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PET TRAVEL CONSULTANT - Anupama Vinayak

Anupama Vinayak offers her expertise and professional advice in the field of Pet Travel – by air, rail and road, travel tips, travel equipment, etc. She is also the founder on India’s first and only pet-friendly travel portal www.petvacations.in

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	I have 2 pomerian dogs. i need to take them with me from delhi to mumbai. i am confused as to which mode should i use to give them the best comfort. kindly suggest. Mira Singh Delhi
	The fastest means of transport is air; otherwise by train you can try Rajdhani 1st Class A/C coupe - you would have to book the entire coupe; two berth or 4-berth.

	I have 2 pet birds (IRN\'s), and i have to travel from lucknow to mumbai sometime around jan or feb and i have to take them along with me..! what is the procedure?I don not have any kind of papers. i do know they are bann but wasn\'t aware of it when we got them P.S. there is no way i can leave them behind. Juhi Lucknow
	I can understand your attachment to your pet birds. I advice that you travel by road with them.

	I have a one year old miniature Beagle (13 inch) and he weighs approx 11 kgs. I will soon need to relocate to Bombay from Kolkata and have been havign nightmares on how to travel with him. I am aware Jet and Indian Airlines accept pets, but I am worried, how my boy will survive those 3-4 hours in the flight in the cargo all alone. Is there any easy way out? Train travel will talke too long, considering the distance. Pls advice. Priya Biyani Kolkata
	The simplest way to travel with your pet is by Air - as long as your pet is young and fit there should be no problem. I do not advise pregnant or old dogs to travel by air.

	We are shifting from delhi to banglore and want to travel by air along with our four year labrador.Can u plea guide me in the matter as to which airlines can carry my pet along with us and how safe is it to carry the pet in the hold. Sukhdeep Delhi
	The only Airlines in India that will carry pets are Air India & Jet Airways. A number of pets travel all over the world by air - so I do not see the problem. It is a little risky for short nose dogs like pugs and English bulldogs; since they have short respiratory tracks - otherwise for a healthy dog generally there is no problem.

	I am planning to grt my 2 year old Labrador to Chennai fro Mumbai. I tried looking for First Class Coupe, but they said that it is subject to availability. The Other option is to get him in Guard Room, but is it safe to do that? Please advise and also what are the options available Ashish Chennai
	I would not advise the Guard Cabin - it would get too hot and your pet will be really agitated. To get you coupe confirmed you will have to go to the station a couple of hours in advance and speak to the station master and inform him that you have your pet along with you and you have 2/ 4 confirmed berths - and ask him to confirm the coupe for you.

	I have a baby terrapin, probably around 2 years of age, named Golum. He has been there with us for 4 months now. We are put up in Dubai. The last time I went out of station I gave Golum to the pet shop I bought him from but I was not satisfied by the way they took care of him. We are planning for our vacations in December for a month to India and this time I would like to take him along with us. Could u please let us know if there is any specific procedure for tagging him along? And since we are planning to book on Emirates Airline, would they allow a pet on board? Also would you know the procedures to be followed both in Dubai and in India for entering and exiting with the pet. Lubna
	I can understand your dilemma, but I do not suggest that you bring your pet terrapin into India, since it is an exotic and banned in India. The procedure would be too tedious and expensive.

	I have an 8 yrs old dalmination male. Since I get Posted all over India my dog now lives with my paremts, but now my parents are moving to Hong kong and they can't take the dog with them. I am currently working in LEH (LADAHK) and want to know if I can take him there with me and also can he survive the sever winter there? Saurabh DELHI/NCR
	Dogs adjust better to cooler weather than warmer climates. You get good range of doggy winter clothes, which you can use for your pet when it gets cold.

	I have a small chihuahua female with whom we want to travel. we want to take inside the cabin say to goa. Pls suggest airline & also 5star hotels who accept small pets. Munish New delhi
	Air India will allow your Chihuahua in-cabin. Kindly check our website for properties in Goa that allows pets.

