Country Compliance
India Pet Import Requirements
Official veterinary regulations, microchip standards, rabies rules, and breed restrictions for entering India.
1. Microchip & Identification
ISO Microchip required. Should be readable on ISO Microchip scanner.
2. Rabies Vaccination
Rabies vaccination should be administerer at least 30 days before entry and less 12 month at the time of entry.
3. Titre Tests & Bloodwork
No test required for Dogs and Cats.
4. Quarantine Requirements
30 days quarantine applicable for animals other than dogs and cats.
Application for import/ export permits for dogs/cats happens 10 days before travel.
Advance NOC is needed for all pets. Dogs and cats will avoid quarantine if they show no signs of illness at time of inspection after arrival. Pets other than dogs and cats, go into mandatory quarantine for 30 days.
Post-Import Requirements for Cats:
- An undertaking from the owner to inform the concerned Animal Quarantine and Certification Services if any respiratory illness is observed in the pet cat within 14 days of import into India.
5. Breed Restrictions
Only Dogs & Cats can be imported under baggage rules.
As of March 12, 2024 the following Breeds and Cross breeds have been banned for import, breeding, selling as pets and other purposes. Dogs of these breeds or crossbreeds that are in the country now, must be sterilized.
- Pitbull Terrier
- Tosa Inu
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Fila Brasileiro
- Dogo Argentino
- American Bulldog
- Boerboel
- Kangal
- Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Ovcharka)
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog (Ovcharka)
- South Russian Shepherd Dog (Ovcharka)
- Tornjak
- Sarplaninac
- Japanese Tosa
- Akita
- Mastiffs (Boerbulls)
- Rottweiler
- Terriers (specific types not specified)
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Wolf dogs
- Presa Canario
- Akbash Dog
- Moscow Guard Dog
- Cane Corso
- Any dog commonly known as a Bandog (or Ban Dog)
- Government Memorandum
Pre-Import Requirements for Cats:
- The Official Veterinary Health Certificate must certify that "the cat, on the day of examination, shows no clinical signs and symptoms of Influenza-like Illness (ILI), including respiratory distress."
- The examination of the cat must be conducted no more than 7 days before shipment.
Post-Import Requirements for Cats:
- An undertaking from the owner to inform the concerned Animal Quarantine and Certification Services if any respiratory illness is observed in the pet cat within 14 days of import into India.
Done-for-You Service
Breed rules in India can mean a border denial.
Our IPATA-certified team verifies your specific breed against India's current import rules and manages every document â so you arrive cleared, not turned away.
Get a India Relocation Quote6. Customs & Import Rules
For pets travelling as excess baggage and cabin baggage to India, after arrival inspection by AQCS office staff will be done at the airport. For pets coming as manifested cargo the pet and owner have to go to AQCS office for after arrival vet inspection.
Original Passport of Owner needed at time of pet's arrival to complete customs clearance.
Original signed customs forms needed for application
Pet should arrive within one month of the owners arrival.
Owner eligible to bring 2 pets under Transfer of residence (TR) rules.
Owner cannot bring pets under Business or Tourist Visa
Short visits made to India have not exceeded 180 days in the last 2 years
Owner must be permanently move to India, with intention to stay for atleast 2 year
Custom Rule: 15/2013 for import of pets:
Custom Rule: 25/2013 for re-import of pets from Indian origin:
Baggage Rules 1998 and Revised Baggage Rules 2016 also must be reviewed and followed. 36.05 % Import Duty will be levied and have to paid.
Value will be decided by the customs.
Common Questions
India pet travel â frequently asked
Are there breed restrictions for pets entering India?
Yes, India enforces breed restrictions for incoming pets. Review the Breed Restrictions section on this page for the specific breeds affected, or contact our team for a breed-specific compliance assessment.
Does India require quarantine for dogs and cats?
Yes, quarantine requirements apply for pets entering India. See the Quarantine Requirements section for holding periods, conditions, and approved facilities.
What documents do I need to bring my pet to India?
Pets entering India typically require an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian, plus a rabies titre (antibody) test. Requirements vary by origin country â check each section above for the most current rules.
Pet Travel Guides
Where are you heading in India?
Each city guide covers hotels, vets, experiences, and airport conciergeâ fully coordinated with India's import requirements above.
Mumbai
Transfer-of-residence pet relocation with AQCS NOC coordination â full compliance management for permanent relocations only.
Full Mumbai pet travel guideDelhi
DAHD import permit management and AQCS reception at IGI â India's capital with extraordinary pet-walking heritage.
Full Delhi pet travel guideBengaluru
DAHD permit management and AQCS reception at BLR â India's garden city with misty park mornings and a booming pet culture.
Full Bengaluru pet travel guideChennai
DAHD permit management and AQCS reception at MAA â South India's gateway with the world's longest urban beach.
Full Chennai pet travel guideHyderabad
DAHD permit management and AQCS reception at HYD â the City of Pearls, with palace grounds and a thriving tech-expat pet community.
Full Hyderabad pet travel guidePopular Airlines
Airlines flying pets to India
Each airline has its own breed restrictions, weight limits, and cargo embargo windows. Check policies before you book.
