Pet Transport from Thailand to India

Moving a pet from Thailand to India comes with a significant commitment: India requires a mandatory 30-day quarantine for all incoming pets, with no exemptions. Your dog or cat spends that month in an AQCS-approved facility at your expense. Factor this into your relocation timeline before booking anything.

Beyond the quarantine, this route also requires an India import permit (applied for before departure), an export health certificate from Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development, and a rabies vaccination given at least 30 days before entry. Total preparation time runs to 12-16 weeks including the quarantine stay. Thailand to India is not a last-minute move.

Step-by-Step Process

India Import Requirements

What India requires for pets entering the country.

Exporting from Thailand

What you need from Thailand before your pet can leave.

Cost Factors

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

• Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by weight, crate size, and route)
• IATA-compliant travel crate
• India AQCS import permit application fee
• India 30-day quarantine facility fees (owner's responsibility)
• DLD export health certificate (Thailand)
• Veterinary fees: vaccination, microchip, official health certificate
• Pet transport agent fee if used

Important Warnings

India's mandatory pet quarantine explained

India treats all incoming pets as a biosecurity matter and requires a 30-day quarantine at an AQCS-approved quarantine facility on arrival, regardless of the pet’s vaccination history or country of origin. The quarantine is supervised by veterinary staff, and the owner pays the facility fees for the entire period.

The quarantine cannot be conducted at home or reduced by presenting test results. It is a fixed government requirement under India’s Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

To avoid delays on arrival, pre-confirm your quarantine reservation with the AQCS before you travel. AQCS operates facilities at major international airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. Contact the AQCS directly to confirm availability for your arrival date.

India import permit and how to apply

A formal import permit is required before your pet can enter India. Permits are issued by AQCS (Animal Quarantine and Certification Services) or the State Animal Husbandry Department, depending on your port of entry.

The application process typically takes 3-6 weeks. Start it at least 6-8 weeks before your travel date. Do not book flights until you have permit approval in hand – arriving without a permit means your pet will either be held or returned.

Your pet transport agent can handle the AQCS permit application if you are unfamiliar with the process. For a route this complex, using an agent is worth considering.

Thailand export process: DLD health certificate

Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development (DLD) issues export health certificates for pets leaving the country. The certificate is issued by a DLD-accredited veterinarian and must be valid within 14 days of your departure.

Your pet must have a current rabies vaccination at least 30 days old before travel and an ISO microchip. The DLD certificate confirms all of these. Apply through the DLD in advance; do not wait until the week before travel.

As a practical point: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BVK) and Chiang Mai (CNX) are the main departure points. Both Thai Airways and Air India have cargo capability from Bangkok to major Indian cities.