	Hi, We have a tomcat who is about a year old and has been neutered. He''s had all his shots. We would like to know about traveling options with our pet via bus, train and plane. I've looked virtually everywhere on the internet but I can't seem to find anything specific to taking cats on trains or buses or planes. Please help! Huda Masood Hyderabad
	Travel by Train: You would have to book the Ist class A/C coupe. There are 2 berth coupes and 4 berth coupes - all train do not have 1st Class A/C. Please check up on Udhyan Express, it has 1st Class A/C compartment. Once you have to book all the berths in the coupe - 2 Berth or 4 Berth accordingly. Then you would have to go to the Station a couple of hours early and check with the Station Master to allot you a coupe. Then go to the luggage booking area and book your pet according to his weight. Make sure the Station Master allots you the coupe - then you can keep your pet with you in your coupe. TAKING PET BY AIR The flights that allow pets on board are AIR INDIA, JET AIRWAYS & JET LITE. There are two ways you can book your pet on a domestic flight in India: a) As Excess Baggage: Where you take your pet along with his crate and go directly to the check-in counter. There they will weigh your pet and his crate and let you know the costing. You would have to reach the airport 2 and half hours before your flight for this. On arrival at your destination, your pet will arrive on the baggage conveyer belt in his crate. b) As Cargo: Again you will have to go 2 and half hours before the flight to the Cargo area of the Airlines you are booking your pet. In this case you would have to pick up your pet from the Cargo area of the airport on arrival at your destination. In both cases you would have to inform the Airlines a couple of days in advance that you will be carrying a pet on board. AIRLINE PET CAGE At Pet Vacations, we provide Pet Cages. We would require to know dimensions of your dog to be able to advise on the size of the cage required and the costing. Click on the link below to learn about the IATA Airlines cages we deal in and also how to measure your dog for the cage.http://www.petvacations.in/petcages.php

	I need to know what are the procedure to carry my pet puppy of 3 months via air India fight. Sanchari Endaw Kolkata
	The procedure for taking your pet by domestic flight within India is uncomplicated. AIRLINES THAT CARRY PETS The Airlines that carry pets are: Jet Airways, Air India & Jet Lite. TAKING PET BY AIR: There are two ways you can book your pet on a domestic flight in India: a) As Excess Baggage: Where you take your pet along with his crate and go directly to the check-in counter. There they will weigh your pet and his crate and let you know the costing. You would have to reach the airport 2 and half hours before your flight for this. On arrival at your destination, your pet will arrive on the baggage conveyer belt in his crate. b) As Cargo: Again you will have to go 2 and half hours before the flight to the Cargo area of the Airlines you are booking your pet. In this case you would have to pick up your pet from the Cargo area of the airport on arrival at your destination. In both cases you would have to inform the Airlines a couple of days in advance that you will be carrying a pet on board. Puppies below 8 weeks of age are not fit to fly. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED 1. Letter declaring that your pet is a Pariah and has been adopted by you. 2. Vaccinnation records of your pet. TRAVELLING IN-CABIN & CARGO Based on your pup's dimensions, I do not think he will be allowed in-cabin. The pet's allowed in cabin have to be small enough for the pet and its cage to fit below the passenger seat in the flight. The Cargo hold is pressurised and air-conditioned, and should be no problem for your pet. Only make sure that your pet is NOT SEDATED before the flight.

	I already booked my train retrurn tickets in ac three tyare (aravaliexpress) & (ranakpurexpress), i want take my dog withus but i don't no how will i take my dog withus, please help me. Archana Jain Mumbai
	You will only be able to take your dog in the first class coupe, once you book the entire two berth or 4 berth coupe. Dogs are not allowed in 3-tier A/C.

	First of all I congratulate and thank you for such a great work as you are helping the pet lovers in Mumbai. I am currently in New Zealand. I am a proud owner of four pugs in Mumbai of which two are 3 yrs old and other two are 1 year 6 months old. They weigh between 10-13 kgs. I cannot stay away from my bachus. I want to get them here as soon as I am in a status to do that. I have several questions to ask you regarding this. I would really appreciate if you mail me with your answers. Q1. I dont have papers except for one and is it really necessary to have papers of KCI or good kennel club to get them here? Q2. What is the total cost I have to bear to get them here? Q3. Is it really necessary to keep them for 30 days in a quarantine in NZ? Q4. If yes then can I often meet them at the quaratine? Q5. Which international airways allow you to carry pets to NZ? Q6. Can any one travel with the pet in the Cargo? Q7. What particular documents do I need to gather to get them here? Q8. If I want to assign this to somone then what would be the total charges? as I want them to come here with a good attendance. Please reply me as i would be desperately waiting for your response. Thanks and Regards, Meghana Desai Mumbai+
	Pet Dogs from India cannot directly enter New Zealand. They have to spend either 6 months in Singapore or in UK, and then they can be exported to New Zealand. I know it is not an easy decision to live without your pets, but the process of relocating 4 of your pugs to Singapore and then to New Zealand is going to be a very long and expensive one. Please give it a thought and let me know if you would be still interested.

