Pet Transport from Japan to India
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Moving a pet from Japan to India is a moderate-complexity route with no titre test requirement and direct flight options from Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Delhi (DEL). The main administrative task is securing the DAHD import clearance from India’s Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying – apply as early as possible, as processing times vary.
On the Japan side, your accredited vet issues a health certificate that must be endorsed by the MAFF regional office. That certificate has a 10-day validity window, so time it carefully around your departure date. Your pet needs a current microchip (ISO standard) and a valid rabies vaccination.
Air India’s direct NRT-DEL service is the simplest option: small pets travel in cabin, larger pets as cargo. Allow 6-10 weeks from starting the process. India’s import rules can change, so confirm current DAHD requirements with a licensed pet relocation agent before you begin. A good agent will handle the DAHD paperwork and make sure the health certificate format matches the current Indian requirements.
Step-by-Step Process
Confirm current DAHD import requirements
At least 8-10 weeks before travel. India's import rules can change; verify current requirements directly with DAHD or a licensed pet relocation agent.
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
Ensure microchip is in place (ISO 11784/11785)
Must be implanted before any vaccinations.
Responsible: Your veterinarian in Japan
Rabies vaccination (and any other required vaccinations)
Current vaccination required within 12 months of travel.
Responsible: Your veterinarian in Japan
Apply for DAHD import permit/clearance (India)
As early as possible. Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
Obtain MAFF-endorsed health certificate (Japan)
Within 10 days of travel. Issued by accredited Japanese vet, endorsed by MAFF regional office.
Responsible: Your veterinarian + MAFF regional office
Book flight and confirm pet space
2-4 weeks before travel. Direct Air India NRT-DEL recommended.
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
Travel day: present all documents at check-in and on arrival at DEL
Arrive early at check-in. DAHD inspection at DEL airport on arrival.
Responsible: You + DAHD inspectors
India Import Requirements
What India requires for pets entering the country.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard.
Rabies Vaccination
Required. Current rabies vaccination (within 12 months of travel).
Rabies Titre Test
Not required for pets entering India.
Quarantine
No mandatory quarantine if documentation is complete and correct. Inspection possible on arrival.
Import Permit
Required. Dogs and cats require clearance from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD). Apply in advance. Processing times vary; allow at least 4-6 weeks.
Health Certificate
Required. MAFF-endorsed health certificate from Japan, plus endorsement by the Indian mission in Japan (if required by current DAHD guidance). Confirm the current format requirement with a pet relocation agent before departure.
Exporting from Japan
What you need from Japan before your pet can leave.
Export Permit
No formal export permit required for most destinations. A MAFF-endorsed health certificate is the primary export document for pets leaving Japan.
Cost Factors
Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.
- Airline cabin or cargo fees (varies by carrier, pet weight, and crate size)
- IATA-compliant travel crate
- Veterinary fees (health certificate, vaccinations)
- MAFF health certificate endorsement fee (Japan)
- DAHD import permit processing (India)
- Pet transport agent fee (recommended for DAHD documentation)
Important Warnings
Frequently Asked Questions
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