Shipping a dog or cat from Philippines to India rewards owners who start planning early. Plan on roughly 4-8 weeks; the checklist is clear and the timing is manageable. Your pet will spend 15 days in quarantine after landing.
This route …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Philippines 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 Philippines 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: BAI-authorised vet Philippines
Rabies vaccination must be more than 1 month before travel
2
Apply for AQCS NOC (India)
Responsible: Owner or Indian-based agent
At least 2 weeks before departure; takes 5 working days
3
Obtain BAI export health certificate
Responsible: BAI-authorised vet
Shortly before travel; must be current
4
Book Philippine Airlines Cargo or Air India Cargo
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
5
Arrive at AQCS airport in India; 15-day quarantine begins
Responsible: AQCS India
On arrival day
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 arrival. Within 12 months of travel date.
Rabies titre test
Not required. India does not mandate a FAVN titre test from any origin, including the Philippines.
Quarantine
15-day quarantine at AQCS facility on arrival. Extendable to 30 days if health concerns arise.
Health certificate
BAI export health certificate confirming freedom from infectious disease including rabies, distemper and leptospirosis.
Export permit (Philippines)
No formal export permit required for pet cats and dogs leaving the Philippines.
Costs
What this route typically costs
BAI export health certificate Philippines: PHP 500-2,000
Rabies vaccination: PHP 500-1,500
AQCS NOC India: minimal government fee
Philippine Airlines cargo MNL to DEL or BOM: USD 600-1,600 depending on crate size
AQCS India quarantine 15 days: INR 5,000-15,000 (USD 60-180)
Agent fee India: USD 400-900 (recommended)
Total typical range: USD 1,400-3,200 for a medium dog
Critical points to read before you book
The AQCS NOC must be secured before the pet's flight departs Manila. Arriving in India without a NOC results in airport detention of the animal.
The Philippines is rabies-endemic. India's AQCS will scrutinise the vaccination record carefully. Ensure the BAI health certificate is complete and clearly dated.
Only land at AQCS-equipped Indian airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata or Hyderabad. Other airports cannot process live animal arrivals.
The 15-day quarantine at the AQCS facility is at a government station, not a private kennel. Confirm visiting arrangements with the specific AQCS station before travel.
Cats face the same requirements as dogs on this route: microchip, rabies vaccination, AQCS NOC and 15-day quarantine.
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.
PHILIPPINE
Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines (PR) operates direct MNL (Manila) to DEL (Delhi) and BOM (Mumbai) services. Live animal cargo available through PR Cargo. Direct routing reduces transit stress. Book in advance for large pets.
Cargo Only
AIR INDIA
Air India
Air India operates Manila to Delhi and Mumbai. Pet cargo available. Useful given Delhi and Mumbai are Air India's primary hubs with established AQCS facilities.
Cargo Only
India entry requirements at a glance
The path into India is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.
Getting the details right
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.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
FAQ
Common questions about Philippines to India pet transport
No. India does not require a FAVN titre test from the Philippines or from any other country. The requirements are an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination (more than 1 month before travel, within 12 months), an AQCS NOC obtained before departure, and a BAI export health certificate.
Apply 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. The NOC takes approximately 5 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure.
No. India only accepts live animal arrivals at airports with AQCS quarantine stations: Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Chennai (MAA), Kolkata (CCU) and Hyderabad (HYD). Route the cargo flight to one of these airports.
Philippine Airlines operates direct cargo services from Manila to both Delhi and Mumbai. Air India also serves this corridor. Both require IATA-compliant crates. Contact each carrier’s cargo desk for current rates and availability. Book at least 4-6 weeks ahead for large dogs.
Airline guides
Philippine Airlines
Air India
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.