India
India, officially the Republic of India, is a South Asian country bordered by Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, with coastlines along the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean. Pet entry centers on a mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC), rather than quarantine.
At a Glance
Bringing a pet into India requires a microchip, rabies and core vaccinations, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Animal Quarantine & Certification Services, and a government-endorsed health certificate — no blood test or quarantine is required, but pets must be at least 7 months old.
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Health Certificate
Required
🔬
Blood Test
Not required
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Import Permit (NOC)
Required
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Min. Age
7 months
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Min. Prep Time
5–6 weeks
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Difficulty
Moderate
Key Requirements
Minimum Age
Pets must be at least 7 months old to enter India.
Microchip
An ISO-compliant microchip is required, readable on an ISO microchip scanner. Assumed already present.
Rabies Vaccination
Must be within its validity period and administered between 30 days and 365 days before arrival in India. A rabies vaccination certificate from the local veterinarian is required.
Other Vaccinations
Dogs also need DHPPi and Leptospirosis vaccinations. Cats also need FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia).
No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Issued by India’s Animal Quarantine & Certification Services (AQCS) and mandatory for all pets. Apply at least 7 days before the pet’s arrival, with a valid health certificate already in hand. Without an NOC, entry is not permitted.
Official Health Certificate
Issued by a government entity or official veterinarian in the origin country, usually valid for 10 days for dogs. All documents should be ready at least 7–10 days before travel.
Additional Requirements — Cats
The health certificate must confirm the cat shows no signs of influenza-like illness (including respiratory distress) at examination, which must take place no more than 7 days before shipment. After arrival, owners must agree to report any respiratory illness observed within 14 days of import to the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services.
Customs Broker & Destination Agent
A customs broker is required and highly recommended. A destination agent is also required.
Recommended Entry Points
Delhi (the capital) and Mumbai (the economic capital) are the main recommended airports for pet entry into India.
⚠️ Requirements change frequently and without notice. Always verify with a certified pet relocation specialist before making any arrangements.
Preparation Timeline
1
Rabies Vaccination
30 to 365 days before arrival
2
Official Health Certificate
Ready at least 7–10 days before travel
3
Apply for NOC
At least 7 days before arrival
4
Travel
NOC in hand before landing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is quarantine required for pets entering India?
No mandatory quarantine applies to dogs and cats entering India with the correct documentation — the focus is on the No Objection Certificate (NOC) and health certificate rather than a quarantine period.
What is the NOC and when do I need it?
The No Objection Certificate is issued by India’s Animal Quarantine & Certification Services and is mandatory for all pets. Apply at least 7 days before your pet’s arrival, with a valid health certificate already in hand.
Do requirements change depending on which country I’m travelling from?
The core requirements — microchip, vaccinations, NOC, and health certificate — apply the same way regardless of the pet’s country of origin. What can differ is which government entity or veterinary authority issues and endorses the health certificate, so it’s worth confirming the exact local process with a certified pet relocation specialist for your specific country of departure.
Do I need a blood test for my pet to enter India?
No — no rabies titer test or other blood test is required for dogs or cats entering India.
Are there extra requirements for cats?
Yes — the health certificate must confirm the cat shows no signs of influenza-like illness at an exam within 7 days of shipment, and owners must agree to report any respiratory illness in the first 14 days after arrival.
Which airports can I fly my pet into in India?
Delhi and Mumbai are the main recommended entry points. Check with a certified agent for your specific route.
How much does it cost to relocate a pet to India?
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⚠️ The information on this page is provided for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify all requirements with a certified pet relocation specialist before booking travel or making any arrangements for your pet.