket and applies per leg, not per round trip. A Delhi–Mumbai–Delhi journey with a cabin pet would incur two segment charges.

Domestic cargo fees

Cargo pets within India typically range ₹4,000 to ₹15,000 depending on combined kennel-plus-pet weight and the route. Larger dogs in IATA 400 or 500 series kennels naturally cost more. Fees are quoted by Air India Cargo on a per-booking basis.

International cargo fees

International pet cargo is the most variable category. Indicative ranges:

• India to UAE/Gulf: ₹25,000–₹45,000
• India to Southeast Asia: ₹30,000–₹50,000
• India to UK/EU: ₹45,000–₹70,000
• India to USA/Canada: ₹50,000–₹75,000+

These ranges exclude documentation fees, AQCS charges, vet consultation costs, and the kennel itself. Total budget for a long-haul international pet move can easily exceed ₹1,00,000 once everything is added.

Are brachycephalic breeds restricted on Air India?

Yes, Air India and most major carriers restrict or prohibit brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds from cargo travel because of significantly higher respiratory risks at altitude.

Brachycephalic breeds have shortened skulls and compressed airways, which makes breathing harder under temperature stress, dehydration, or pressurised hold conditions. Affected breeds include:

Restricted dog breeds

• Pugs
• French Bulldogs
• English Bulldogs
• Boxers
• Boston Terriers
• Shih Tzus (cargo only — cabin sometimes allowed)
• Pekingese
• Bull Mastiffs
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (varies)

Restricted cat breeds

• Persians
• Himalayans
• Exotic Shorthairs
• Burmese

Some breeds may still travel in cabin if they meet weight limits, but cargo travel is often refused outright or requires veterinary clearance. Policies can also tighten seasonally — many carriers refuse brachycephalic pets entirely during hot months.

[UNIQUE INSIGHT] The restriction isn’t just an airline policy preference. IATA’s Live Animals Regulations specifically flag these breeds as higher-risk, and insurance for pet transport often excludes them from coverage. If your pet is brachycephalic, the smarter option is sometimes ground transport for domestic moves and specialist pet relocation services for international ones.

Can service dogs fly with Air India?

Air India accepts trained service animals at no charge in the cabin for passengers with disabilities, subject to advance notice and documentation requirements.

Service dogs that assist with mobility, vision, hearing, or medical conditions can travel in the cabin alongside the passenger they support, even on routes where pet travel is otherwise restricted. The animal isn’t placed in a carrier — it sits on the floor at the passenger’s feet, harnessed and under control.

To qualify, the passenger needs:

• Documentation of disability from a licensed physician
• Certification of the animal’s service training
• Current vaccination and health records
• Advance notification to Air India — typically at least 48 hours before departure

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are no longer recognised by most international carriers as service animals and travel under standard pet rules. If the animal isn’t a trained working dog, expect it to be treated as a regular cabin or cargo pet.

How do you pre-book a pet on Air India?

Pet bookings cannot be made through the regular online booking flow — you must contact Air India customer service, the airport ticket office, or your travel agent at least 7 days before departure.

Step 1: Book your own ticket first

Reserve your seat normally through Air India’s website, app, or your preferred booking source. Note your PNR.

Step 2: Contact Air India reservations

Call Air India’s customer service or visit a ticket office. Provide your PNR, pet’s weight, breed, kennel dimensions, and travel intent (cabin vs. cargo). They’ll check availability for your specific flight.

Step 3: Get written confirmation

Once Air India confirms space, ask for the booking to be reflected in your PNR with the appropriate SSR code (PETC for cabin, AVIH for cargo). Don’t leave the call without an email or SMS confirming the pet has been added.

Step 4: Pay the pet fee

Pet fees are typically collected at the airport or cargo terminal on travel day, not at the time of booking. Confirm the payment method accepted at your departure airport.

Step 5: Arrange vet visits and documentation

Schedule the veterinary certificate within the 10-day pre-travel window and complete any AQCS endorsements ahead of departure.

💡 HappyFares Tip: Always re-confirm your pet booking 48 hours before departure. Aircraft swaps happen regularly, and a smaller-equipment substitution can mean cabin pet space disappears overnight. A quick call to Air India reservations the night before can save a major scramble at check-in. Talk to a HappyFares specialist.

What happens on travel day at the airport?

Pet travel day requires earlier arrival, separate check-in flows for cabin versus cargo pets, and a calmer-than-usual approach to the airport experience for the animal’s sake.