	We are relocating to COimbatore from Chennai. And I have a 7 year old dog ( a crossbreed). He is quiet but temperamental. I read about the way in which a dog can be transported in Indian flights. and the flight from Chennai to Coimbatore is for a duration of 1 hr. Thought it is a short flight am just concerned about taking the dog who is 7 years old . Could you pls let me knwo if this ok. Deepa Sanjeev Chennai
	There is no problem transporting a 7 year old pet dog by air - only make sure that you do not sedate him. Make sure that he is fed and given water with a gap of atleast 4 hours before the flight.

	This is Amol from Mumbai. I read your answer given to Priyanka who was also wanting to take her pet dog to New Zealand. I am also travelling to New Zealand in December. I wanted to know if you could help me take my pet dog without the 6 months stay in Singapore? Also, could you help us with the paperwork and what will be the charges?? Awaiting your reply. Thanks. Amol
	Taking a pet dog to New Zealand is lot of work, much more than most places. You need to start planning at least 9 to 10 months in advance. There are plenty of blood tests specified by the New Zealand authorities which have to be done, like the Rabies titer test (this has to be done 6 months before and sent abroad for testing. The testing for this test cannot be done in India). Dogs, Cats and other small animals imported into New Zealand must undergo import quarantine, in accordance with the Rabies Prevention Law. Animal must have (or obtain) microchip identification. This must be done before the rabies vaccinations. The only microchips that can be read in New Zealand are ISO 11784 and 11785 Standards. For any other chips, you must bring your own microchip reader. During import inspection at the time of arrival in New Zealand, if the microchip number is not confirmed or the microchip number is not the same as that on the inspection certificate, the animal will be subject to a 180-day quarantine period or returned to the country of origin. After the Rabies Vaccination (ideally within 2-3 weeks), animal must receive a Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titre test FAVN or RFFTI) to ensure that the rabies vaccination has provided adequate rabies antibody levels. RABIES TEST REQUIRED: Two, one at least 6 months and no greater than 12 months prior to the scheduled date of departure and another within 30 days of the scheduled date of departure Once these results have been returned to either yourself or the vet, you can begin the process of applying for the required IMPORT PERMIT. It takes minimum 30 days to obtain the Import Permit from New Zealand. Pets must also complete a number of other tests and treatments as well as complete 60 day quarantine on arrival. IMPORT PERMIT A permit to import must be obtained before importation. The importer must supply the following information: Name and address of exporter; Breed, sex, age and microchip/transponder identification of the animal; Name of the dog and cat transitional facility in New Zealand, approved to the MAF Standard for Dog and Cat Transitional Facilities 154.02.09 where the animal will be quarantined; A letter from the operator of the above facility confirming availability of space for the animal(s) at the time of importation. Following receipt of the required information, a single entry permit to import shall be issued and will be valid for the one-month period starting from the date of availability of quarantine noted by the approved quarantine operator. Animals must not be more than 42 days pregnant at the date of shipment. Animals must be more than 12 weeks old at departure. If transported by air, the animal must be carried in an approved container that meets the International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards.

	I have an Indian Pariah dog who is currently a puppy. I would like to know the official procedures in which I have to follow in order to travel by air with my dog. For now, it will be domestic flights within India. I do not know which airline I shall be taking yet. I am located in Mumbai. Do I only require to put him in an IATA pet cage or do I require more related documents? What is the difference in letting the dog travel by cabin or cargo hold (besides the environment, of course)? Are there any criteria in letting the dog into cabin? If I have only a young puppy, I think it shouldn't be a problem for him to travel in the cabin with us passengers? My puppy's current size is: 40 cm (16") x 25 cm (10"). Based on the measurement specifications, the size of the crate for my puppy should be: 20" (Length) x 14" (Height). What is the price difference between renting and buying of such size of the IATA cage? Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you. Best regards, Cecil
	Thank you for your kind enquiry. The procedure for taking your pet by domestic flight within India is uncomplicated. AIRLINES THAT CARRY PETS The Airlines that carry pets are : Jet Airways, Air India & Jet Lite. TAKING PET BY AIR There are two ways you can book your pet on a domestic flight in India: a) As Excess Baggage: Where you take your pet along with his crate and go directly to the check-in counter. There they will weigh your pet and his crate and let you know the costing. You would have to reach the airport 2 and half hours before your flight for this. On arrival at your destination, your pet will arrive on the baggage conveyer belt in his crate. b) As Cargo: Again you will have to go 2 and half hours before the flight to the Cargo area of the Airlines you are booking your pet. In this case you would have to pick up your pet from the Cargo area of the airport on arrival at your destination. In both cases you would have to inform the Airlines a couple of days in advance that you will be carrying a pet on board. Puppies below 8 weeks of age are not fit to fly. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED 1. Letter declaring that your pet is a Pariah and has been adopted by you. 2. Vaccinnation records of your pet. TRAVELLING IN-CABIN & CARGO Based on your pup's dimensions, I do not think he will be allowed in-cabin. The pet's allowed in cabin have to be small enough for the pet and its cage to fit below the passenger seat in the flight. The Cargo hold is pressurised and air-conditioned, and should be no problem for your pet. Only make sure that your pet is NOT SEDATED before the flight.

