Pet Set, Go: More Indians travel with pets, forcing airlines and hotels to adapt

Indian airlines and hotels are increasingly catering to pet owners, with flight and accommodation bookings surging by double-digits in FY25. According to industry data, pet-related bookings for flights and hotels increased between 26% and 43% YoY. Air India flew over 7,000 pets last fiscal, marking a 33.7% YoY increase. The airline saw a 7% average MoM growth in pet bookings, with 80% domestic and 20% international bookings. Pets weighing up to seven kilograms, including the carrier, are allowed in the cabin.
In contrast, heavier pets are transported in the cargo hold. Key sectors like Bengaluru-Delhi and Mumbai-Delhi comprised nearly 20% of the total pet travel volume. Akasa Air, which began offering pet travel in late 2022, also reported high demand, with bookings rising 26% in FY25. The airline has raised the in-cabin pet weight limit to 10 kg. In the hospitality industry, MakeMyTrip saw a 43% rise in bookings for pet-friendly accommodations in the first four months of 2025. Airbnb reported a 35% YoY increase in pet-night stays and a 30% rise in pet-welcoming listings in 2024. Booking.com noted that 11% of Indian travellers plan leisure trips with pets, up from just 4% in 2024. Nearly one-third of its listed properties in India now cater to pets, showing a clear trend of accommodation providers adapting to this shift in demand.
However, taking pets along is a costly affair. Airlines typically charge Rs. 3,000-10,000 (US$ 35.59- 118.62) per pet per sector, in addition to veterinary certificates and specialised carriers. In addition, airports in the country lack dedicated relief areas or trained handlers. Hence, pets endure cramped cabins or noisy cargo holds. Most hotels and homestays that accept pets often charge cleaning or damage fees of Rs. 500-2,000 (US$ 5.93- 23.72) per night. Many also impose size or breed-based restrictions, forcing owners to call ahead and pay extra for basic pet amenities. Despite increasing demand, pet-friendly lodging in India is concentrated in major metros, with options in smaller cities being scarce or non-existent.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.