As pet ownership grows across Indian households, an increasing number of people are now including their furry companions in their travel plans. This shift has prompted significant changes in both the aviation and hospitality sectors, with airlines and hotels rushing to accommodate pets amid surging demand. The FY25 data reveals a double-digit growth in pet-related travel bookings, marking a transformative shift in how Indian consumers travel.

Air India, one of the country’s leading carriers, transported over 7,000 pets during the last fiscal year, reflecting a 33.7% year-on-year (YoY) increase. The airline experienced a 7% month-on-month growth in pet bookings, with 80% of pet travel being domestic and 20% international. Air India currently allows pets weighing up to seven kilograms (including the carrier) to travel in the cabin, while larger animals must be transported in the cargo hold.

Rising demand is also evident in newer airlines like Akasa Air, which began offering pet travel services in late 2022. In FY25, Akasa Air saw a 26% increase in pet bookings, and in response, it raised the in-cabin pet weight limit to 10 kilograms—a move aimed at giving passengers more flexibility in traveling with slightly larger pets. According to airline data, sectors like Bengaluru–Delhi and Mumbai–Delhi are among the busiest routes for pet travel, accounting for nearly 20% of total bookings.

On the accommodation side, pet-friendly stays are booming. Travel booking platform MakeMyTrip recorded a 43% rise in pet-friendly accommodation bookings during the first four months of 2025. Similarly, Airbnb reported a 35% YoY rise in pet-night stays and a 30% increase in pet-welcoming listings in 2024. Meanwhile, Booking.com noted that 11% of Indian travelers now plan leisure trips with pets, up from just 4% in 2024—a dramatic year-on-year jump that reflects a cultural shift in pet parenting and travel habits.

Despite these gains, pet travel remains a costly affair. For flights, airlines typically charge between ₹3,000 and ₹10,000 (US$35.59 to US$118.62) per pet per sector, excluding costs for veterinary health certificates and specially approved pet carriers. Moreover, Indian airports lack basic pet-friendly infrastructure such as dedicated relief zones, quiet holding areas, or trained animal handlers, often making the travel experience stressful for pets and their owners alike.

In-cabin travel can be cramped, and the cargo hold is not always ideal due to temperature fluctuations and noise levels, making pet safety and comfort ongoing concerns. As demand grows, there’s a pressing need for regulatory improvements, infrastructural upgrades, and standardized safety protocols across the aviation sector.

The hospitality industry is facing similar challenges. While pet-friendly stays have increased, most options are still concentrated in major metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Pune. In Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, pet-friendly lodging is either minimal or entirely absent, forcing pet owners to either alter their plans or compromise on comfort.

Even in places that claim to be pet-friendly, the experience varies widely. Hotels and homestays often charge additional cleaning or damage fees ranging from ₹500 to ₹2,000 (US$5.93 to US$23.72) per night. Some accommodations also enforce breed-specific or size restrictions, which means travelers must call ahead to verify policies, often paying extra for basic pet amenities like bedding, food bowls, or litter trays.

Interestingly, this surge in pet travel is not limited to just leisure vacations. An increasing number of young professionals and digital nomads, particularly post-pandemic, are relocating temporarily to scenic work-from-anywhere destinations with their pets in tow. This trend has been reflected in the growing number of extended stays and remote-friendly accommodations that allow pets.

Industry insiders say that the “humanisation of pets”—the growing tendency to treat pets like family—is the primary driver behind this movement. Millennials and Gen Z, who make up a large portion of India’s urban pet owners, are more willing to spend on pet comfort, care, and companionship, even while traveling. Social media, too, has amplified this trend, with influencers and travel bloggers showcasing pet-friendly resorts, road trips, and in-flight experiences.

However, while the aspiration is high, India still lags behind global standards when it comes to pet travel infrastructure. In countries like the United States or several parts of Europe, airports have pet relief stations, trained staff, and even pet lounges. Indian aviation authorities and hospitality chains must now consider policy updates and infrastructure improvements to match this demand. Introducing pet relief areas, clearer guidelines, and dedicated customer service for pet travelers could go a long way in easing the experience.

On the flip side, the business opportunity is substantial. With the pet care market in India projected to grow at 20% annually, offering pet-friendly services isn’t just about being inclusive—it’s good business. Airlines can create loyalty among pet parents, and hotels can differentiate themselves in a competitive space. Offering pet packages, pet-sitting services, grooming, and pet food menus could soon become standard practice.

In conclusion, pet travel in India is no longer a niche trend—it’s a growing lifestyle movement. Whether it’s a flight from Mumbai to Delhi or a weekend getaway in the hills, more Indians are choosing to travel with their pets, pushing the travel and hospitality industries to evolve. While challenges around cost, infrastructure, and standardization remain, the path forward is clear: India’s travel industry must become more pet-inclusive to keep up with its changing consumer landscape.

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