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Pet Transport from Philippines to India

Moderate complexity 8-12 weeks typical

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Moving a pet from the Philippines to India is a moderate-complexity route with direct flights available and no titre test requirement – but the DAHD import clearance from India’s Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying adds meaningful lead time to the process.

Start the DAHD clearance application as early as possible. Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks, and you cannot travel without it. On the Philippines side, the BAI export permit and health certificate can be arranged concurrently, which helps compress the overall timeline.

Philippine Airlines and Air India both fly direct from Manila (MNL) to Delhi (DEL), accepting small pets in cabin and larger pets as cargo. Delhi is the recommended entry point – other Indian airports may have limited DAHD inspection capacity. Allow 8-12 weeks from starting the process to travel day. India’s import rules can change, so verify current DAHD requirements at the start with a licensed pet relocation agent.

Step-by-Step Process


1
Confirm current DAHD import requirements for India

At least 8-10 weeks before travel. India's import rules can change. Verify with DAHD directly or through a licensed pet relocation agent.

Responsible: You or your pet transport agent

2
Ensure microchip is in place (ISO 11784/11785)

Before vaccinations.

Responsible: Your veterinarian in Philippines

3
Rabies vaccination (and all required vaccinations)

Must be current within 12 months of travel.

Responsible: Your veterinarian in Philippines

4
Apply for DAHD import clearance (India)

As early as possible. Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

Responsible: You or your pet transport agent

5
Apply for BAI export permit (Philippines)

Allow 1-2 weeks. Can run concurrently with DAHD application.

Responsible: You or your pet transport agent

6
Obtain BAI export health certificate (Philippines)

Within 10 days of travel.

Responsible: Your veterinarian + BAI

7
Book flight and confirm pet space

2-4 weeks before travel. Philippine Airlines or Air India direct MNL-DEL.

Responsible: You or your pet transport agent

8
DAHD inspection on arrival at DEL

On arrival. Present all documents including DAHD clearance, BAI health certificate, and vaccination records.

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. Inspection by DAHD officials at the airport on arrival is standard.

Import Permit

Required. Dogs and cats need import clearance from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India. Apply well in advance; allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

Health Certificate

Required. BAI-endorsed health certificate from the Philippines. May also require endorsement by the Indian mission (Embassy/Consulate) in Manila -- confirm current requirements with DAHD or a licensed agent.

Exporting from Philippines


What you need from Philippines before your pet can leave.

Export Permit

Required. Export permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). Apply in advance; processing takes 1-2 weeks. The export permit and health certificate are the primary export documents.

Cost Factors


Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.

  • Airline cabin or cargo fees
  • IATA-compliant travel crate
  • Veterinary fees (health certificate, vaccinations)
  • BAI export permit fee (Philippines)
  • BAI health certificate fee
  • DAHD import clearance fee (India)
  • Pet transport agent fee (recommended for DAHD documentation)

Important Warnings


India's pet import rules can change. Always verify current DAHD requirements before starting the process. Do not rely on outdated information.
The DAHD import clearance must be obtained before travel. Arriving without it can result in your pet being held at the airport.
The BAI health certificate has a 10-day validity window from issue to travel. Coordinate closely with your departure date.
Brachycephalic breeds face cargo restrictions on most airlines. Cabin travel on Philippine Airlines or Air India is the better option for small flat-faced dogs and cats.
Some Indian airports may have limited DAHD inspection capacity outside Delhi (DEL). Confirm entry point availability before booking to Mumbai (BOM) or Bangalore (BLR).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Dogs and cats entering India require import clearance from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD). Apply well in advance – processing typically takes 4-6 weeks. Do not travel without this clearance.

Your pet needs a BAI export permit and a BAI-issued export health certificate. The health certificate confirms the animal is microchipped, vaccinated, and free from infectious disease. It must be issued within 10 days of travel.

No. India does not require a rabies titre test for pets entering from the Philippines. A current rabies vaccination (within 12 months of travel) is sufficient.

Philippine Airlines and Air India both operate direct Manila (MNL) to Delhi (DEL) services. Both accept small pets in cabin and larger pets as cargo with advance booking.

Allow 8-12 weeks. The timeline is driven mainly by the DAHD import clearance processing time (4-6 weeks). The BAI export permit can run concurrently. Start the DAHD application as early as possible.

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