Pet Transport from India to Canada

If you are relocating a pet from India to Canada, the process is manageable once you know the sequence. Give yourself close to 6-12 weeks so none of the fixed waiting periods catch you out. Compliant …

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6-12

Weeks lead time needed

Start this early minimum

None

Quarantine on arrival

Moderate

Route complexity

Airlines on this route

Lead time needed

6-12 weeks

Quarantine

None

Route complexity

Moderate

Airlines

5 carriers on this route

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In short: Preparing to move a pet from India to Canada typically takes around 6-12 weeks. There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets. A rabies titre test is not required.

Regulations checked June 2026

Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team

Step by step

The India to Canada import process

First step. Required by most airlines for cargo. Recommended before vaccinations.

Implant ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Responsible: Your veterinarian in India

After microchipping. Check that the vaccination will still be within its validity period on arrival in Canada. If the last vaccination is more than 3 years old, re-vaccinate.

Rabies vaccination (for dogs)

Responsible: Your veterinarian in India

4-6 weeks before planned travel. Apply to the relevant AQCS regional office.

Apply for AQCS No-Objection Certificate (NOC)

Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent

Approximately 7 days before departure.

First clinical examination and health certificate preparation

Responsible: AQCS-registered official veterinarian

Within 2 days of departure. Certificate valid 14 days from issue.

Second clinical examination, health certificate completion and AQCS endorsement

Responsible: Official veterinarian and AQCS

4-6 weeks before travel. Confirm live animal acceptance and crate size requirements.

Book cargo or cabin space with airline

Responsible: You or your pet transport agent

Arrive 3-4 hours before departure for cargo check-in; 2 hours for cabin.

Travel day: present all documents at check-in or cargo desk

Responsible: You and airline desk

Requirements

Canada entry requirements

Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.

Microchip

ISO 11784/11785 microchip strongly recommended. Not federally mandated by CFIA for entry, but required by most airlines for cargo transport.

Rabies vaccination

Required for dogs from India. Proof of valid rabies vaccination must accompany the dog. If the most recent vaccination is more than 3 years old, re-vaccination is required before travel. Source: CFIA, inspection.gc.ca

Rabies titre test

Not required by CFIA for personal pet imports from India.

Quarantine

No routine quarantine for personal pet dogs and cats arriving with correct documentation. Pets that appear unhealthy or lack documentation may be detained at the border at owner's expense.

Import permit

Not required for personal pet imports (1-2 animals for personal use). Commercial imports (for sale, breeding, adoption, or 3 or more dogs) require a CFIA import permit.

Health certificate

Required. Official health certificate from a registered Indian vet, endorsed by AQCS. Must confirm: microchip number, rabies vaccination details (date, vaccine, batch number), pet is free from infectious disease, fit to travel. Cats: health certificate required; no rabies vaccination requirement for Canada. Source: CFIA, inspection.gc.ca

Leaving India

Export requirements

Export permit

No-Objection Certificate (NOC) required from AQCS before travel. Apply to the AQCS regional office nearest your departure city. Allow 4-6 weeks. Source: aqcsindia.gov.in

Health certificate

Required. Health certificate from a registered Indian vet, endorsed by AQCS (Animal Quarantine and Certification Services, aqcsindia.gov.in). Two clinical examinations required: first approximately 7 days before travel, second within 2 days of departure. Certificate valid 14 days from issue date. Format must meet CFIA requirements.

Costs

What this route typically costs

Airline cargo fees (India to Canada): typically CAD 700-1,600 depending on pet size, crate dimensions, and route

IATA-compliant travel crate: CAD 100-350 depending on size

Veterinary fees in India: microchip, vaccinations, clinical exams, health certificate preparation

AQCS NOC application and health certificate endorsement fees

Pet transport agent fee (recommended for this route): CAD 400-700

Potential CBSA inspection fee at Canadian border if documentation is queried

Pet registration and licence fees in Canadian province of arrival

Critical points

The AQCS NOC is required for all pet exports from India. Without it, the health certificate cannot be correctly endorsed and airlines will not accept the pet.

Rabies vaccination for dogs must be valid on arrival in Canada. If the most recent vaccination is more than 3 years old, re-vaccination is required before travel. Source: CFIA, inspection.gc.ca

Canada suspended commercial dog imports from high-risk rabies countries in 2022. Personal pet imports with correct documentation are not affected, but verify current CFIA guidance at inspection.gc.ca before travel.

All documentation should be in order before arrival at the Canadian border. CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) inspects pets on arrival. Incomplete paperwork can result in detention or return.

Cats have no rabies vaccination requirement for Canada, but still need a health certificate for airline cargo and CFIA border inspection.

Airlines

Approved carriers on this route

Airline	Notes	Type
Air Canada	Small pets (up to 10kg including carrier) in cabin on some international routes. Larger pets as cargo via Air Canada Cargo in heated/pressurised hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round. Operates India routes via connections.	Cabin and Cargo
Air India	International cargo from Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and other major Indian airports. Canada routes typically via Air India's North America services or connections. Pets in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. No cabin pets on international routes.	Cargo Only
Lufthansa	Cargo from Indian cities via Frankfurt (FRA) hub to Canadian gateways. Pets in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round. Good option for Toronto (YYZ) or Vancouver (YVR) routing.	Cargo Only
British Airways	Cargo via London Heathrow (LHR) hub. IAG Cargo handles live animal transport from India to Canada. Connecting route adds transit time but provides coverage for multiple Canadian cities. No cabin pets on any BA route.	Cargo Only
Emirates	Cargo via Dubai (DXB) hub from Indian airports to Canadian gateways. Emirates SkyCargo handles pets in temperature-controlled hold. Temperature restrictions apply in Gulf summer. Connecting option.	Cargo Only

Canada import rules, explained

Canada keeps its requirements reasonable, though a few steps have fixed timing. Map those out first and the rest falls into place.

Practical tips for this move

Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.

Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.

If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.

Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.

FAQ

Common questions about this route

No. Canada does not require a titre test for personal pet imports from India. Your dog needs a valid rabies vaccination and an official health certificate. If the vaccination is more than 3 years old, re-vaccinate before travel. Source: CFIA, inspection.gc.ca

No routine quarantine is required for personal pets arriving with correct documentation. CBSA inspects pets on arrival. If documentation is incomplete or the pet appears unwell, CBSA may detain the animal at the owner’s expense while the issue is resolved. Arrive with all original documents in order.

AQCS (Animal Quarantine and Certification Services) issues the No-Objection Certificate required for all pet exports from India. Without it, the health certificate cannot be correctly endorsed and airlines will not carry your pet on an international flight. Apply to the AQCS regional office in your city at least 4-6 weeks before travel. Source: aqcsindia.gov.in

No. CFIA does not require rabies vaccination for cats entering Canada. Cats still need an official health certificate for both airline cargo transport and CBSA border inspection. Check with your airline for their specific cat documentation requirements.

Allow 6-12 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. The AQCS NOC process takes 4-6 weeks and the two clinical examinations must be timed around your departure date. There is no titre test or long waiting period required for this route, making it one of the faster India-origin international pet moves.

Airline guides

Air Canada
Air India
Lufthansa
British Airways
Emirates

Breed guides

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