- Permitted pets: Dogs and cats (most common); exotic animals highly restricted
- Key requirement: AQCS import permit + rabies vaccination + health certificate
- Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip required
- Quarantine: 7–30 days possible depending on country of origin
- Entry ports: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata international airports
- CITES permit: Required for exotic/protected species
- Authority: Animal Quarantine & Certification Services (AQCS) India
- Application: Apply for import permit at least 3–4 weeks before travel
- Which Animals Can Be Imported to India?
- Required Documents for Pet Import
- AQCS Import Permit — How to Apply
- Microchipping Requirements
- Vaccination Requirements
- Quarantine Rules in India
- Airline Pet Policies for India
- Cost of Importing a Pet to India
- Country-Specific Requirements
- Pet Import Checklist
- Pro Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
Which Animals Can Be Imported to India?
India permits the import of dogs and cats as companion animals, subject to documentation and quarantine requirements. The import of other animals is highly regulated under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and India's CITES obligations.
| Animal Type | Import Status | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Permitted | AQCS permit + rabies vaccine + health cert |
| Cats | Permitted | AQCS permit + rabies vaccine + health cert |
| Pet birds (non-CITES) | Restricted | AQCS + bird health cert + Avian Influenza clearance |
| Parrots & exotic birds | Mostly prohibited | CITES permit required; many species banned |
| Rabbits, guinea pigs | Restricted | AQCS permit + health certificate |
| Aquarium fish | Restricted | AQCS + health cert + origin documentation |
| Reptiles | Mostly prohibited | CITES permit; most species banned |
| Wild/protected animals | Prohibited | Not permitted under any circumstances |
Required Documents for Importing Pets to India
All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation. Originals must be presented at the AQCS counter on arrival.
- AQCS Import Permit — obtained from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services India before travel
- Veterinary Health Certificate — issued by a government-accredited vet in your country within 10 days of travel
- Anti-Rabies Vaccination Certificate — valid and up to date; vaccination must be after microchipping
- Microchip Certificate — ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip number and date of implantation
- Deworming and Ectoparasite Treatment Certificate — within 5 days of departure
- CITES Permit — required for any CITES-listed species
- Airline Pet Booking Confirmation — showing your pet is booked on the same flight
AQCS Import Permit — How to Apply
The Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) India is the primary authority for pet imports. You must apply for and receive the import permit before your pet travels — it cannot be obtained at the airport on arrival.
- Visit the AQCS India website at aqcsindia.gov.in
- Submit your application with all required documents
- Pay the applicable permit fee (approximately ₹1,000–₹2,000)
- Receive your permit via email — print and carry the original
- Present the permit at the AQCS counter on arrival at the Indian airport
AQCS offices are located at Delhi (IGI Airport), Mumbai (CSIA), Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru airports. Pets can only enter India through these designated ports of entry.
Microchipping Requirements
Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 compliant 15-digit chip before importing to India. This is mandatory for dogs and strongly recommended for cats.
Vaccination Requirements
| Vaccine | Requirement | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-Rabies (dogs & cats) | Mandatory | After microchip; valid at time of travel |
| Distemper, Parvovirus (dogs) | Recommended / some countries required | Within validity period |
| Feline Panleukopenia (cats) | Recommended | Within validity period |
| Leptospirosis (dogs) | Sometimes required | Check country-specific rules |
Quarantine Rules for Pets Arriving in India
India's quarantine requirements depend on the country of origin and your pet's documentation status. Pets from rabies-free or low-risk countries with complete documentation typically face minimal quarantine. Pets from higher-risk countries may face 7–30 days of quarantine.
To minimise quarantine risk: ensure all documents are complete and valid, apply for the AQCS permit well in advance, and use a reputable international pet transport specialist.
Airline Pet Policies for Flights to India
| Airline | In-Cabin Pets | Cargo Hold Pets | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air India | Yes (small pets, international) | Yes | Max 8 kg including carrier for cabin |
| IndiGo | Yes (domestic only) | No (on most routes) | Check current policy before booking |
| Emirates | No (cargo only) | Yes | Well-regarded for pet cargo |
| Lufthansa | Yes (small pets) | Yes | Good pet policies internationally |
| British Airways | No (cargo only) | Yes | Via dedicated cargo service |
See also: Air India Baggage Guidelines for current pet policies.
