Bringing your dog or cat from Malaysia to India takes some coordination, but the requirements are well defined. Around 4-8 weeks is typical, with a straightforward sequence to work through. Factor in 15 days of quarantine at the …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Malaysia to India
typically takes around 4-8 weeks.
Expect 15 days of quarantine on arrival.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Malaysia to India pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Ensure microchip and rabies vaccination are current
Responsible: DVS-authorised vet Malaysia
Rabies vaccination must be more than 1 month before travel
2
Apply for AQCS NOC (India)
Responsible: Owner or Indian agent
At least 2 weeks before travel; NOC takes 5 working days
3
Obtain DVS export health certificate
Responsible: DVS-authorised vet Malaysia
Shortly before travel date
4
Book MASKargo or Air India Cargo space
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
5
Arrive AQCS airport in India; 15-day quarantine begins
Responsible: AQCS India
On arrival
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter India
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 or AVID microchip required.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Administered more than 1 month before travel to India. Must be within 12 months of arrival.
Rabies titre test
Not required. India does not mandate a FAVN titre test from any origin country.
Quarantine
15 days at an AQCS quarantine facility on arrival. Can extend to 30 days if health concerns arise.
Health certificate
DVS export health certificate confirming freedom from infectious disease, including rabies, distemper, parvo and leptospirosis.
Export permit (Malaysia)
No formal export permit required for pet cats and dogs leaving Malaysia.
Costs
What this route typically costs
DVS export health certificate Malaysia: RM 100-300
Rabies vaccination Malaysia: RM 40-120
AQCS NOC India application: minimal government fee
Malaysia Airlines MASKargo KUL to DEL or BOM: USD 600-1,700 depending on crate
AQCS India quarantine 15 days: INR 5,000-15,000 (USD 60-180)
Pet agent India (recommended): USD 400-900
Total typical range: USD 1,400-3,200 for a medium dog
Critical points to read before you book
The AQCS NOC must be obtained before the pet departs Malaysia. A pet arriving in India without an NOC will be held at the airport while the paperwork is resolved.
India only accepts pets at airports with AQCS stations: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Route the cargo accordingly.
Malaysia is rabies-endemic. The DVS health certificate should clearly state the animal's vaccination history. India's AQCS officers scrutinise documents from endemic-country origins carefully.
The 15-day quarantine is at the AQCS facility, not at a private kennel. Confirm visiting hours with your destination AQCS station in advance.
Do not confuse the Malaysian DVS export process with a travel document. The Indian AQCS NOC is the import-side document and must be arranged separately.
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.
MALAYSIA
Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines (MH) operates direct services from KLIA (KUL) to DEL and BOM. MASKargo handles live animal shipments. Direct routing preferred for shorter transit. Book MASKargo 4-6 weeks ahead for large pets.
Cargo Only
AIR INDIA
Air India
Air India flies KUL to DEL and BOM. Pet cargo available. Given Delhi and Mumbai are Air India hubs, the arrival handling is straightforward.
Cargo Only
AIRASIA
AirAsia
AirAsia does not operate long-haul international pet cargo services suitable for this route. Not suitable for large dogs or overnight international cargo.
Not Suitable
Meeting India's entry requirements
Getting a pet into India is a middle of the road process. The rules are well defined, so most of the work is simply staying on schedule.
Advice worth following
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 Malaysia to India pet transport
No. India does not require a FAVN titre test for pets from any country, including Malaysia. The requirements are an ISO microchip, a current rabies vaccination (more than 1 month before travel, within 12 months), an AQCS NOC obtained before departure, and a DVS export health certificate.
Apply directly to the AQCS quarantine station at your intended Indian arrival airport (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata or Hyderabad). Submit your pet’s vaccination records, microchip details and intended travel date. Processing takes approximately 5 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
This question concerns the return route. For the Malaysia-to-India direction, on arrival in India the pet spends 15 days in AQCS quarantine. There is no issue with the Malaysian side for the forward journey; Malaysia has processed the pet for export.
Choose whichever AQCS-equipped airport is most convenient for your destination: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata or Hyderabad. All five have AQCS quarantine stations where the 15-day observation can be served. Do not route the pet through an airport not on this list.
Airline guides
Malaysia Airlines
Air India
AirAsia
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.