Shipping a dog or cat from India to Germany rewards owners who start planning early. Expect around 22-24 weeks of lead time to line up the documents and the fixed waiting periods. No routine quarantine applies as long as every requirement …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from India to Germany
typically takes around 22-24 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The India to Germany pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm ISO microchip predates rabies vaccination.
Responsible: Vet in India
5+ months before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination and 21-day post-primary wait.
Responsible: Vet in India
5+ months before travel
3
Apply to AQCS for NOC (allow at least 30 days for processing).
Responsible: Owner or agent, AQCS
4-5 months before travel
4
Blood drawn for FAVN titre test. 3-month wait starts from this date.
Responsible: Official vet and EU-approved laboratory
4-5 months before travel
5
Wait 3 months from blood sampling date.
Responsible: N/A - mandatory waiting period
3 months from blood draw
6
Book cargo from DEL or BOM to FRA on Lufthansa or Air India.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
7
Obtain DAHD-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: DAHD-authorised vet plus DAHD endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
8
Depart DEL or BOM. German customs inspects at Frankfurt.
Responsible: Airline cargo and German customs
Travel day
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Germany
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required. India is not EU-listed. FAVN titre test required. Blood drawn after microchip and valid vaccination. 3-month wait from blood sampling date. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. German customs (Zoll) inspects at Frankfurt (FRA) or destination airport.
Import permit
No import permit. DAHD-endorsed EU-format certificate with AQCS NOC are the required documents.
Health certificate
EU-format certificate endorsed by DAHD, within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (India)
AQCS NOC required for all pet exports from India. Issued after inspection at the designated AQCS quarantine station. Primary departure airports for Europe: Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM).
DAHD-endorsed health certificate: INR 1,000-3,000 (approximately EUR 10-35)
FAVN titre test (EU-approved laboratory): EUR 85-170
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo DEL/BOM to FRA (Lufthansa or Air India direct): EUR 900-2,100 depending on crate size
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 1,300-3,200
Critical points to read before you book
India is not EU-listed: FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood draw are mandatory. Start 5+ months before travel.
AQCS NOC application takes up to 30 days; apply well ahead.
3-month wait runs from blood draw date, not results date.
Germany Bundesland breed restrictions vary; check your destination state.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa Cargo
Lufthansa operates direct from Delhi (DEL) to Frankfurt (FRA). Lufthansa Cargo handles live animals in temperature-controlled holds. Frankfurt is Germany's main live animal cargo hub.
Cargo Only
AIR INDIA
Air India Cargo
Air India operates between DEL and FRA direct. Air India Cargo accepts live animals on selected European routes. India's flag carrier on the Delhi to Frankfurt corridor.
Cargo Only
EMIRATES
Emirates SkyCargo via DXB
Emirates connects from Delhi or Mumbai via Dubai to Frankfurt and other German airports. Emirates SkyCargo handles live animals at Dubai International.
Cargo Only
What Germany requires
Bringing a pet into Germany involves a fair amount of documentation. Keep everything organised and check each item against the current requirements before you book.
Avoiding the common mistakes
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
FAQ
Common questions about India to Germany pet transport
Yes. India is not EU-listed, so the FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood sampling date are mandatory. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
The AQCS (Animal Quarantine and Certification Service) NOC is a No Objection Certificate required for all pet exports from India. It is issued after an AQCS inspection of your pet. Apply at least 30 days before travel as processing takes several weeks.
Yes. Lufthansa Cargo operates direct from DEL to FRA and accepts live animals. Air India Cargo is another direct option on this route. Book four to six weeks ahead.
Cargo from DEL to FRA typically costs EUR 900 to EUR 2,100. Add EUR 85-170 for the titre test, EUR 20-55 for the AQCS NOC, and EUR 10-35 for the DAHD certificate. Total all-in is typically EUR 1,300 to EUR 3,200.
Airline guides
Lufthansa Cargo
Air India Cargo
Emirates SkyCargo via DXB
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.