For cabin pets

Arrive at least 3 hours before a domestic departure. Check in at the regular passenger counter and declare your pet. Ground staff will weigh the carrier (carrier plus pet must stay within 5 kg), inspect documentation, and collect the pet fee. The pet stays with you through security and boarding. Most airports require the carrier to go through the X-ray belt while the pet is carried through the metal detector with you.

For cargo pets

Arrive at the cargo terminal — not the passenger terminal — at least 4 hours before departure for domestic, 5–6 hours for international. Hand over the pet, kennel, and documentation to Air India Cargo staff. The pet is loaded last and unloaded first wherever possible. After dropping the pet, head to the passenger terminal as a normal traveller.

Pre-flight care

• Feed lightly 4–6 hours before departure, water freely
• Exercise the pet before transfer to reduce stress
• Don’t sedate without explicit veterinary direction — sedatives at altitude can be dangerous
• Line the kennel with absorbent bedding
• Tape a printed feeding instructions sheet to the kennel

Where does Air India Cargo operate at Indian airports?

Air India Cargo facilities exist at all major Indian airports, but live animal handling capacity varies — Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad are the strongest options for pet exports.

The Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS) operates inspection stations at these six metros. Pets exiting India typically must clear AQCS at one of these stations. If your home city doesn’t host AQCS, you’ll need to fly the pet to a metro for connecting export — sometimes by a separate domestic AVIH booking.

Delhi (IGI) and Mumbai (CSMIA) handle the highest volume of pet exports. Their dedicated live animal handling rooms include climate-controlled holding areas, separate from general cargo. Smaller airports may not have specialised pet facilities, which is one reason cargo timing windows are shorter at non-metro stations — the pet can’t sit on a baking apron for hours.

For international relocations, working with a pet relocation agency that has established relationships with Air India Cargo at the export station often smooths the process considerably.

What mistakes do families make when flying pets on Air India?

Most pet travel failures aren’t policy surprises — they’re avoidable mistakes around timing, documentation, and kennel choice.

[ORIGINAL DATA] Across pet bookings supported through our travel desk, the most common day-of-travel issues are:

Mistake 1: Wrong kennel size

Buying an IATA 200 kennel for a 15 kg dog because it “looks big enough.” Cargo agents measure the pet against IATA standards (head clearance, stance width). Refused at check-in. Replacement kennels at airports are rare and expensive.

Mistake 2: Vet certificate dated too early

The 10-day window matters. A certificate dated 12 days before departure is invalid. Time the vet visit precisely.

Mistake 3: Skipping the AQCS endorsement

Vet certificate alone isn’t enough for international travel. AQCS endorsement is the document that gets your pet past Customs.

Mistake 4: Booking the pet too late

Air India needs at least 7 days notice. Some routes need more. Last-minute pet additions are routinely rejected.

Mistake 5: Assuming the cabin slot is guaranteed

Cabin pet seats are limited per flight and operate on first-confirmed basis. Without written confirmation, your pet has no claim to a cabin spot.

Mistake 6: Travelling with brachycephalic breeds in summer

Hot-season travel for snub-nosed pets carries serious health risk. Many carriers refuse outright above certain temperatures. Don’t gamble.

How does Air India compare to other carriers for pet travel?

Air India is one of the few Indian carriers offering both cabin and cargo pet travel, but rules differ significantly across the Indian aviation market.

Without naming competitors specifically, the broad landscape looks like this: full-service carriers operating wide-body aircraft typically offer cargo pet services on long-haul routes. Low-cost carriers tend to limit or prohibit pet travel altogether. Domestic-only operators with smaller fleets sometimes restrict pets to cargo only, or refuse them entirely.

For international travel from India, the carrier choice often comes down to which one operates the most direct route. Each connecting carrier in a multi-leg itinerary must independently approve the pet — and codeshare flights add complexity because the operating carrier’s rules apply, not the marketing carrier’s.

Air India’s appeal for pet families: established AVIH handling at metro cargo hubs, cabin allowance on domestic routes, and English-language customer service for international coordination. Trade-off: pet bookings can’t be completed online, and confirmation timelines can be longer than budget carriers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Air India Pet Travel

Can I bring my dog in the cabin on an Air India international flight?

No. Air India cabin pet travel is restricted to domestic flights only. International routes require pets to travel as cargo under the AVIH SSR code, regardless of size. The only exception is trained service animals assisting passengers with disabilities, which travel free of charge in cabin with advance notice and proper documentation.

What’s the maximum pet weight for Air India cabin travel?

The combined weight of the pet plus carrier cannot exceed 5 kg for cabin travel on Air India domestic flights. This effectively limits cabin pets to small breeds — toy dogs, kittens, and adult cats under roughly 4 kg. Anything heavier must travel as cargo, even on short domestic sectors.

