If you’re planning to move to India from the UK with your dog or cat, you’ll want to ensure the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. India allows pets to relocate with you, but there are important requirements, timelines, and airline considerations that every pet owner needs to understand before travel.
John Mason International has supported thousands of families with international removals and pet relocation services. This guide explains what’s involved when moving your pet to India and how to prepare for a successful journey.
Pet Import Rules: What You Need to Know
Microchip
Microchipping is mandatory for pets entering India.
Your dog or cat must be fitted with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip before vaccinations are administered. The microchip number must appear on all veterinary and import documents.
Vaccinations
India is classified as a rabies-controlled country, so rabies compliance is taken very seriously.
Dogs and Cats Over 3 Months Old
Pets must have:
- A valid rabies vaccination administered after microchipping
- Vaccination given at least 30 days before travel
- A vaccination that remains valid within the manufacturer’s stated validity period at the time of entry
A health certificate issued by a registered UK veterinarian is also required, confirming the pet is free from infectious or contagious diseases.
Puppies and Kittens Under 3 Months
Puppies and kittens under three months old are generally not permitted to enter India because they are too young to receive a rabies vaccination. Exceptions are rare and require advance approval from Indian authorities, which is not guaranteed.
For most relocations, pets should be at least three months old before travel planning begins.
Rabies Titer (Blood) Test
India does not require a rabies antibody titer test for pets arriving from the UK, provided vaccination and documentation requirements are met.
Quarantine Requirements
There is no mandatory quarantine in India for dogs and cats arriving from the UK, provided all import conditions are met and paperwork is fully compliant. Pets are examined by veterinary authorities on arrival, and quarantine is only imposed if documentation is missing or the animal appears unwell.
Health Certificate
A veterinary health certificate is mandatory and must:
- Be issued by a registered UK veterinarian
- Be issued within 7–10 days of departure (or as specified on the import permit)
- Be written in English
- Include:
- Pet’s name, breed, age, and sex
- Microchip number
- Rabies vaccination date, manufacturer, batch number, and expiry
- Owner’s full details and travel information
This certificate must align exactly with Indian import documentation to avoid delays.
Import Permit / No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Most pets entering India require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued in advance by the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS) in India.This confirms that your pet is approved to enter the country and meets all import conditions.
Pets arriving without an approved NOC may face delays, additional inspections, or refusal of entry.
Arriving by Air
Pets travelling to India typically fly as manifest cargo or unaccompanied baggage, depending on airline policy. On arrival:
- A government-appointed vet will inspect your pet
- Documents will be checked against the approved import permit
- If your pet appears healthy, they are released into your care
If concerns arise, further veterinary checks may be required before release.
Restrictions
When moving a pet to India, airline policies and local conditions play an important role in travel planning. Due to India’s climate, airlines may apply seasonal embargoes, temperature limits, or routing restrictions, particularly during the hotter months of the year. These measures are designed to protect animal welfare during long-haul flights and ground handling.
Airlines may also restrict certain breeds, especially snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs, which are considered higher risk for respiratory distress during air travel. Commonly restricted breeds include:
- English Bulldogs
- French Bulldogs
- Pugs
- Chow Chows
- Boxers
- Shih Tzus
India does not currently enforce a nationwide banned breed list for pet imports. However, airline-specific restrictions may still apply, and some local housing societies or municipal authorities impose their own rules regarding certain breeds.
It is essential to confirm airline acceptance and check local regulations at your destination before making any travel arrangements.
Other Pets
India’s import regulations are primarily designed for dogs and cats.
- Birds, rabbits, reptiles, rodents, and exotic animals are subject to strict controls
- Many require special government approval in advance
- Some species are prohibited for private import altogether
If you are relocating with pets other than dogs or cats, specialist advice is essential before making plans.
CITES
If your pet is listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), additional permits will be required from both UK and Indian authorities. Failure to obtain these approvals can result in seizure or refusal of entry.
Planning Ahead
Pet relocation to India typically takes 6–10 weeks to prepare properly. Starting early allows time for:
- Vaccinations
- Health certification
- Import approval
- Airline arrangements
If you plan to return to the UK in future, retain all import documentation, as it may be required for re-export.
Given the complexity of Indian pet import rules, careful preparation is key to ensuring your pet’s journey is safe and stress-free.
How John Mason International Can Help With Pet Relocation to India
Pet relocation to India requires careful coordination between veterinarians, airlines, and Indian authorities. John Mason International provides end-to-end pet relocation support, including documentation guidance, import approvals, airline coordination, and destination clearance.
We regularly manage pet moves to India alongside household removals, ensuring pets and belongings arrive safely and compliantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring more than two pets to India?
Generally no. Imports are limited to two dogs or cats per person under personal relocation rules.
Are birds allowed to be imported into India?
Birds and other animals require additional permits and are subject to stricter controls. Some species may be prohibited.
Should I arrange pet insurance in India?
Pet insurance is optional but increasingly available in India. Many owners choose to pay privately for veterinary care due to lower costs.
Can my pet fly in the cabin to India?
Most airlines do not allow pets in cabin on long-haul routes to India. Pets usually travel as accompanied baggage or manifest cargo.