	This is Priyanka from Delhi. We had a telephonic conersation this afternoon and u asked me to send you a detailed email. Well! I am planning to move to New Zealand by this November, if things go fine. I have a baby ie. 1.5 year old Cocker Spaniel (Oscar) and I HAVE TO take him along and had a few questions in mind, if you could clarify those. 1. Can I take Oscar directly to New Zealand from India? Somebody was telling me that he will first be taken to Singapore, where he will stay in quarantine for 6 months and then be taken to New Zealand, which sounds really scary... 2. Do they quarantine anymore?? If yes, then what is the duration? Will he be quaratined directly in New Zealand? 3. Also, what all paperwork shall be required and can you help us with it?? what will be the charges?? Thanks Priyanka
	Thank you for your kind enquiry. We do the entire export process from Mumbai. Moving a pet to New Zealand usually costs several thousand New Zealand dollars. We can break the cost down into: Vet Costs before you leave Getting a Export Permit & Health Certificate from India & Import permit from New Zealand Air Transport Quarantine Costs in New Zealand You will have to microchip your pet. In New Zealand the microchip standard is 134.2 kHz. Blood tests have to be performed at least 6 months before your pet comes to NZ. So if you want to go to New Zealand soon, best start getting the rabies antibody titer tests done now. Pets are quarantined in NZ for 30 days. A Permit to Import your pet will NOT be issued unless you have a letter from an approved quarantine facility confirming a space has been booked for your pet.

	I would like to export pupy under 3 month of age to India, ofcourse without rabies vaccination. Could you be so kind and tell me if that is possible? I am a breeder and pupy will be all the time from the date of its birth to date of transportation in my place with its mother. Thank you Eva Canc Prague
	Thank you for your kind enquiry. You can export the puppy without the rabies vaccination - only kindly have a letter drafted by a Vet Doc in Prague, informing that the puppy is underage and hence not been vaccinnated against Rabies, the same will be done in the country he is being imported by the owner. If you require Import Formalities and Procedures to be taken care of in Mumbai, India kindly let me know - Pet Vacations specialises in both the Import & Export of pets from Mumbai, India.

	I am a proud owner of 12 months old LABRADOR and I have to shift from Hyd to Delhi.I am entitled to travel by Air India only.Please help me to find an optimum solution in the view of following:- I am entitled only for Air India but cost factor for a 36kg dog with container on Air India comes out to be approx 8000/- which is very high. If I travel by JetAir than what will be the cost factor? My spouse have partial blindness 50% in the left eye.Can she take the dog on board in passanger cabin due to her disability?if so, what all documents are required and is there a need to undergo a medical test for her at airport during boarding? What is the best solution for safe and cheap carriage? Weight of pet-36kgs height - 21 inches length from nose to end of tail (straightened)- 3 1/2 ft. weight of crate-5kgs Kindly help me out as i want my dog safe and in the same time want an economical and fast mode of transport. Deep Hyderabad
	It is expensive travel with your pet by air, but it is the fastest option for long distance travel. Your pet will not be allowed in-cabin only trained Assistance Dogs are allowed in-cabin with disabled persons. I do not think your wife's partial blindness in one eye will qualify for the same. The other way you can travle with your pet is by 1st Class A/C train - wherein you will have to book the entire coupe - 2-berth or 4-berth.

