Moving a dog or cat from India to Philippines is very doable with the right preparation. Expect around 8-14 weeks of lead time to line up the documents and the fixed waiting periods. Your pet will spend 30 days in quarantine after landing. …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from India to Philippines
typically takes around 8-14 weeks.
Expect 30 days of quarantine on arrival.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The India to Philippines pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm microchip is ISO-compliant and implanted
Responsible: Vet
Complete before vaccination if not done
2
Administer rabies vaccination (and core vaccines)
Responsible: DAHD-authorised vet
At least 14 days before SPSIC application
3
Apply for SPSIC via BAI online portal
Responsible: Owner or agent
After vaccination is recorded; allow at least 2-3 weeks for processing
4
Receive SPSIC (valid for 2 months)
Responsible: BAI
Plan travel within SPSIC validity window
5
Obtain DAHD health certificate
Responsible: DAHD-authorised vet
Within 14 days of departure
6
Book cargo space on Philippine Airlines or Air India
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before departure
7
Arrive Manila; BAI officer inspects documents
Responsible: BAI/NAIA cargo
On arrival day
8
30-day quarantine at BAI facility
Responsible: BAI
Immediately after arrival inspection
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Philippines
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination must be administered at least 14 days before the SPSIC application is submitted. India is a rabies-endemic country so the vaccination is not waived.
Quarantine
30-day quarantine at BAI quarantine facility on arrival. Owner pays quarantine fees.
Import permit
SPSIC serves as the import clearance. Apply through BAI's online portal. Maximum 3 pets per import clearance.
Health certificate
Official health certificate from DAHD-authorised vet, issued within 14 days of travel.
Export permit (India)
No formal export permit needed, but AQCS export health clearance applies.
Costs
What this route typically costs
DAHD health certificate: INR 2,000-5,000
Rabies vaccination: INR 500-1,500
SPSIC application fee: nominal BAI processing charge
Philippine Airlines cargo from BOM or DEL to MNL: USD 600-1,600 depending on crate size
BAI 30-day quarantine facility fees: approximately PHP 15,000-30,000 (USD 250-530)
Pet relocation agent India: USD 400-900 (recommended to navigate SPSIC application)
Total typical range: USD 1,500-3,500 for a medium dog
Critical points to read before you book
The SPSIC is valid for only 2 months. If your travel date shifts beyond the validity window, you must reapply. Plan your travel date before applying.
BAI restricts each SPSIC to a maximum of 3 pets. If you are moving more than 3 animals, you must apply for multiple clearances.
The pet must be at least 120 days old at the time of SPSIC application. Very young puppies or kittens cannot travel on this route until they reach that minimum age.
India is rabies-endemic. The Philippines BAI will not waive the rabies vaccination requirement for India-origin pets. Ensure vaccination is complete at least 14 days before SPSIC submission.
Do not book cargo until your SPSIC is confirmed. Flying without a valid SPSIC results in the pet being held at Manila airport and potentially returned.
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.
PHILIPPINE
Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines (PR) operates direct services from Manila (MNL) to Mumbai (BOM) and Delhi (DEL), and also serves Chennai, Hyderabad and Cebu connections. Pets as checked baggage or cargo. Contact the PR cargo desk for live animal booking at least 4-6 weeks ahead.
Cargo Only
AIR INDIA
Air India
Air India operates BOM and DEL to MNL routes. Pets travel as cargo. Advance booking required. IATA-compliant crate mandatory.
Cargo Only
CEBU PACIFIC
Cebu Pacific
Cebu Pacific does not accept pets as cargo or in-cabin on international routes from India. Not suitable.
Not Suitable
What Philippines requires
The requirements for Philippines are thorough rather than difficult. Work through them methodically and confirm anything you are unsure about with the official source.
Avoiding the common mistakes
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.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
FAQ
Common questions about India to Philippines pet transport
No. The Philippines does not require a FAVN titre test for pet imports. The main requirements are a rabies vaccination (at least 14 days before SPSIC application), an ISO microchip, a SPSIC clearance from BAI, and a health certificate from a DAHD-authorised vet in India.
You apply through the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) online portal before travel. You will need your pet’s vaccination records, microchip number, and a photograph. Processing takes approximately two to three weeks. The SPSIC is valid for two months from issue. Do not book the cargo flight until the SPSIC is confirmed.
Yes, if it is three animals or fewer. Each SPSIC permits a maximum of three pets. If you have more than three animals, you need separate applications. All animals must meet the 120-day minimum age requirement.
Yes. All pets arriving from India must complete 30 days at a BAI quarantine facility. India is a rabies-endemic country, so there is no shortened pathway. Budget for quarantine fees (approximately PHP 15,000-30,000) alongside your other transport costs.
Airline guides
Philippine Airlines
Air India
Cebu Pacific
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.