India’s travel landscape is witnessing a major shift as pet owners increasingly plan journeys around their furry companions. This growing “pet-first” mindset is pushing companies like Air India and Uber to expand pet-friendly services across aviation and urban mobility.
Rising Demand for Pet-Friendly Travel
With urban pet ownership on the rise, travellers now expect seamless, end-to-end journeys that accommodate their pets. For many, travel decisions are no longer just about convenience—but whether their pets can travel comfortably too.
Air India Simplifies Flying With Pets
To address long-standing challenges in pet travel, Air India has introduced more structured and transparent policies. Under its ‘Paws on Board’ initiative, passengers can now travel with pets either in-cabin or as checked baggage, depending on weight and guidelines.
Pets weighing up to 10 kg (including the carrier) are allowed in the cabin in Economy Class. The airline has also simplified documentation with step-by-step online processes and reduced booking timelines from 72 hours to 48 hours before departure.
Additional benefits include priority check-in, boarding for pet owners, and a 24×7 helpline. The airline transported over 8,000 pets in FY 2026, reflecting growing demand.
Uber Pet Bridges the First-Last Mile Gap
While flying with pets is becoming easier, local travel has often been a challenge. Uber is addressing this through its Uber Pet service, now available in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
This feature allows users to book pet-friendly rides on demand or in advance, making everyday travel—such as vet visits, grooming sessions, or outings—more convenient.
Building a Pet-Centric Ecosystem
Uber has also partnered with Heads Up for Tails to enhance the experience further. The collaboration offers benefits like ride discounts to pet stores and in-store perks, signaling the rise of an integrated pet-care ecosystem.
A Shift in Urban Mobility
As pets increasingly become integral family members, India’s mobility ecosystem is evolving to meet these expectations. From flights to first-mile connectivity, the focus is shifting toward making travel inclusive for every member of the family—pets included.