Pet parents coming to India can bring their pets along. Pet parents should adhere to the import guidelines of India, as detailed below for hassle-free pet transportation.
Lets start with common terminology for an easy understanding of the pet relocation process
- Pet Passport: A document that provides information about the Pet’s health and vaccination requirements. It includes microchip details, vaccination records, treatments, and a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian.
- Microchip: A tiny electronic device (about the size of a grain of rice) implanted under the pet’s skin for identification
- Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS) : An Indian government agency responsible for regulating the import and export of animals.
Note: Only cats and dogs are considered pets in India and other animals have to be imported as livestock.
Requirement for Pet import into India
Obtain Advance NOC form AQCS by submitting below details before 7 days of travel to India.
- Health certificate from the country of origin from the competent authority:
- Dog: The official health certificate from the country of origin certifying that the dog is free from clinical sign and symptoms of all infectious and contagious diseases including Rabies, Canine Distemper, Parvo virus infection, Leptospirosis etc.
- Cat: The official health certificate from the country of origin certifying that the cat is free from clinical sign and symptoms of all infectious and contagious diseases including Rabies, Distemper, Feline enteritis, Feline panleukopenia, leptospirosis etc.
- Microchipping the Pet: The owner must fit the pet with a microchip of ISO standard 11784/11785 fifteen-digit nonencrypted specification before travel.
- Vaccination of the pet before transport: Pet owners must vaccinate their pets against rabies and other core diseases before transport and ensure they have valid health records.
- Rabies vaccination: Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies for before one month but within 12 months of travel.
- Other vaccinations: Core vaccines include DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus), leptospirosis, and canine influenza virus (CIV). Core vaccines reduce the risk of spreading diseases.
Travel Arrangements and Airline Regulations
Book pet-friendly airlines that allow the pets to travel in cabin or cargo. Ensure the pet crate is comfortable for the pet and meets IATA standards. Pets can travel in Cabin or Excess Baggage and manifest cargo. Generally Pets can travel in the cabin if the combined weight of the pet and their container is under 7 kg. They can travel as checked baggage if the combined weight of the pet and container is over 7 kg but under 32 kg.
Pet relocation to India involves quarantine and inspection by the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS) on arrival. The AQCS ensures that pets are healthy and meet the International Zoo-Sanitary Code. Get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the AQCS.
Pet Import Restrictions: Certain aggressive dog breeds may have restrictions. So check with Indian authorities before travelling to India.
In case you require more details about the Pet Import to India, you may connect with HappyLocate Pet Relocation Consultant at 8884447224 or reachus@happylocate.com