Cost of Importing a Pet to India
| Cost Item | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AQCS Import Permit | ₹1,000–₹2,000 | Government fee |
| Vet Health Certificate (abroad) | USD 50–200 | Varies by country/vet |
| Airline pet fee (cabin) | USD 100–200 | Per flight segment |
| Airline pet fee (cargo) | USD 200–500+ | Depends on size/weight/route |
| Quarantine (if required) | ₹1,500–₹3,000/day | Owner's expense |
| Pet transport specialist | ₹30,000–₹1,00,000+ | Optional but recommended |
| CITES permit (if needed) | Varies | Country-dependent |
Country-Specific Requirements
Pet Import Checklist
| Task | Timing Before Travel | Done? |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip implantation | As early as possible | ☐ |
| Rabies vaccination (after chip) | After microchip; check validity | ☐ |
| Rabies titer test (if required) | 4–6 weeks (results take time) | ☐ |
| Apply for AQCS import permit | 4–6 weeks before travel | ☐ |
| Book pet on airline | Same time as own ticket | ☐ |
| Vet health certificate | Within 10 days of departure | ☐ |
| Deworming/ectoparasite treatment | Within 5 days of departure | ☐ |
| Carry all originals + copies | Day of travel | ☐ |
Pro Tips: Importing Pets to India
- Start the process at least 3 months before travel. Between microchipping, vaccinations, titer tests, AQCS permits, and airline bookings, 3 months is the minimum recommended lead time — more if traveling from the UK or Australia.
- Hire a professional pet relocation specialist. Companies like Pet Movers India or international pet relocation firms handle all paperwork and logistics. The cost is worth it given the complexity and the stakes involved.
- Never use sedatives for your pet during air travel without veterinary advice. Most airlines and IATA guidelines advise against sedation, as it can affect breathing at altitude.
- Use an IATA-approved pet carrier. The carrier must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations standards. Your pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally inside. Airlines will reject non-compliant carriers.
- Carry extra copies of all documents. Carry at least 3 sets of all documentation — one for the airline, one for AQCS on arrival, and one as backup. Store digital copies in your email.
- Fly direct whenever possible. Connecting flights add stress for your pet and increase the risk of documentation issues at transit points. Direct flights to Delhi or Mumbai are preferable.
- Inform your building/housing society in India in advance. Many Indian residential societies have rules about pets. Check before you arrive to avoid complications upon landing.
- Find a vet in India before you arrive. Research and contact a reputable veterinarian near your destination in India before travel, so you have someone to call immediately if your pet needs medical attention after arrival.
Related Articles
- Prohibited and Restricted Goods — India Customs — What items cannot be brought to India.
- What Should Be Declared at Indian Customs? — Customs declaration guide on arrival.
- Can You Bring Aquarium Fish on a Plane? — Rules for traveling with fish.
- Hand Baggage Allowance in India — Cabin bag limits for Indian flights.
- What Is Not Allowed to Bring in India? — Banned and restricted items guide.
- Travel Documents Required for Infant or Child Under 2 — Family travel documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Importing Pets to India
Can I bring my pet to India from abroad?
Yes. Dogs and cats can be imported to India with an AQCS import permit, valid rabies vaccination, government-issued health certificate, and microchip. Apply for the AQCS permit at least 4–6 weeks before travel.
What documents are required to import a pet to India?
Required documents: AQCS import permit, government-accredited veterinary health certificate (within 10 days of travel), valid rabies vaccination certificate, microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785), deworming/ectoparasite treatment certificate, and CITES permit if applicable.
How long is quarantine for pets arriving in India?
Pets from low-risk countries with complete documentation may face minimal or no quarantine. Pets from higher-risk countries may face 7–30 days at a government-approved quarantine facility at the owner's expense.
Which airlines allow pets in the cabin on flights to India?
Air India allows small pets in-cabin on international routes (max 8 kg including carrier). IndiGo allows pets in-cabin on some domestic routes. Always confirm with your specific airline before booking.
How much does it cost to import a pet to India?
Costs include AQCS permit (₹1,000–₹2,000), vet health certificate (USD 50–200), airline pet fee (USD 100–500+), and quarantine if required (₹1,500–₹3,000/day). Total can range from ₹15,000 to ₹1,00,000+ depending on circumstances.
Which animals are allowed to be imported to India?
Dogs and cats are permitted with proper documentation. Most exotic animals, birds, and wildlife protected under CITES or India's Wildlife Protection Act require special permits or are prohibited.
Do I need to microchip my pet before bringing it to India?
Yes. An ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip is required. The chip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination for the vaccination to be considered valid by Indian authorities.
Can I bring a pet bird to India?
Importing birds is highly restricted. Most parrots and exotic birds are protected under CITES and cannot be imported without a CITES permit. Many species are completely banned. Contact AQCS India well in advance.
©2010–2026 Indiabaggagerules.com — All rights reserved.
