Sankranti Travel Packs Pet Homes in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Thousands of families are leaving Hyderabad for the Sankranti holidays. Pet boarding homes across the city reported this was the busiest time of the year, with many places fully booked days in advance.

Boarding operators said demand this season far exceeded last-minute arrangements, with many pet parents booking slots weeks in advance. “Earlier, people would call a day or two before leaving. This time, many people booked and confirmed dates well in advance,” said Panneeru Teja, founder of Scooby’s Pet Boarding in Nallakunta. Teja, who usually houses three dogs, said he was caring for around ten dogs this Sankranti. He added, “We haven’t increased our charges because care shouldn’t change based on demand. Once our limit is reached, we refer pet parents to other trusted boarders.”

Animal rescuer Bhargav U, who fosters animals from his home in Bandlaguda, said this trend reflects changing attitudes. “People are no longer comfortable leaving pets anywhere. They want clean spaces, friendly behavior, and no cages. Pets are treated like family members, not zoo animals,” he said. Pet parents traveling to districts like East and West Godavari said they prefer boarding homes with a home-like atmosphere. Anusha Thammadi said, “We wanted a place where our dog could roam freely and get food on time. We booked in advance and are paying around ₹900 per day. The boarding home sends us regular videos, which gives us peace of mind.”

Boarders across the city said that normal rates of ₹500–₹700 per day had risen to ₹800–₹1,000 during the festive rush. Many insisted they were refusing extra bookings rather than risk overcrowding. Teja said, “No amount is worth compromising on cleanliness, space, or attention.” Concerns about ticks, infections, and stress are also being addressed, with most boarders insisting on tick prevention, up-to-date vaccinations, and basic health checks before accepting pets.

With many places fully booked, some pet parents have turned to foster homes. A pet parent traveling to Warangal said, “A pet boarding owner told us about foster homes, and it worked out well. As long as our dog is safe and comfortable, we are willing to adjust our plans.”