India to UK Pet Transport: Titre Tests, DEFRA Requirements, and Finding Approved Labs
India is classified as a non-listed country by the UK government - meaning it is not on the list of approved rabies-free or low-risk countries. This triggers the full UK import process for pets, including a mandatory rabies titre test.
The UK’s Non-Listed Country Requirements
For pets entering the UK from non-listed countries (which includes India), APHA requires:
- ISO 15-digit microchip implanted before vaccination
- Rabies vaccination administered after microchipping
- Rabies titre test performed at a UK-approved laboratory:
- Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination
- Result must be ≥0.5 IU/mL
- Test must be performed at an approved lab (see below)
- Waiting period: Your pet cannot travel to the UK until 3 months (90 days) after a satisfactory titre test result
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued within 10 days of travel by an APHA-authorised vet (in India, this will be a vet authorised by the Indian government veterinary authority)
- Tapeworm treatment for dogs within 24-120 hours before arrival
Finding Approved Titre Test Labs in India
UK-approved laboratories for the rabies titre test include international reference labs. In India, samples are typically sent to:
- Sent to approved labs abroad (UK APHA Weybridge, or approved EU reference labs)
- Or tested at Indian labs that are UK-approved - check the current APHA approved laboratory list
Blood must be drawn by a licensed vet and the sample shipped under cold chain conditions. Confirm the cold chain requirements with your lab.
The 90-Day Wait
The 90-day waiting period runs from the date of a satisfactory result at the approved lab. It does not start from the blood draw date. Once 90 days have passed, your pet can travel within a 10-day window from the date of the health certificate.
Approved Airfreight Routes
Direct flights from major Indian cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai) to the UK are operated by:
- Air India (cabin for small pets on some routes)
- British Airways cargo
- Emirates via Dubai (cargo only)
- Qatar Airways via Doha (cargo only)
- Lufthansa via Frankfurt
Check the current pet policies for each airline - cargo space must be booked in advance.
Sources: UK APHA non-listed country pet import requirements. Data current as of {TODAY}.