Pet Transport from India to Italy
The India to Italy import process
Responsible: Vet
Responsible: Vet
Responsible: Vet and approved lab
Responsible: Approved lab
Responsible: Owner
Responsible: DAHD vet
Responsible: Owner or agent
Which Italy rules depend on a pet coming from India?
The EU sorts non-EU countries into groups, and India falls in “Non-listed third countries and territories”.
Rabies antibody titration test required: sample taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after primary vaccination and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued, tested in an EU-designated laboratory, result at least 0.5 IU/ml. The 90-day wait does not apply to re-entry of an EU-resident pet whose passport documents a favourable test done before leaving the EU. Official source
These rules apply to that group, on top of the rules every pet follows:
- Rabies titre test: Where required (non-listed origins), the test must measure a level of neutralising antibody to rabies virus in serum of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done in a designated laboratory. Neither the EC page nor 2026/131 (which refers to point 1 of Annex XXI to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692) names a test method such as FAVN or RFFIT. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies titre test: The test must be done by an official laboratory designated under Article 37 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, or by a laboratory in a third country listed in Annex VIII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 designated in line with Article 37(4) and (5) of that Regulation; only laboratories specifically accredited for the method may do it, so the laboratory need not be in the EU. The EC publishes the lists of designated laboratories. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
Designated laboratories for performing rabies antibody titration tests, checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies titre test: The blood sample must be taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after the primary vaccination (or within a current valid vaccination series) and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
The rules that apply to every pet entering Italy, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Italy 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
3-month wait runs from the date the blood was sampled, not the date the result arrives. Starting the process late means your travel date must shift accordingly.
EU-approved lab required for the FAVN test. Confirm approval before submitting blood.
Italy's Ministero della Salute border inspection at FCO or MXP can be thorough. All original documents must be on hand, not in hold luggage.
Microchip must pre-date the first rabies vaccination. There is no exception to this rule.
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| ITA Airways | Direct BOM and DEL to FCO (Rome Fiumicino). Small pets in cabin where eligible; cargo for larger animals. | Mixed |
| Air India | DEL to FCO and MXP (Milan Malpensa) direct. Live animals accepted as cargo. | Cargo Only |
| Lufthansa (via Frankfurt) | India to FCO via FRA hub. Cargo only; well-established live animal transit at FRA. | 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.
- European Commission · European Commission, movement of pet animals