Travelling with pets
Flying with your pet? Here's what you need.
A "fit to fly" certificate confirms your dog or cat is healthy enough to travel by air. The rules vary by airline and destination, and missing one document can mean your pet is refused at the gate. This checklist walks you through it, and a vet can help you get every detail right before you travel.
Reviewed by Dr. Ashim Sarkar
BVSc & AH · Licensed Veterinarian · Last reviewed 10 June 2026
The certificate itself must be issued by a vet who examines your pet in person. Omelo does not issue fit-to-fly certificates online, but we help you prepare so the clinic visit is fast and you do not miss anything that could delay your trip.
Your pet travel checklist
Veterinary health (fit-to-fly) certificate
A registered veterinarian must physically examine your pet and certify it is healthy and fit to travel. Most airlines require this certificate to be issued within a short window before departure (commonly 5 to 10 days), so book the exam close to your travel date.
Up-to-date vaccinations
A current rabies vaccination is almost always mandatory, along with core vaccines (DHPPi for dogs, FVRCP for cats). Keep the original vaccination card, the certificate should reference vaccine dates and batch numbers.
Airline pet policy and booking
Indian carriers differ on whether pets travel in-cabin or as checked cargo, crate size rules, breed restrictions, and advance booking. Confirm your specific airline's pet policy and reserve your pet's spot early, as slots are limited.
International travel extras
Flying abroad usually adds requirements: a microchip, a rabies antibody titre test (RNATT) with long lead times, an import permit from the destination country, and sometimes parasite treatment. Start months ahead and verify rules with the destination's animal-quarantine authority.
Make travel day calmer for your pet
- Acclimatise your pet to its travel crate over several days before the trip
- Avoid a heavy meal right before travel; offer water and a light meal a few hours prior
- Do not sedate your pet unless a vet specifically advises it, sedation can be risky at altitude
- Add an absorbent pad, a familiar blanket, and a tag with your contact details to the crate
- For brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, discuss heat and breathing risks with a vet first
Planning a trip with your pet?
Book a pre-travel consultation. A licensed vet will check your timeline, vaccinations, and documents, and tell you exactly what to arrange before you fly, from ₹149.
Book a pre-travel consultationPet travel questions
Can Omelo issue a fit-to-fly certificate online?
No. A fit-to-fly health certificate legally requires a registered veterinarian to physically examine your pet, so it must be issued in person at a clinic near you. What Omelo can do is help you prepare: explain exactly what your airline and destination need, check your vaccination timeline, review your documents, and advise on reducing travel stress, so the in-person visit is quick and nothing is missed.
How soon before my flight should I get the certificate?
Most airlines require the certificate to be very recent, often within 5 to 10 days of travel. Always confirm the exact window with your specific airline, as an out-of-date certificate can mean your pet is refused boarding. Book the physical exam as close to departure as the rules allow.
What vaccinations does my pet need to fly?
A valid rabies vaccination is the key requirement for almost all pet travel, plus core vaccines (DHPPi for dogs, FVRCP for cats). For international travel the rabies vaccine often must have been given within a defined period and, in many cases, followed by a blood titre test. Keep all original records.
Can my pet travel in the cabin in India?
It depends entirely on the airline. Some Indian carriers allow small pets in-cabin within weight and crate limits, while others carry pets only as cargo, and a few do not accept pets at all. Check your airline's current pet policy before booking your own ticket.
Is it safe to sedate my pet for a flight?
Generally no. Sedatives can affect breathing and balance, which is more dangerous at altitude and in the cargo hold. Most airlines discourage sedation. If your pet is very anxious, speak to a vet about safer options well before you travel.
Airline and country requirements change and vary by route. Always confirm the current rules with your specific airline and the destination's animal-quarantine authority. Omelo provides online guidance and cannot issue health certificates, perform physical examinations, or run diagnostic tests.