INDIA
Home > Destinations > India
International Pet travel requirements to bring a pet to India –
A Step-by-Step Process
Embarking on a pet relocation journey to India requires careful planning and adherence to specific procedures. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth transition for your furry companion:
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:
-
-
- The owner must have continuously resided abroad for a minimum of two years before entering India.
- The total duration of short visits to India preceding the entry date should not exceed 180 days.
- 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: Microchip Implantation
Insert an ISO 11784/785 microchip with 15 digits before Rabies vaccination.
Step 3: 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 4: Measure Your Pet
Accurately measure your pet and acquire an IATA-specified crate. We recommend trusted brands such as Petmate, Varipet, or SkyKennel.
Step 5: Crate Training
Ensure your pet becomes familiar with the travel crate. Refer to our crate training document HERE for helpful tips.
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
Tip: Use a Pet Relocation Company for assistance if time is limited.
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.
-
- Resignation acceptance Letter from the previous company plus Offer Letter from the new Indian company (if available) for change in companies
- Letter of Assignment to India, explicitly indicating your relocation for work within the same company. (For Expats)
- An experience letter from your employer for having worked abroad for the last two years and more.
- 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
- 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.
Pro Tip: Recommended Pet-Friendly Airlines for travel to India include Qatar Airlines, Lufthansa Airlines, Air France, KLM, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and more.
Attention: This information serves as general guidelines and may not be updated. Contact the relevant authorities for the most current requirements before travel.
Did you know?
In India, it’s not uncommon to find homeless dogs being cared for by communities. Many neighborhoods adopt and collectively take care of these homeless dogs – often referred to as ‘Streeties’, providing them with food, shelter, and even medical attention. These community- managed efforts showcase the compassion and coexistence between humans and stray animals, reflecting the cultural value placed on kindness and care for all living beings.
RELOCATING TO INDIA WITH YOUR PET? HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FOR YOUR FURRY FAMILY MEMBER !
India is generally a pet-friendly country, and there are various services, products, and amenities available for pets. Here’s an overview:
Veterinary Care and Hospitals
Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore boast reputable veterinary clinics. There are hospitals such as Cessna Lifeline, Bangalore Pet Hospital, RMV Multi speciality Veterinary Clinic in Bangalore, Tata Trusts Small Animal Hospital, Pawsitive Wellness Center & Crown vets in Mumbai, CGSHospitals , Vetic & Max vets in Delhi/NCR regions. These facilities offer comprehensive services, including routine check-ups, vaccinations, and emergency care.
Pet Supplies
Popular pet stores like Heads up for Tails , Super Tails, Zigly and Just Dogs are prevalent in major cities. These stores provide a diverse range of pet food, toys, grooming products, and accessories, featuring well-known brands like Royal Canin and Orijen.
Pet-friendly Accomodations
In metro areas, there are pet friendly apartments, gated communities which cater specifically to pet owners. Always check the pet policies when choosing lodging options.
Pet-Grooming Services
Avail the services of established grooming salons like Shevars Spa and Grooming, Brush & Groom, Petsburgh & Zigly offering grooming, bathing, and nail trimming services for pets.
Pet Cafes and Events
Most Cities host pet friendly cafés providing opportunities for socializing and interaction among pets and their parents.
Some popular ones are Raasta Café, Toit, Bohemians Bengauru, Sunny’s in Bangalore, Wild Garden Café At Amethyst, The Summer House Eatery, Drizzle By The Beach in Chennai, The Pet Café, Slice’d – The Gourmet Pizzeria in Hyderabad, The Pet Café Pune, Terttulia, The Flour Works in Pune, Madeira and Mime, Cat Cafe Studio, Doolally Taproom in Mumbai and Big Fat Sandwich, QBFCoffee, Cafe Soul Garden in Delhi/NCR regions.
Pet Transportation Services
For safe and comfortable pet travel, services like Anvis Pet Relocation specialize in international transportation of pets.
Pet Insurance
Explore pet insurance plans from providers like Bajaj Allianz Pet Dog Insurance Policy, Future Generali India Dog Health Insurance & Digit Pet Insurance Policy to ensure coverage for veterinary expenses.
Pet Adoption Centres
Consider adopting from reputable centers’ like CARE, CUPA Second chance or Let’s Live Together in Bangalore, Animals Matter to me in Mumbai or Frendicos in Delhi, contributing to the welfare of animals in need
PET FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOODS IN INDIA
In India, several neighborhoods are known for being pet-friendly, offering amenities, parks, and a welcoming atmosphere for pets and their owners. Here are some pet-friendly neighborhoods in major cities.
Mumbai:
-
-
- Bandra: Often referred to as the “Queen of Suburbs,” Bandra has numerous pet-friendly cafes, grooming salons, and parks.
- Powai: This suburban area has open spaces and pet-friendly housing options.
- Juhu: Known for its beach and parks, Juhu is a popular choice for pet owners.
-
Delhi:
-
-
- Saket: Offers pet-friendly cafes, parks, and veterinary clinics.
- Vasant Kunj: Known for spacious residential areas and pet-friendly parks.
- Greater Kailash (GK): Features parks and pet-friendly establishments.
-
Bangalore:
-
-
- Indiranagar: A vibrant neighborhood with pet-friendly cafes, parks, and pet stores.
- Koramangala: Known for its green spaces and pet-friendly businesses.
- Whitefield: Offers pet-friendly housing options and parks.
-
Chennai:
-
-
- Adyar: Known for its parks and pet-friendly cafes.
- Besant Nagar: Features a pet-friendly beach and open spaces.
- Anna Nagar: Offers residential areas with pet-friendly amenities.
-
Hyderabad:
-
-
- Jubilee Hills: A popular area with pet-friendly parks and cafes.
- Banjara Hills: Known for its upscale residential areas and pet-friendly services.
- Gachibowli: Offers pet-friendly housing options and parks.
-
Pune:
-
-
- Koregaon Park: Known for its green spaces and pet-friendly cafes.
- Kalyani Nagar: Features parks and pet-friendly establishments.
- Baner: A residential area with pet-friendly amenities.
-
Take your pet along on your next international travel! We can make it happen!
