In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Netherlands to India
typically takes around 12-16 weeks.
Expect 7 days of quarantine on arrival.
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Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Reviewed guides prioritise government and carrier sources; older pages are clearly flagged.
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Overview
The journey from Netherlands to India for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. Set aside roughly 12-16 weeks for this route and keep a close eye on the sequencing. A 7 day quarantine stay applies once your pet arrives.
Work through the steps below in order and you will arrive in good shape.
Step by step
The Netherlands to India process
1
First step. Must precede rabies vaccination.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
2
After microchip. Record vaccine type and batch number for certificate.
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
3
Apply 6-8 weeks before travel. Specify Amsterdam as departure and declare port of entry in India.
Apply for AQCS import permit from India
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
4
Within 10 days of departure.
Obtain official veterinary health certificate from NVWA-authorised vet
Responsible: NVWA-authorised official veterinarian (Netherlands)
5
Allow 3-7 working days. Book appointment in advance.
Indian Embassy endorsement (The Hague or Amsterdam consulate)
Responsible: You
6
6-8 weeks before travel.
Book cargo space and confirm AQCS permit is in order
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
7
Arrive 3+ hours before departure. Cargo check-in has different desks from passenger check-in.
Travel day: present full document set at KLM Cargo or partner cargo desk
Responsible: You and cargo team
Checklist
India: entry requirements
Requirement
Detail
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Current vaccination within validity period. Certificate must show vaccine type, batch number, and date of administration.
Rabies titre test
Not routinely required for pets from the Netherlands. AQCS reserves the right to require titre testing. Verify before booking.
Quarantine
Arrival inspection of 24-48 hours standard at AQCS quarantine station. Can extend to 7 days if documents are queried.
Import permit
Required. Apply to India's Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS) at aqcsindia.gov.in. Must specify port of entry. Apply 6-8 weeks before travel.
Health certificate
Official veterinary health certificate from NVWA-authorised vet in the Netherlands. Must be endorsed by the Indian Embassy or consulate before departure.
Official veterinary health certificate required. Issued by an NVWA-authorised official veterinarian in the Netherlands. Must be endorsed by the Indian Embassy in The Hague or Indian Consulate in Amsterdam before travel.
Costs
What this route typically costs
1
Airline cargo fee (Amsterdam to Indian cities, based on pet weight and crate)
2
IATA-compliant hard-sided crate
3
Veterinary fees: microchipping, vaccination, official health certificate
4
AQCS import permit application fee
5
Indian Embassy endorsement fee
6
Arrival inspection or quarantine fee (if applicable)
7
Pet transport agent fee (recommended)
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ AQCS import permit is port-specific. If your arrival city changes, apply for a new permit immediately.
⚠ Health certificate must be endorsed by the Indian Embassy before departure. It cannot be done in India.
⚠ Pets arrive through declared ports only. Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore have AQCS facilities. Confirm your port has current capacity.
⚠ Source: India AQCS (aqcsindia.gov.in); NVWA Netherlands (nvwa.nl).
Carriers
Airlines on this route
Air India
Cargo available for pets on Amsterdam-India routes. Cabin pets accepted on selected routes (small pets under 7kg with carrier). Book cargo space directly with Air India cargo.
Cabin and Cargo
KLM
KLM Cargo handles pet transport on Amsterdam-India routes. Temperature-controlled hold. IATA crate required. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo.
Cabin and Cargo
Lufthansa
Cargo via Lufthansa Cargo. Via Frankfurt to Indian cities. Pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted year-round.
Cabin and Cargo
Emirates
Cargo only via Emirates SkyCargo. Via Dubai to Indian metros. Temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic restrictions apply.
Cargo Only
British Airways
Cargo via British Airways World Cargo. Via London Heathrow to Indian cities. AQCS permit required before booking cargo space.
Cargo Only
India import rules, explained
India has a detailed set of import rules, and each one needs to be satisfied before travel. None of it is unusual, but the order and timing are what catch people out.
Practical tips for this move
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
Apply via aqcsindia.gov.in. Submit your application at least 6-8 weeks before travel and specify your port of entry in India. Your pet transport agent can apply on your behalf. The permit is port-specific and cannot be used for a different arrival city.
Yes. The official health certificate issued by an NVWA-authorised vet must be taken to the Indian Embassy in The Hague or the Indian Consulate in Amsterdam for endorsement before you fly. This step is mandatory.
A standard AQCS inspection takes 24-48 hours. If documentation is complete and endorsed, this is routine. Any missing document or discrepancy can extend the period to 7 days.
KLM Cargo from Schiphol is the most convenient option given the direct route to Indian metros. Air India, Emirates, Lufthansa, and British Airways are further options. All use cargo (manifested freight) for pets on long-haul routes.
Expect costs between EUR 1,200-3,500 depending on your dog’s size, the crate dimensions, the route, and whether you use an agent. This covers cargo fees, crate, vet costs, permit fees, and embassy endorsement. Larger dogs cost more.
Airline guides
Air India
KLM
Lufthansa
Emirates
British Airways
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.