IN

Importing Your Pet to India

Moderate to import

India has a two-tier clearance system for pet imports: a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is required, followed by an import permit from the state Animal Husbandry department at the port of entry. This is the step that causes the most delays for first-time importers.

The DGFT NOC process has been simplified in recent years, but still requires advance planning. Total preparation time is typically 8-12 weeks. Pets arrive at Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, or Kolkata, all of which have animal quarantine inspection facilities.

India does not require mandatory post-arrival quarantine for pets arriving with correct documentation from most countries. However, a vet inspection and documentation check takes place at the airport on arrival.

Import Requirements

Microchip

Required (ISO 11784/11785)

Rabies Vaccination

Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 30-day wait after vaccination before travel

Titre Test

Required. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 30-day wait from test date before entry

Quarantine

Mandatory quarantine. 30 days. Facility: AQCS quarantine facility. 30-day quarantine at designated facility.

Import Permit

Required. Issued by: Animal Quarantine and Certification Services. Permit issued by AQCS or State Animal Husbandry Department.

Health Certificate

Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 14 days from issue. Must include all vaccination and test details.

DGFT NOC: start this first

The DGFT NOC is the central document for pet import into India. Apply through the DGFT online portal. You’ll need your pet’s details, the import reason (personal pet / household), origin country, and the entry port. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Once the NOC is in hand, you can proceed with the state-level import permit application at your port of entry. Contact the relevant state Animal Husbandry department in advance: requirements and processing times vary by state.

Airport-specific requirements

The four main entry airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata) each have slightly different procedures. Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport has the most established pet inspection process. Whichever airport you use, confirm the inspection facility operating hours before booking: some ports do not process animal arrivals outside business hours, which can cause overnight detention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, quarantine is mandatory in India. Your pet will be held for 30 days on arrival. The cost is the owner’s responsibility. Ensure all documentation is in order before travel to avoid extended quarantine.

Yes, a rabies titre test is required for pets entering India from most origins. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after vaccination, and there is a 30-day waiting period after a successful result before entry. Start this process early.

Yes, an import permit is required. Apply through Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) before booking your flight. The permit must be obtained before travel.

Yes, cats can be imported into India. The same microchip, vaccination, and health certificate requirements apply as for dogs. Some rules (such as tapeworm treatment) apply to dogs only. Verify current requirements with DAHD.

A government-issued veterinary health certificate is required, endorsed by the official veterinary authority in your origin country. The certificate must be issued close to the travel date (typically within 7-10 days). Contact DAHD or a pet transport agent for the required certificate format.

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India

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Quarantine: Mandatory quarantine. 30 days. Facility: AQCS quarantine facility. 30-day quarantine at designated facility.
  • Code: IN

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