First AC (1A) is the class that works. Book the full coupe under one PNR. Use NTES to plan bathroom breaks at long halts. We took Apple (The Golden Retriever) on Goa Express 12780 from Pune to Delhi. 27 hours, First AC, completely calm.
Air India allows small dogs in the cabin (under 7 kg). Most Indian airlines require dogs to travel as cargo for larger breeds. No Indian airline currently has a standard dogs-in-cabin policy for large dogs comparable to international carriers.
Standard Ola and Uber drivers often decline large dogs even when the app does not specify. Dedicated pet taxi services operate in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune with trained drivers and pet-safe vehicles.
No Indian metro system currently permits dogs, including Delhi Metro, Namma Metro in Bengaluru, and Mumbai Metro. Guide dogs for the visually impaired are an exception with documentation. This applies to all lines and all stations.
Government buses (KSRTC, UPSRTC, MSRTC) generally do not permit dogs. Some Volvo overnight buses allow small dogs in carriers at the driver's discretion. Private bus operators vary widely. Call ahead and confirm for every journey.
Autos and local taxis are entirely at the driver's discretion. A calm dog who sits quietly on the floor is usually accepted. A large dog who takes up a seat is often refused. Tip: book an auto for a slightly longer distance so the driver is more motivated to agree.
Before writing about any transport option we either travel on it with Apple (The Golden Retriever), Captain, Kimchi or Rustie, or research it from primary sources and say so clearly. The Goa Express trains page carries a Tails Verified mark because we actually took Apple (The Golden Retriever) on it. The Vande Bharat page is clearly marked as research-based.
