What do pet parents do when they have to travel out of the country or immigrate?

Many take their pets with them, despite the many odds.

When Rakesh Prabal Kumar, HR head in a tech company, had to move to the US for a couple of years, he couldn’t imagine leaving his dogs Peco and Jon Snow behind. He flew to Boston with them.

“We got in touch with a consultant who helped us make this happen. He recommended Lufthansa as its employees know how to handle animals. We had to do a few checks and a bit of training before Peco and Jon Snow were travel-ready,” he says. 

Cage training is one of the most important aspects pet parents should keep in mind. This ensures the pet is comfortable throughout the journey. Pets can’t travel with their owners in the cabin; they are ferried with the cargo. 

“We were often informed by the air hostess about their status. We were advised not to meet them in transit as that could make them anxious,” he says. 

The return to Bengaluru was more tedious as the dogs were aware they had a long haul ahead when they were put into a cage.

“We can only imagine their angst. Let’s just say that our indies are happy to be back in Bengaluru,” he says. 

CUPA also helps relocate pets. During one of those relocations, photographer Ashok Chintala travelled to the Andaman islands.

“I usually help CUPA relocate pets to Chennai and going by car is my mode of transport. But this was a special case.

The Labrador was being adopted by a family in the islands and the CUPA team was planning to air cargo him,” he explains.

But the estimate for relocation came up to
Rs 65,000, which seemed a lot. Bargaining didn’t help either.

“So we checked with Jet Airways if there was another way we could do this. They suggested if someone went with the dog, they would charge a fare of just Rs 5,000 for the dog. That’s how I travelled with a dog on the flight,” he says.

Since the dog was to take a plane, the CUPA team had given him cage training. “The airline staff were helpful and ensured the dog reached the Andamans safely,” says Ashok. 

Anand Vishwanath, pet relocation expert, says pet parents must do some research before booking tickets.

“It’s important to know if the policy of pet transfer exists in the place you are going to,” he says. 

Though it’s best to travel by road when you have to take pets, it might not always be viable, especially if you are travelling abroad.

Anand says, “In the case of the US, the documentation will take about
Rs 20,000 and then you have your ticket charges. On an average, you will be paying Rs 70,000 per pet for relocation.”

Plan in advance

Pets usually sense a change in the environment. When they see a suitcase, they feel anxious. It’s important that pet parents handle the situation sensitively.
Take pets to a friend’s house or a pet boarding if they are comfortable there. Don’t force a change on them one fine day.

Furry passengers

Many airlines and trains allow pets. You don’t have to abandon your pets when you migrate.