IndiGo pet policy (2026) — Cabin, Cargo, Brachy rules | Pawgo
IndiGo, India's largest carrier, shows closed in both cabin and cargo on the records we have. The 8kg combined cabin reference appears in their general baggage rules but doesn't activate a pet program. Luna disapproves of vague policies; for the dog and cat travelers we hear from, Air India is the more workable option.
IndiGo's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
What you need at a glance
How IndiGo treats your pet
Cabin policy
| Item | Detail | Source & confidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pets accepted | cabin pets NOT accepted | 97% | |
| Pet + carrier max weight | 8.0 kg | 80% | |
| Brachycephalic breeds | Not yet documented | — |
Cargo policy
| Item | Detail | Source & confidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pets accepted | cargo pets NOT accepted | 97% | |
| Brachycephalic breeds | Brachy NOT accepted in cargo | 95% |
Frequently asked
- Can I bring more than one pet on this trip?
- Most airlines accept multiple pets per traveler in cabin, but each must be booked separately and per-pet limits apply at the route level. Check the airline page for specifics.
- What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity?
- If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays.
- Are emotional support animals treated like pets here?
- Most countries and airlines no longer give ESAs special status. They're treated as regular pets — same fees, same crate rules. Service animals (with formal documentation) are the exception.
- What happens if I forget a document?
- At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
For pet travel into or within India, the realistic carriers are Air India and a handful of cargo-only freight operators. A Pawgo plan filters the airlines on your specific Indian route by actual pet acceptance — useful when the 'big' carrier isn't the right one. Spreadsheets win here. I made the spreadsheet.
Glossary
- ISO chip
- ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard.
- FAVN
- Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations.
- Brachycephalic
- Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk.
- AVIH
- Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
What the spreadsheet says
I made a side-by-side comparison before booking. The data point for IndiGo that surprised me: the rules for IndiGo reward owners who plan with a calendar, not a checklist.