Pet Transport from India to Canada
The India to Canada import process
Responsible: Your veterinarian in India
Responsible: AQCS-registered official veterinarian
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
Responsible: You and airline desk
Which Canada rules depend on a pet coming from India?
Canada sets different rules for 3 groups of countries, and the official wording does not settle on its own which group covers India. Check the group table in our Canada guide before you plan.
None of the Canada rules we have verified names India on its own.
The rules that apply to every pet entering Canada, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Canada guide.
What does India require before your pet leaves?
- Export permit: Not required: AQCS's full list of requirements for exporting a pet dog or cat contains no Indian export permit or licence; only the importing country's own permit, if it has one. Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
Export of pets (Dog & Cats), checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: For export, the owner takes the pet and documents (originals and copies) to the AQCS quarantine office 7 days before embarkation, with a prior appointment, to obtain the NOC (export certificate). Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
Export of pets (Dog & Cats), checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: A fit-to-fly veterinary health certificate from a local registered vet is required, plus microchip certificate, vaccination details, owner's passport and ticket, and any importing-country requirements (import permit, titre test). Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
Export of pets (Dog & Cats), checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: The AQCS export certificate is valid for 10 days from issue or examination. Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
Export of pets (Dog & Cats), checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: The document is the AQCS 'Certificate of Health for Export (Pet Animals)', normally issued the same day. Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: AQCS charges Rs 500 per export certification (DAHD order effective 1 May 2025). Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
Processing fees and quarantine accommodation charges w.e.f. 01.05.2025 (order of 28 April 2025), checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: A separate application form is needed for each pet; if the pet is too young for a vaccination, the mother's vaccination record must be produced. Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
Export of pets (Dog & Cats), checked 1 October 2026
What this route typically costs
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.
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 |
Common questions about this route
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Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.