How early should I start preparing for international pet travel?

Begin at least 4–5 months before departure for EU, UK, or US destinations. The rabies titer test alone requires a 30-day post-vaccination wait plus a 3-month pre-entry waiting period. Microchip implantation must precede rabies vaccination. Skipping or rushing any step usually means re-booking the trip.

Does Air India accept brachycephalic breeds like Pugs or Bulldogs?

Air India and most major carriers restrict brachycephalic breeds — Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, Persians, Himalayans — from cargo travel because of higher respiratory risk at altitude. Restrictions tighten during hot seasons. Some snub-nosed pets may still fly in cabin if they meet weight limits, but cargo travel requires veterinary clearance and is often refused.

Where do I drop my pet for cargo travel at Mumbai or Delhi airports?

Pets travelling as cargo on Air India are tendered at the Air India Cargo terminal — separate from the passenger terminal. At Mumbai (CSMIA) and Delhi (IGI), the cargo complexes have dedicated live animal handling areas. Plan to arrive at the cargo terminal 4–6 hours before departure, then make your way to the passenger terminal for your own flight.

Do I need an AQCS NOC to take my pet out of India?

Yes. The Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS) under the Department of Animal Husbandry issues the Export NOC required for international pet movement. AQCS stations operate at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The endorsement is typically same-day but should be planned for the week of departure to stay within the 10-day vet certificate validity.

Can I sedate my pet before an Air India flight?

No, not without explicit veterinary direction. Sedatives can interfere with breathing and temperature regulation at cruising altitude, which is dangerous in cargo holds. IATA and most veterinary associations advise against sedation for air travel. If your pet is highly anxious, talk to your vet about behaviour training and natural calming aids rather than sedation.

What happens if my Air India flight gets cancelled with a pet booked?

Pet bookings move with your passenger booking when Air India re-accommodates you on a new flight, but cabin slots and cargo space must be re-confirmed on the replacement flight. Call Air India reservations immediately after a cancellation to verify pet space. If re-accommodation isn’t possible same-day, you may need to keep the pet at home or in boarding until the next confirmed flight.

Are there breeds Air India refuses entirely?

In addition to brachycephalic restrictions, Air India may refuse aggressive breeds prohibited under Indian or destination-country law. Some countries also have breed-specific legislation banning entry. Always check both Air India’s restrictions and your destination’s import rules before booking.

Can I track my pet’s location during the flight?

Air India doesn’t offer real-time pet tracking inside the aircraft, but cargo agents can confirm loading and unloading at each station via the AWB (Air Waybill) number. For international relocations, pet relocation agencies often provide more granular updates because they coordinate directly with cargo handlers at each transit point.

Final thoughts on flying with your pet on Air India

Air India makes pet travel possible from India in ways that many other carriers don’t — cabin space for small animals, established cargo handling at every major metro, and English-language support for international moves. The trade-off is paperwork. There’s a lot of it, and the timing matters more than the volume.

Start early. Get the kennel right. Time the vet visit carefully. Confirm the booking in writing. And on travel day, treat your pet’s airport experience as the priority, not your own. Calm pets fly better, and a well-prepared family makes the trip easier for everyone — cargo handlers and cabin crew included.

For broader context on travelling internationally with pets, the DGCA pet travel rules guide covers the regulatory framework that sits behind every airline’s policy.

💡 HappyFares Tip: If you’re moving abroad with a pet permanently, treat the relocation timeline like a separate project. Book a pet travel consultation as soon as the move is on the calendar — not after you’ve finalised flights. The flight is the easy part. The four months of preparation around it are where most problems hide. Start a pet travel plan with HappyFares.

Plan your pet’s Air India journey with HappyFares

Pet travel is complicated by design — every airline, every country, every breed adds a layer. HappyFares helps Indian families plan flights and coordinate pet travel logistics so the paperwork lines up with the timing and the timing lines up with the rules.

Whether you’re flying your dog domestically for a wedding, taking your cat to your new home in Dubai, or moving with the whole family to Canada, talk to a HappyFares specialist before you book. We’ll walk through the kennel choice, vet timeline, AQCS step, destination rules, and Air India coordination so you’re not figuring it out at the cargo terminal at 5 a.m.

Plan your pet-friendly trip with HappyFares →

Related reading:

• Pet travel from India — DGCA rules 2026
• Air India baggage allowance — complete guide 2026
• Damaged or delayed baggage claim in India 2026
• Best time to book flights in India 2026

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