Thinking of bringing your furry friend home to India? It can feel overwhelming and confusing with all the paperwork, vaccinations, and airline regulations.
With this guide, you'll be ready for every step of international pet travel. With the proper planning, complete paperwork, and expert help, your pet's trip home can be safe, comfortable, and worry-free, just like it should be.
At Mr n Mrs Pet, we support pet parents every step of the way, turning a complex process into a smooth, stress-free experience. Hundreds of dogs and cats successfully travel home each year with our guidance.
Can You Bring Pets into India?
Yes, pets can be imported into India. Still, the process is governed by strict rules laid down by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS). Only dogs and cats are permitted entry, and exotic animals, birds, and certain restricted breeds are not allowed.
The import is allowed strictly for personal companionship. Pets cannot be brought in for breeding or commercial sale. In most cases, each passenger can bring up to two pets into India, and it is highly recommended that your pet travels on the same flight as you to avoid complications.
Step-by-Step Process of Importing Pets into India
1. Getting a DGFT Import License – Essential for bringing your pet into India.
2. Microchip and Vaccinations – Ensure your pet is microchipped and all vaccines are up-to-date.
3. Get a Health Certificate – Issued by an authorised vet in your departure country.
4. Apply for NOC from AQCS – This is mandatory for clearance at the Indian airport.
5. Book Airline Travel – Reserve a cabin spot (for small pets) or cargo space (for larger ones). Ensure the crate is IATA-approved.
6. Arrival in India – On landing, your pet is inspected by AQCS officials. If all documents are in order, clearance is granted.
Tip: At Mr n Mrs Pet, we handle the entire process from paperwork, airline coordination, to airport clearance, so your pet travels safely and stress-free.
Rules and Regulations for Pet Import in India
Here are the key rules every pet parent must know before starting the process:
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Only cats and dogs are permitted.
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Exotic or endangered animals and certain dog breeds are restricted.
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A maximum of 2 pets per passenger is allowed.
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Pets should travel with the owner, or can also arrive as baggage cargo.
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Import is permitted only for personal companionship, not for commercial purposes.
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AQCS may require up to 30 days of quarantine, but complete paperwork and good health can reduce or waive it.
Documents Required for Pet Import in India
Having the proper paperwork is the most crucial part of the import process, or, say, the overall travel process. Missing even one document could delay or block your pet's entry. You'll need:
| Document | Details |
|---|
| No Objection Certificate (NOC) |
Issued by AQCS (Animal Quarantine and Certification Services) in India. Mandatory for clearance at arrival. |
| DGFT Import License |
Official permit from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. Required for personal pet import. |
| Vaccination Records |
Proof of Rabies vaccination and core vaccines (DHPPiL for dogs, FVRCP for cats). |
| Microchip Details |
ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip that can be scanned internationally. |
| Health Certificate |
Issued by a government-approved veterinarian in the country of origin, confirming the pet is healthy to travel. |
| Owner's ID and Travel Documents |
Copy of passport, visa if applicable, and confirmed flight ticket. |
Additional / Country-Specific Documents
These depend on the export rules of the destination country:
| Document | Details |
|---|
| Rabies Titer Test (RNATT) |
Required if the pet is coming from a rabies-risk country. |
| Parasite Treatment Records |
Proof of recent deworming and flea/tick treatments. |
| Airline & Crate Compliance Forms |
An airline may require live animal forms and IATA-approved crate confirmation. |
| Import Permit (Destination-specific) |
Needed for pets from certain countries with additional regulations. |
Cost of Importing Pets into India
The total cost of importing pets varies based on distance, airline, and services used. On average, pet import charges with a professional pet relocation service could be:
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In-cabin travel (small pets): ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,00,000+
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Cargo travel (larger pets): ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,00,000+
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Quarantine, vet checks & documentation: ₹10,000 – ₹30,000+
Overall, the average cost to import a pet into India ranges between ₹1,50,000 - ₹4,00,000+, depending on the country of origin, professional help and pet size.
At MMP, we help pet parents plan and manage every cost factor, from airline bookings and documentation to quarantine and vet checks, ensuring your pet's relocation is smooth, safe, and hassle-free while helping you stay within budget.
Common Challenges Pet Parents Face While Importing Pets
Importing a pet isn't always straightforward. Common issues pet parents face include:
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Not considering time: Pet parents generally don't analyse the days it will take to plan their pet's international relocation, and either end up cancelling the plan or leaving their pet behind.
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Document issues: Incorrect, incomplete or missing papers can lead to rejection.
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Airline restrictions: Certain breeds, especially brachycephalic dogs (like Pugs, Bulldogs), may face travel challenges.
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Stress during flights: Long journeys, noise, and unfamiliar surroundings can cause anxiety. You can carry familiar toys or blankets to keep them calm and content.
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Delays at customs: Sometimes, clearance takes longer than expected, extending your pet's wait time.
How Professional Services Make Bringing Pets to India Easier
While you can plan the journey on your own, hiring professional relocation services can help avoid stress. And here's why it might be helpful for you:
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Professional pet relocation service providers understand the complete process and begin planning months before to prevent delays, as international relocation can be time-consuming.
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Experts handle paperwork and permissions with DGFT and AQCS.
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They coordinate with airlines and customs for smooth clearance.
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Provide IATA-approved crates, crate training and comfort planning.
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Offer door-to-door relocation, reducing pet parent stress.
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Constant updates during the journey for peace of mind.
At Mr n Mrs Pet (MMP), we specialise in safe and stress-free international pet import. From applying for permits to clearing quarantine, our team ensures your furry friend has a smooth transition home.
Importing pets into India may feel daunting or even exhausting, but with the proper planning and expert help, it's completely manageable. The key is timely paperwork, following airline rules, and ensuring your pet's comfort throughout the journey.
If you're planning to bring your pet to India, don't stress over the complex paperwork, let Mr n Mrs Pet (MMP) guide you at every step.