The journey from India to United States for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. Allow about 8-16 weeks; the requirements are detailed but predictable once mapped out. …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from India to United States
typically takes around 8-16 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The India to United States import process
01
First step. Required by most airlines for cargo transport.
Implant ISO microchip
Responsible: Your veterinarian in India
02
If available in India: use a CDC-approved foreign laboratory vet. This avoids quarantine on arrival. If no approved vet is accessible, plan for US quarantine option and vaccinate at a standard Indian vet.
Rabies vaccination by a USDA-accredited or CDC-approved veterinarian
Responsible: Your veterinarian in India (CDC-approved if possible)
03
Before departure. Complete the electronic form at cdc.gov/importation. Required for all dogs entering the USA.
File CDC Dog Import Form online
Responsible: Owner
04
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
05
Approximately 7 days before departure.
First clinical examination and health certificate preparation
Responsible: AQCS-registered official veterinarian
06
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
07
4-6 weeks before travel. Confirm live animal acceptance and crate size requirements.
Book cargo space with airline
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
08
3-4 hours before departure for cargo check-in.
Travel day: arrive early, present all documents including CDC Dog Import Form printout
Responsible: You and airline cargo desk
Requirements
United States entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
Not federally mandated by CDC for entry, but strongly recommended and required by most airlines for cargo transport. ISO 11784/11785 standard.
Rabies vaccination
Required for dogs. India is classified as a CDC high-risk country for dog rabies. Vaccination must be given by a USDA-accredited or CDC-approved veterinarian, or at a CDC-recognised foreign laboratory. If vaccinated by a non-approved vet in India, the dog must undergo 28-day quarantine at a CDC-registered facility after US arrival. Source: CDC, cdc.gov/importation
Rabies titre test
Not required by CDC for standard entry. Required only if the dog's vaccination does not meet CDC standards.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine if the dog's rabies vaccination meets CDC requirements. Dogs vaccinated by a non-approved vet in India face mandatory 28-day quarantine at a CDC-registered facility at owner's expense.
Import permit
No federal import permit required for personal pet dogs and cats. CDC Dog Import Form (electronic, filed before travel) required for all dogs. Source: CDC, cdc.gov/importation
Health certificate
USDA APHIS-format health certificate required, issued by an Indian official vet and endorsed by AQCS. Cats: no federal health certificate requirement, though airlines typically require one for cargo. Source: USDA APHIS, aphis.usda.gov
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. USDA APHIS-format health certificate from an Indian official 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.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Airline cargo fees (India to USA): typically USD 600-1,800 depending on pet size, crate dimensions, and route
IATA-compliant travel crate: USD 80-300 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): USD 400-800
CDC quarantine facility fees if vaccination pathway not met: USD 1,500-3,000+ for 28 days
US customs broker or agent fee if required for commercial import
Critical points
India is classified as a HIGH-RISK country for dog rabies by the CDC. The rabies vaccination pathway must be followed precisely or the dog faces mandatory 28-day quarantine on arrival at the owner's expense.
The CDC Dog Import Form must be completed and submitted electronically before travel. Dogs without this form will not be admitted.
Cats entering the USA from India have no federal health or vaccination requirements, but airlines require their own documentation for cargo. Check with your specific carrier.
The AQCS NOC is required for all pet exports from India. Without it, the health certificate cannot be correctly endorsed and the airline will not accept the pet.
Verify current CDC requirements at cdc.gov/importation before travel. CDC dog import rules were updated in 2022 and 2024 and may change again.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Air India
International cargo from Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bangalore (BLR), and Chennai (MAA). US routes include Delhi-New York (JFK) and Mumbai-New York. Pets travel in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold via Air India Cargo. No cabin pets on international routes.
Cargo Only
United Airlines
PetSafe cargo programme for international routes. Operates India-USA routes via hubs. Pets travel as live animal cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Advance booking required. Seasonal and breed restrictions apply.
Cargo Only
American Airlines
American Airlines Cargo handles pet transport on India-USA routes. No cabin pets on international routes. Temperature embargoes apply seasonally. Book through cargo division.
Cargo Only
British Airways
Cargo via London Heathrow (LHR) hub. IAG Cargo handles live animal transport. Connecting route adds transit time but offers wide US destination coverage. No cabin pets on any BA route.
Cargo Only
Emirates
Cargo via Dubai (DXB) hub. Emirates SkyCargo from Indian airports to US gateways. Pets in temperature-controlled hold. Temperature restrictions apply in Gulf summer. Connecting route option.
Cargo Only
How United States handles incoming pets
United States asks for several pieces of paperwork, and they all need to line up. A checklist and a clear timeline are your best tools here.
What experienced owners do
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.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
Your dog will face mandatory 28-day quarantine at a CDC-registered facility in the USA on arrival. The cost is paid by the owner and typically runs USD 1,500-3,000 or more. If you have not yet vaccinated your dog, check the CDC list of approved foreign laboratories first at cdc.gov/importation. If the vaccination has already been given at a non-approved vet, your options are to plan for quarantine or to re-vaccinate at an approved facility and wait for the new vaccination to take effect.
No. The CDC has no federal rabies vaccination or health certificate requirements for cats entering the USA from any country, including India. However, airlines transporting cats as cargo typically require their own health documentation. Check with your specific carrier before travel.
The CDC Dog Import Form is an electronic form required for all dogs entering the USA, regardless of origin. It must be completed before departure at cdc.gov/importation. It captures the dog’s vaccination details, microchip number, origin country, and US destination. Dogs without a completed form will not be admitted to the USA. Keep a printout to present at cargo check-in.
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 accept 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
For cats and dogs with CDC-compliant vaccinations: 8-12 weeks from starting preparations, mostly taken up by the AQCS process and health certificate timing. For dogs whose vaccination does not meet CDC standards: factor in either re-vaccination time or the 28-day US quarantine. Start the process as early as possible and confirm your vaccination pathway first.
Airline guides
Air India
United Airlines
American Airlines
British Airways
Emirates
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.