	Kindly let me know the procedure for taking my dog by air. Also let me know where i can get the cage for him at Mumbai. What would be the cost of air ticket as well as the cage. Regards Mrs Rajan
	TAKING PET BY AIR The flights that allow pets on board are AIR INDIA, JET AIRWAYS & JET LITE. There are two ways you can book your pet on a domestic flight in India: a) As Excess Baggage: Where you take your pet along with his crate and go directly to the check-in counter. There they will weigh your pet and his crate and let you know the costing. You would have to reach the airport 2 and half hours before your flight for this. On arrival at your destination, your pet will arrive on the baggage conveyer belt in his crate. b) As Cargo: Again you will have to go 2 and half hours before the flight to the Cargo area of the Airlines you are booking your pet. In this case you would have to pick up your pet from the Cargo area of the airport on arrival at your destination. In both cases you would have to inform the Airlines a couple of days in advance that you will be carrying a pet on board. PET CAGE At Pet Vacations, we provide Pet Cages. We would require to know dimensions of your dog to be able to advise on the size of the cage required and the costing. Click on the link below to learn about the IATA Airlines cages we deal in and also how to measure your dog for the cage. AIRLINE COSTING Each Airline has different charges for Pet as Cargo & Pet as Excess Baggage also the charges differ according to various travel sectors. Kindly contact the airlines for the same.

	I have a Labrador which is 4 months old. I am looking for a crate in which I can put him in and take a flight journey. Devasish Mumbai
	Please could you send me the following details of your pet: a) Height & Length in inches. b) Length is to be measured from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail. c) Height is to be measured from the top of his head to the floor. As soon as you provide me with these details I could advice you on the cage suitable for your pet.

	I am planning to carry my dog in a veh from udhampur to pune ( approx 2300 km), i wanted to know what all points to be kept in mind, will he take on, and is it advisable to put on a/c through out? do they have any kind of motion seekness? what can be fed to him? Mandar Udhampur
	First of all I would like to ask you: 1. Has your dog travelled by car before? Is he/she used to long journey by vehicle? a) If not, first start taking your pet by car for short journey every day - start with 15 mins, then increase the journey time up to 60 minutes. If your pet does not have any problem during this journey - he/she should have much of a problem on your journey. 2. I would advice you to put your pet in a Pet Crate. I do not know the breed of your pet, so I cannot advice the size of the crate and whether it will fit in the vehicle. In case you cannot crate your pet - your Pet Car Seat Belts - that is advisable in such long journey. Your pet could get badly hurt if apply the break suddenly or the car takes a sharp turn. 3. As per using the A/C the entire journey - that depends upon the weather. Your pet will be happy if you keep the windows down, but kindly use your pet's seat belt so that he cannot jump out of the window. You can use the air-conditioning your pet starts panting too much because of the heat or atleast in the afternoons, when it gets very hot. Some Important Points to Remember Feed your pet lightly before beginning the trip, about one third of their normal amount. If the weather is warm, use your air conditioning. Always make sure that air is being circulated frequently. Restrain your pet, using a pet seat belt or secured carrier. Never let your pet ride unrestrained in the back of a truck. Do not let your pet hang its head out of the window. Sore eyes can be caused by dust, grit and insects in the air; inflamed ears and throat by too much wind. Take breaks at least every three hours to allow your pet to exercise and relieve itself. Don't allow your pet to run loose at rest areas. A pet can become lost, run into traffic, or get involved in a fight with another animal. Never leave your pet in a closed car. Heat can quickly become excessive in a parked car even if it is in the shade, and animals can suffer from heat exhaustion, which could be fatal. Symptoms like , means that your dog needs attention immediately. Place cool towels on yourrapid panting, fast pulse, excessive slobbering, red eyes and gums, feverish temperature or vomitingdog and take him to the nearest veterinarian immediately. Carry a First Aid Kit Take night rest at Pet-friendly Properties enroute - please do not make your pet sleep in the car when your sleep in the hotel room. If your pet is used to Dog Food all your problem is solved. Otherwise you have to get your pet's food made at the properties you stay at night.

