Major pet-friendly neighbourhoods in cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai and a growing number of pet services (including pet cafes, trainers, and boarding options) is making life with pets in India vibrant and continuously evolving. That said, staying up to speed on the legalities of pet importation into India can be complex, with strict rules and documentation requirements. This guide will walk you through what you need to know to about India pet import, whether they’re flying as excess baggage or as manifest cargo.
Bringing pets to India: Who is eligible?
Pet importation into India is tightly regulated and only permitted under specific relocation circumstances:
Indian citizens
You must be returning to India permanently after a stay of at least 2 years abroad. You must also not have stayed in India for more than 180 days in those last 2 years.
Foreign citizens
Only foreigners relocating to India for employment under a “Transfer of Residence” are eligible to import up to two pets.
Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)
You must provide an affidavit confirming that you are permanently relocating to India.
Each traveller is permitted to bring in a maximum of two pets (dogs or cats only) under these guidelines.
Bringing pets to India: Entry timeline and travel conditions
The timing of your pet’s entry is crucial and must align with your own arrival in India:
- If your pet is travelling as accompanied baggage, they must be on the same flight as you.
- If travelling as manifest cargo, your pet must arrive within 30 days of your own arrival in India.
Bringing pets to India: Vaccination, microchipping, and health certification
India has strict health requirements for pets being imported. These include:
Microchipping
Your pet must be chipped with an ISO-compliant microchip.
Vaccinations
Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies and DHPPi+L (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis).
Cats must be vaccinated against rabies and FCV (Feline Calicivirus) at a minimum.
Each vaccine must include at least two booster doses given in succession, without breaks in the cycle.
The latest dose must be older than 30 days but not more than 12 months prior to travel.
Additional requirements for cats
In addition to the above:
Cats must now also have a negative PCR test for Covid-19, or an Annex to Health Certificate endorsed by the official government veterinary authority in the country of export.
These must be issued within 7 days of arrival and submitted immediately to allow sufficient time for the import NOC to be processed.
Bringing pets to India: Import documentation
Here’s a quick checklist of key documents required to import pets into India:
- Valid passport and visa (or OCI card, where applicable)
- Proof of residence abroad for the previous 2 years (for Indian citizens)
- Transfer of Residence employment contract (for foreign citizens)
- Affidavit of permanent relocation (for OCI card holders)
- Veterinary health certificate issued by a government vet in the country of export
- Vaccination records, including details of vaccine history and boosters
- Microchip certificate
- Covid-19 PCR test or Annexure for cats
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS) in India
Important: All documents must be in English and clearly legible. Missing or incorrect paperwork can result in delays or rejection of entry.
Bringing pets to India: Clearance on arrival
Pets arriving in India must be cleared at an Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS) station, located in key cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
Once cleared, pets may be subject to a short inspection period at the AQCS facility. In most cases, if documentation is in order and pets are healthy, release is granted on the same day.
Pet lifestyle and ownership in India
Urban India is becoming increasingly pet-friendly, though challenges remain. Many housing societies are now embracing pet ownership, but the rules can vary. So make sure to check pet policies before signing a lease.
India has seen growth in pet healthcare, grooming, and training services. Online platforms like Supertails offer veterinary support and home delivery for pet supplies. Registration of pets with local municipal authorities is encouraged, and some cities have introduced dedicated dog parks and pet zones.
Although there’s been a clear increase in pet acceptance, pet owners still face issues with neighbours or landlords, especially in densely populated areas. Knowing your rights can help—Indian law recognises pets as family and protects your right to keep them under various welfare provisions.
India pet import: Tips for a smooth relocation
- Start early. The entire India pet import process, especially obtaining the NOC and coordinating health tests, can take several weeks.
- Use a pet relocation professional. Navigating Indian customs and AQCS can be complicated, and a professional service ensures compliance and peace of mind.
- Keep records organised. Carry hard copies and digital scans of all certificates, ID proofs, and veterinary documentation.
- Prepare for weather. Indian summers can be harsh, especially in the north. Plan your pet’s arrival in a temperate season if possible.
Final thoughts
India welcomes pets, but bringing your furry companion here requires careful planning and strict adherence to the country’s import guidelines. With the right preparation, your dog or cat can begin their new adventure in one of the world’s most culturally rich and dynamic countries.
Need help with the paperwork or logistics of bringing pets to India? Purrfect Pilots is here to help every paw-step of the way.
