For many of us, our pets are our family. We love them dearly and want to ensure they get the best care possible. Unfortunately, for NRIs and Indians living in the USA and Canada, transporting a pet by air can be costly.
This blog aims to explain the cost of pet transport by air in India and how to go about it.
Pet Transportation by Air: An Overview
Pet transportation involves safely and securely moving a pet from one destination to another. This could include transporting a pet from one home to another or from one country to another. It is important that the pet is safe and secure throughout the journey and that their needs are taken care of.
Pet transport by air in India is a relatively easy and stress-free process; all it takes are a few simple steps.
- The necessary documentation must be prepared to ensure pets travel legally and safely.
- The pet must be healthy and tested to be well-prepared to travel in a suitable airline-approved carrier.
- For the pet’s safety, it’s important to set up door-to-door ground pick-up and delivery services.
The Various Financial Factors Involved
It’s an exciting experience for a pet owner to see their pup hopping onto a plane. However, before that happens, there are many cost factors to consider when transporting a pet by air in India.
The cost of pet transport depends on the distance and the weight of the pet. Generally, the cost within India is around Rs. 10,000, but it can vary. For medium-sized pets (flying from India to the USA and Canada), the cost is around Rs. 2 to 3 lakhs. This cost includes the required transportation and paperwork.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these factors which can affect and determine the final cost of pet transport by air:
- Pet details: You’ll need to provide the airlines with specific information about your pet, such as breed, age, microchip details, etc.
- Flights: The flight duration must be carefully considered. Traveling north to south, coast-to-coast and long-haul flights can become highly expensive.
- Pet types: The type of pet will also make a difference in the cost, with smaller pets typically needing less space than larger ones.
- Air carriers and airlines deposits: Air carriers and airlines have different rates and costs, which will always vary, so it’s wise to shop around. In some cases, you may need to pay a deposit when making the booking.
- Food: Ensuring the pet is well-fed is also an important factor, and you may need to purchase food-friendly containers to keep the food safe and palatable.
- Crate: This is the cost of the container or the pet-carrying box, which must be of the correct dimensions and suitable for the flight.
- Health certifications and taxes: Health certifications may also need to be obtained, and you’ll have to factor in any applicable taxes.
- Additional documents: If you’re crossing borders, you’ll likely need additional documents for a smooth process.
- Optional added services: Finally, there may be additional services that you would like to consider, such as door-to-door pick-up, depending on your location and the needs of your pet.
The Legalities of Pet Travel
Traveling with pets by air in India has its fair share of rules and regulations. If you’re an NRI or an Indian living in the United States or Canada, you should be aware of the various legalities of pet transport by air that is set in place in India.
- Regulatory Clearance: One must first obtain animal quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) permission before flying with a pet in certain parts of India.
- Government-Authorized Vets: Pets must be certified by a government-authorized vet before travel.
- Health Certificates: Health certificates issued by the vet must be presented at points of departure and arrival when traveling with a pet.
- Breed Restrictions: Certain potentially dangerous breeds specified by the government are prohibited from air travel in India.
- Documentation: Gather all necessary documents such as health certificates, vaccination records, and an export permit from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) as required by the airlines in India.
- Contact the vet: Contact your veterinarian and ask for an examination to ensure your pet is fit to travel.
- Prepare for the trip: Choose the right pet carrier for your pet, and United Airlines’ state-of-the-art pet travel program will help you navigate the process of flying with your pet from the USA/Canada to India.
The Airports in India
The major airports in India that allow pet transport are Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. All these airports have pet-friendly facilities and offer a range of services.
There is a special terminal for pets at Delhi airport, while at Mumbai airport, there is a dedicated pet area. At Chennai airport, there are pet-friendly lounges, and at Bengaluru and Kolkata airports, pets are allowed in the main terminal.
Types of Air Carriers and Airlines
From commercial airlines to specialized pet transport companies, here is a quick rundown of the types of air carriers and airlines available for pet transport by air in India.
• Commercial Airlines: Commercial airlines offer international and domestic pet transport services in India. Generally, the airlines require the pets to be placed in an appropriate carrier and travel in the cargo hold for safety and security.
• Specialized Pet Transport Companies: These companies offer specialized services for pet transport by air, often assisting with paperwork, customs clearances, and other specific needs.
• Chartered Services: Companies specializing in charter services can provide customized pet transport by air in India. They can coordinate flights, arrange customs clearance and secure an appointment with the quarantine authorities.
• Cargo Flights: Cargo flights are available for commercial and private organizations transporting large volumes of goods, including pets. Airports with direct flights to key international destinations are a great option for pet transport.
Air Travel With Pets: Money-Saving Tips
Here are some clever ideas to minimize the air travel cost incurred for your four-legged friend:
- Plan Ahead: Early planning and booking for air travel can offer significant savings. Doing so in advance can fetch you the lowest fares and discounts.
- Check Baggage Allowances: Checking the weight, size, and other restrictions of the pet crate and the airline’s pet policy can help trim down your expenses.
- Book With Airlines Preferring Pets: Certain airlines give more leeway to pet travelers than others. Avail of discounted fares by opting for pet-friendly carriers.
- Avail Special Discounts: Some airlines offer special discounts on pet transport by air during particular seasons. Research online and offline to look for deals and offers.
- Buddy Up: You can save some bucks by splitting the cargo charges with someone who might also be traveling with a pet.
- Take a Connecting Flight: Going for a direct flight may be convenient, but opting for a connecting one can save a substantial amount.
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To Sum Up
The cost of pet transport by air in India can vary depending on the route and airline chosen. However, for NRIs and Indians living in the USA and Canada, this expense is well worth the assurance of a safe, easy, and stress-free journey for their furry loved ones.
Affordable pet air transport solutions are available for pet owners in India; all you have to do is perform careful research and make an informed decision. So go ahead and plan your next trip with your furry friend!
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