	I have a 2 years and 3months old Labrador. I am moving bag and baggage to Chennai. My luggage will be going by road. I hv a helper to take care of my dog who will be travelling along with my luggage. Do you think it is advisable to send my dog along with the helper in the truck? Also let me know what all things i should send with the helper for my dog? R Rajan Nashik
	I am unaware about the breed of your pet. Most dogs have a major problem with heat. Such a long journey by road will be very stressful for your dog. Please avoid the same. There is lot of chances of heat stroke, travel sickness, etc. Also, you cannot entrust your pet in the hand of your servant on such a long journey. Your pet needs stops every 2 hours to stretch itself, a little walk and for toileting. Also he needs to be given cool water every 2 hours. In case your pet has a health problem along the way, would your servant be capable to taking the right decision and taking to nearest vet clinic. Your pet has entrusted its life in your hands - please do not let him / her down. It would be best to take your pet by air - Jet Airways, Jet Lite and Air India allows you to take pets by air.

	Are there any restrictions in bringing a bull terrier spayed bitch into india? Carol Johannesburg, South Africa
	As per your inquiry, there is no restriction to bring a Pittbull dog ito India. We at Pet Vacations, do the complete import procedure into India via Mumbai. Kindly contact me in case you are bringing your pet to India. I will give you the entire procedure, your options and the best, least expensive and easiest way to bring your pet into India.

	I just wanted to know if dogs can travel by ist ac in the Rajdhani trains Regards Gitanjali
	If Rajdhani has 1st Class AC you take take your pet onboard - Only you would have to book the entire Coupe - 2-berth or 4-berth according to the train.

	I have a labrador named Osker, who is 5 months old. I would like to take him along through flight from Hyderabad to Kolkata and vice- versa. The flights that operate in these sectors are INDIAN AIRLINES,JET LITE, GOINDIGO AND KINGFISHER RED. I would like to know the details of how could I take him along. Please, let me know the rules and regulations required and all the formalities to be fulfilled. I would like to take him with me in the cabin and not in the cargo hold. Mr. Kanishka Goyal
	Thank you for your kind enquiry. The flights that allow pets on board are AIR INDIA, JET AIRWAYS & JET LITE. It would not be possible to take your 5 month old labrador in cabin, since he will not be able to fit below the seat - Pets below 10 pounds are allowed below the seat in cabin. He will have to tarvel in the cargo hold of the aircraft, which is pressurised to carry live animals. There are two ways you can book your pet on a domestic flight in India: a) As Excess Baggage: Where you take your pet along with his crate and go directly to the check-in counter. There they will weigh your pet and his crate and let you know the costing. You would have to reach the airport 2 and half hours before your flight for this. On arrival at your destination, your pet will arrive on the baggage conveyer belt in his crate. b) As Cargo: Again you will have to go 2 and half hours before the flight to the Cargo area of the Airlines you are booking your pet. In this case you would have to pick up your pet from the Cargo area of the airport on arrival at your destination. In both cases you would have to inform the Airlines a couple of days in advance that you will be carrying a pet on board.

	I want to travel with my pet dog in flight from new delhi to visakhapatnam. Nagbhushan Utterakhasi
	The two airlines that carry pets in India are: Air India, Jet Airways & Jet Lite. There are two methods in which you can book your pet: 1. Excess Baggage: Take your pet and the IATA Pet Cage to the Check in counter and get them weighed and check in - You have to make your payment for your pet there itself. Kindly report 2 hours before your Flight Departure timing. Here you can pick up your pet from the conveyer belt itself after the luggage. 2. Cargo: You would have take your pet and the IATA Pet Crate to the Cargo area of the airlines where the pet and the cage will be weighed and your pet will be booked accordingly. At your destination, you would have to pick up your pet from the Cargo area of the airport. Kindly report 3 hours in advance to the flight departure timing.

