Step 1: Start Early 

Initiate the pet relocation process at least 3-4 months before the intended travel date to allow sufficient time for all required preparations. India has certain regulations that pet parents have to qualify before importing a pet.

Category A – Baggage Rule for Pet Import: To bring your pets under this rule, ensure the following conditions are met:

1. 1. 1. The owner must have continuously resided abroad for a minimum of two years before entering India.
      2. The total duration of short visits to India preceding the entry date should not exceed 180 days.
      3. Qualifications include transferring residence to India (for Indian Nationals) or arriving into India on a work permit (for expats).

Additionally :

• • • Pets can enter India only after 30 days of Rabies and DHLP/FRCP vaccination.
    • India recognizes only annual vaccinations; in the case of 3-year vaccinations, only the first year is considered.
    • Families are limited to bringing in a maximum of two pets.
    • If the pet arrives as ‘Manifest Cargo, they must do so within 30 days of the owner’s landing in India.

Category B – DGFT License for Pet Import: For those not meeting baggage rule criteria, a DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) license is required for short visits, importing for R&D, Defence, Police, and other similar cases.

Category C – Re-Import of Pets: If your pet previously travelled from India, proof of past certification from the Government AQCS authority is essential for identification and categorization under Re-import.

Step 2: Measure Your Pet 

Accurately measure your pet and acquire an IATA-specified crate. We recommend trusted brands such as Petmate, Varipet, or SkyKennel.

Step 3: Crate Training 

Ensure your pet becomes familiar with the travel crate. Refer to our crate training document HERE for helpful tips.

Step 4: Microchip Implantation 

Insert an ISO 11784/785 microchip with 15 digits before Rabies vaccination

Step 5: Vaccination 

Administer Anti-Rabies and Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus (DHLPP) vaccines for dogs. Cats should receive Anti-Rabies and Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FRCP) vaccines. Ensure validity at the time of export, with vaccinations administered no less than 30 days before export. Bordetella and Corona are recommended for added protection during travel.

Step 6: Finalize Relocation Type

In-Cabin/Accompanied Baggage: Pets travel with the parent in the same flight, either In-Cabin or in the cargo hold based on airline regulations.

Manifest Cargo: Pets travel alone as cargo on a passenger or freighter flight.

Step 7: Choose the right airline & book Pet’s Space

Choose the right airline based on routing, layovers, time of travel, and weather conditions, considering the pet’s breed, size and crate dimensions. Discuss with airlines or a pet relocator to book the pet’s space.

Step 8: Complete Vet Check

Within 8-10 days before travel, have a veterinarian issue and endorse essential documents, including a Health and Fitness certificate, , Microchip Certificate, Sterilization certificate, and External/Internal Parasite Treatment Certificate & the India specific Animal Health certificate for import of dog/cat into India – Annexure 1.1.1 / Annexure 2.1.1

Step 9 : Meet Government Veterinarian

Schedule an appointment with the  full-time Government Official Veterinarian from the exporting country, not a local veterinarian. They will issue a veterinary health Certificate for export and endorse the India specific certificate. It should be obtained & submitted to AQCS 8-10 days prior to travel. Once approved, you can anticipate obtaining the advance NOC within a day or two

Step 10 : To submit to customs on arrival into India

It is recommend to have these documents readily available on arrival for the customs authorities to check eligibility to import your pet into India.

1. 1. Resignation acceptance Letter from the previous company plus Offer Letter from the new Indian company (if available) for change in companies
   2. Letter of Assignment to India, explicitly indicating your relocation for work within the same company. (For Expats)
   3. An experience letter from your employer for having worked abroad for the last two years and more.
   4. Within the past two years, if you have made short visits to India, provide the dates and the duration of your stay in India. Please note the total number of short trips to India (If any) preceding the date of entry into India should not exceed 180 days
   5. Evidence of Household Goods Shipment. Provide a copy of the Bill of Lading/Air Waybill confirming the transportation of your household goods

This comprehensive guide ensures a systematic and well-prepared approach to pet relocation to India. For further assistance, feel free to contact us as your dedicated pet relocation partner.