Pet Transport from UK to India: DADF NOC, Health Certificate and What to Expect
Moving a pet from the UK to India requires a government-to-government paperwork chain and careful timing. With preparation, the journey is manageable, but the DADF NOC and APHA endorsement process means you need to start 8 to 10 weeks before travel.
Step 1: India DADF NOC
The No Objection Certificate from India’s Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries (DADF) must be obtained before the animal travels. The application requires: species, breed, sex, approximate age, microchip number, and vaccination history. Apply online through the DADF portal or through an IPATA agent with India experience. Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks but can be longer during peak periods.
Step 2: APHA-endorsed health certificate
A UK Official Veterinarian must issue the health certificate and APHA must endorse it. The certificate must confirm: ISO microchip number, rabies vaccination (product, batch, date, expiry), other core vaccinations, fitness to travel, and absence of infectious disease signs. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. The chip must be readable before the NOC and health certificate process begins.
Vaccinations
Rabies is the primary required vaccination. Also recommended (and often checked): distemper, parvo, hepatitis for dogs; cat flu for cats.
Airlines on the UK-India route
British Airways (BA), Virgin Atlantic (VS), Air India (AI), Vistara (formerly), and IndiGo operate this route, though not all accept pets as cargo in all configurations. British Airways and Air India both handle pet cargo on this corridor. Check current pet policies at time of booking, as policies change.
Arriving at Delhi or Mumbai
Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM) both have veterinary inspection facilities. Have the DADF NOC, APHA-endorsed certificate, and microchip verification accessible on arrival. The customs and veterinary clearance process can take 2 to 4 hours at busy airports.
Working with an agent
The combination of DADF NOC, APHA process, and airport clearance in India makes this route complex. An IPATA agent with UK-India experience can manage both ends of the process and significantly reduce the risk of documentation errors.