	We are in the process of relocating from Bangalore to Mumbai end of this month. We have a 3 year old labrador, Leo, weighing approximately 35 kgs who will be going with us. We are worried on account of his travel. What would you advise? Would a train journey be better? Different people are giving us different views but I think you would be the right person for advice. I would like to know where I can get an IATA approved cage/crate to ship him in if we were to travel by air. Where in Bangalore would it be available? What would it cost? What would I do with it after use? As it is there is no place in Mumbai houses to keep one's own stuff! How safe is air travel? My husband read somewhere that on a particular flight, a dog died due to lack of moderation of temperature and oxygen! What are the formalities, rules and regulations? I read on the Jet Airways website - there are a whole lot of rules, some quite impractical. Please help us clear some of these doubts and worries. I would be grateful if you could give us some tips for the safe travel of our dog. Radhika Sinha Bangalore
	There are 2 ways you can travel with your pet from Bangalore to Mumbai, one is by Train and the other by Air. Travel by Train: You would have to book the Ist class A/C coupe. There are 2 berth coupes and 4 berth coupes - all train do not have 1st Class A/C. Please check up on Udhyan Express, it has 1st Class A/C compartment. Once you have to book all the berths in the coupe - 2 Berth or 4 Berth accordingly. Then you would have to go to the Station a couple of hours early and check with the Station Master to allot you a coupe. Then go to the luggage booking area and book your pet according to his weight. Make sure the Station Master allots you the coupe - then you can keep your pet with you in your coupe. Travel by Air: To get an IATA specified cage, kindly check this link on Pet Shops in Bangalore http://www.petvacations.in/Petshopsindia.php You can call up any of the shops and ask them for the Pet Cage. Air Travel is safe for your pet as long as you do not sedate or tranquilise him. The Airlines you can book your pet on are: Jet Airways, Jet Lite and Air India. You need to carry your Pet's Vaccinnation records while booking your pet. Reach the airport 3 hours before. Take your pet and the cage to the Cargo Booking of that particular airline. They will weigh both the pet and the cage (either by weight or dimension whichever is greater) and bill you accordingly. They will board your pet on to the flight. Another way is to book your pet as excess baggage - for the same you can take your pet along with you during the Check-in. But this works out more expensive and you will have to let the airport manager that you will be boarding a pet a couple of days ahead.

	My name is Deepak Samaga and am writing from Bangalore. I had a couple of queries regarding pet import and was hoping that you could help me with this. A friend of mine is moving back to Bangalore, India from San Jose, CA, USA. She plans to get her 2 dogs back with her. So in connection to this I had the following questions: Do they allow pets to land at Bangalore International Airport ( I did some enquires here and had some say yes while others said no they don't allow). So do you have any idea regarding this? Do you have a contact number or an address to obtain an NOC here in Bangalore? If Bangalore is out then they prefer to land in Chennai as am told they allow pets to land there, so would you have the number/address to obtain an NOC there? Do the documents you have mentioned on your site remain the same irrespective where in India you are planning to get these dogs to, namely: All vaccination records of the pet. Government issued veterinary certificate from the exporting country (USDA document with the Annexure I/II in case of USA ) Flight details / confirmation of the passenger's travel into India / Copy of the airway bill Veterinary Certificate It would be really great if you could help me with these queries. Thanks in advance. Deepak Bangalore
	1. Pets cannot land in Bangalore. There are only 4 metros in India where you can get pet clearance from - Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai & Kolkata. We take care of all the procedures of pets landing in Mumbai. Once the pet gets clerance in Mumbai, the pet can travel from thereon anywhere in India. 2. You cannot obtain the NOC in Bangalore - only in the 4 cities mentioned above. 3. I have a lot of pet owners who land in Mumbai get the clearance and then travel to Bangalore from here. 4. Yes all the documents remain the same, wherever you land with your pet.

	I have a 4 month old Labrador. I need to take him from Pune to Durg through rail. I have checked and found that there is no train with First Class AC for this route. I am little concerned to take him through parcel van . Could you please suggest whether parcel van is a good option or not? Durgesh Pardhi Pune
	Firstly, I would not advice you to travel with your Pet booked in the Parcel-Brake van of the train. Your pet being just 4 months old would not be able to take the trauma of being separated from you. Also, he might not be able to take the heat in the parcel van. Here is the best solution to your problem: There are 2 trains from Mumbai with 1st Class A/C which you can take, both stop at Durg. Below are the details: HOWRAH MAIL (Train No.2809) from Mumbai CST Dep Time: 20:35 JNANESWARI EXPRESS (Train No.2101) from Mumbai CST Dep Time: 20:35 (Operates only on Monday/Tuesday/Friday/Saturday) Feel free to get in touch with me for any further clarifications.

	I needed to know one thing: I have a 5-month-old cocker spaniel and I need to take her to Kerala with me. The problem is from Bangalore to Kerala there are no 1st A/C trains. Do you think I should take her in the brake-van/ parcel her? Cos she has never been alone so far, and I would not want her to do that? Or also, can I travel with her in the brake van? Seena Bangalore
	It is not possible for you to travel in the Brake Van & pets generally do not have a very pleasant experience in the brake van, because they are placed like a parcel along with all the other luggage. I would rather suggest that you either travel by air with your pet or by road. That would be a safer and better option.

