Pet Transport Mexico to India: AQCS Requirements and 2026 Route Guide
Bringing your dog or cat from Mexico to India takes some coordination, but the requirements are well defined. Expect about 6-10 weeks. Nothing here is unusually complex, but the deadlines matter. …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Mexico to India
typically takes around 6-10 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 Mexico to India import process
01
Before vaccinations.
ISO microchip confirmed or implanted.
Responsible: Your vet in Mexico
02
More than 1 month before travel, within 12 months of travel.
Rabies vaccination and core vaccines confirmed current. Antiparasitic treatment planned.
Responsible: Your vet in Mexico
03
At least 15 days before arrival in India.
AQCS NOC applied for from the relevant AQCS station in India.
Responsible: You or your agent in India
04
2-7 days before embarkation from Mexico.
Antiparasitic treatment administered.
Responsible: SENASICA-authorised vet in Mexico
05
Close to departure (within certificate validity period).
SENASICA health certificate issued.
Responsible: SENASICA-authorised vet in Mexico
06
From arrival date.
15-day quarantine at AQCS facility on arrival in India.
Responsible: AQCS India
Requirements
India entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Source: Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS), India, 2026.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination required. Must be administered more than one month and within 12 months before embarkation. Source: AQCS India (aqcsindia.gov.in), 2026.
Rabies titre test
Not required for pets importing to India. Source: AQCS India, 2026.
Quarantine
15-day quarantine at a designated AQCS facility for all imported pets. Begins on arrival. Source: AQCS India, 2026.
Import permit
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from AQCS required. The NOC must be processed at least 15 days before the animal arrives in India. Source: AQCS India (aqcsindia.gov.in), 2026.
Health certificate
Official health certificate from a SENASICA-authorised vet in Mexico, certifying freedom from infectious and contagious diseases. Source: AQCS India, 2026.
Leaving Mexico
Export requirements
Export permit
No formal export permit required for companion animals. Source: SENASICA, 2026.
Health certificate
Official zoosanitary health certificate from a SENASICA-authorised vet in Mexico, meeting India AQCS requirements. Source: SENASICA, 2026.
Costs
What this route typically costs
SENASICA health certificate and antiparasitic treatment: MXN 1,500-4,000 (approx. USD 75-200)
Cargo fees MEX to BOM/DEL via hub: USD 1,800-5,000
IATA-compliant crate: USD 80-300 if needed
Agent fees: USD 300-700
Total typical range: USD 2,279-6,284
Critical points
The AQCS NOC must be lodged at least 15 days before arrival, at the specific AQCS station serving your entry airport (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or Hyderabad). Arrivals without the NOC will face immediate detention.
The 15-day quarantine fee is the owner's responsibility. Confirm current AQCS quarantine rates with the relevant station before travel, as fees can change.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Air India via Gulf or European hub
Air India operates to Mumbai (BOM) and Delhi (DEL). From Mexico, routing involves a connection via the Gulf (Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi) or via Europe (London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam) and then India. Air India Cargo accepts pets in the temperature-controlled hold.
Cargo Only
Qatar Airways Cargo via Doha
Via Doha (DOH) to Delhi or Mumbai. Qatar Airways Cargo has strong India connections and established live animal handling at DOH.
Cargo Only
Emirates Cargo via Dubai
Dubai (DXB) to major Indian cities. Emirates SkyCargo handles pets and has dedicated live animal facilities at DXB.
Cargo Only
British Airways via London
Via Mexico to London Heathrow (LHR) then onward to India. BA World Cargo handles pets, and LHR's Animal Reception Centre is a well-managed transit facility.
Cargo Only
What India requires
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.
Avoiding the common mistakes
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
No. India does not require a titre test for imported pets. You need a microchip, current rabies and core vaccinations (rabies given more than 1 month and within 12 months before travel), antiparasitic treatment 2-7 days before embarkation, a SENASICA health certificate, and an AQCS NOC lodged at least 15 days before arrival. Source: AQCS India (aqcsindia.gov.in), 2026.
15 days at an AQCS facility at the port of entry (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or Hyderabad). All imported pets go through this quarantine regardless of origin. If documentation is correct and the animal is healthy, it is released on day 15. Source: AQCS India, 2026.
The NOC (No Objection Certificate) is the AQCS clearance that allows your pet to enter India. Apply through the AQCS portal (aqcsindia.gov.in) to the station serving your entry airport, at least 15 days before arrival. Include microchip details, vaccination records, and travel dates. Source: AQCS India, 2026.
Airline guides
Air India via Gulf or European hub
Qatar Airways Cargo via Doha
Emirates Cargo via Dubai
British Airways via London
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.