	I have a four year old Labrador Retriever female. I am planning to relocate to New Zealand. I have enquired about the quarantine requirements with the New Zealand authorities. They have told me that it will only be able to bring my dog there via another approved country. Thus I tried to get information on the quarantine and health requirements for me to take my dog to the U.S. and Canada. Unfortunately I can't find any conclusive information on the above, only unsure versions of heresay by other people. It would really be great if you could help me out with getting this information. I am a certified dog trainer and my dog is a therapy dog. I don't know if this will change or reduce the qualifications and quarantine necessary, but it's worth finding out if that will help too! Thanks so much. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon. Huzannah Banajee, Pune
	Your pet will need to undergo medical tests before you can take it to New Zealand. A vet in India will also need to implant a microchip in your pet for identification purposes. If you are coming from a country where rabies is present remember that blood tests usually have to be performed at least 6 months before your pet comes to NZ. So if you want to go to New Zealand soon, best start getting those rabies tests done now. Coastcat posted that Americans need to be careful about microchips as standards in the USA and NZ differ. If you are coming from the USA, you will save yourself trouble by getting your vet to implant a chip that can be read by scanners in New Zealand. In the USA the standard is a 125 kHz microchip. In New Zealand the standard is 134.2 kHz. A Permit to Import your pet will NOT be issued unless you have a letter from an approved quarantine facility (see below) confirming a space has been booked for your pet. The particular pet import application form you need depends on whether your pet will be placed in a quarantine facility or not. You will also need an export certificate issued by your own country for your pet. Pets from a few fortunate places such as the UK, Ireland, Hawaii etc do not have to be placed in quarantine. Instead, they must be isolated at the owner's home for 30 days. There are four approved quarantine facilities in New Zealand located in Avondale, Auckland (cats only) Takanini, Auckland Levin (North of Wellington) Aylesbury, west of Christchurch

	According to the Indian Railway rules, you can carry your pet dog with you if you book a I AC class coupe, but in practice ‘Coupe’ is not allotted. When you buy a railway ticket, only the word ‘Confirmed’ is printed. Only an hour before train departure, you know your berth is allotted from the reservation chart. Then you rush to the luggage office with the dog for luggage receipt. In most stations the luggage office is far away from the train bogey. You can imagine rushing with the dog in the crowd, climbing stairs to cross the platform. As a senior citizen, it is tiring, full of tension and suspense. I book my rail ticket in advance, requesting counter staff for a ‘Coupe’ as I am taking my pet dog. They say only an indication can be made and ask me to approach the ‘Asst. Commercial Manager – Reservations’ with a letter on the day of travel. I have done this also, but the manager cannot guarantee a ‘Coupe’ as a VIP may turn up at the last minute. Kindly take up this matter with the railways. R. Eswanth, Kolkata
	I am well aware of this problem, while booking your pet along with you during train travel in India. The reason that the railways has not taken this up seriously is because few people are aware of these rules and fewer know that you can take your dog or cat along with you in the coupe of the train. www.petvacations.in will definitely take up this issue with the Ministry of Railways as soon as the elections are over.

	I have just brought home a lovely yellow Labrador puppy ‘Jill’, who is just 4 months old. We would love to take her everywhere when we travel. But I have found that even in short journeys (10 mins) within the city (we live in B’lore) she gets car sick and vomits all over me or the car seat. Then both me and my husband get very anxious. Bhairavi Shetty, B’lore
	For the vast majority of dogs, car sickness is related to stress rather than the motion of your car. First and foremost, make sure that both you and your husband do not show signs on anxiety before getting your dog into the car. Do not immediately take out the towels and the newspapers you use to clean after your dog is car sick. This will give him an indicator of what you would expect of him. Instead… You may want to make sure your dog has an empty stomach before getting in the car. Don't give him any food 3 to 4 hours prior to travel. Some vets also recommend limiting water intake just before travelling. Allow your dog to relieve itself before travelling. If you know your dog is prone to car sickness, be extra careful around sharp curves or up and down hills. First, get your dog used to just being in the car, without it going anywhere. Everyday, leaved him/her in a well ventilated car for up to 30 minutes (building up slowly). Do this for a week and then start to do very short journey's (5-10 mins) with a really positive experience at the end of it - a nice walk or a ball game in the park. Gradually build up the length of the journeys up to about 30 minutes. If your dog is sick during a journey, reduce the length of the journey such that it ends before they are sick. Build the journeys up again. Distract your dog during the journey with toys. At the end of the return journey, play a short game ending the journey on a positive note.