Pet Transport to India: Essential Guide for Dogs and Cats

This guide outlines the essential requirements for taking your dog or cat from the UK to India for travel.

• Microchip: An ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
• Rabies: A current rabies vaccination is required and must be recorded on the official health certificate.
• Wait period: You must wait at least 21 days after the primary rabies vaccination before your pet is eligible to travel.
• Health certificate: An official health certificate (Annexure 1.1.1 for dogs or 2.1.1 for cats) signed by a government veterinarian is required.
• Import permit: An Advance No Objection Certificate from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services must be submitted at least 7 days before travel.
• Quarantine: Pets arriving as baggage are generally subject to a 15-day quarantine on arrival in India.
• Special notes: Only dogs and cats are classified as pets; owners must have resided in the country of departure for at least two years.
• Rules change frequently, so please confirm all requirements with your veterinarian and the official authorities on both sides before you travel.

Follow these steps to ensure your dog or cat meets the requirements for entry into Great Britain from India.

• Microchip: Your pet must be fitted with an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip before receiving their rabies vaccination.
• Rabies: A valid rabies vaccination must be administered after the microchip is implanted and at least 12 weeks of age.
• Blood test: As India is an unlisted country, your pet requires a rabies blood test at least 30 days after vaccination.
• Waiting period: You must wait three months from the date the blood sample was taken before your pet can enter the UK.
• Documentation: Your pet must carry an official veterinary health certificate endorsed by the competent authority in the country of origin.
• Tapeworm: Dogs must receive an approved tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 24 to 120 hours before their scheduled arrival in the UK.
• Quarantine: A compliant pet that meets all health and documentation requirements is not subject to quarantine upon arrival in Great Britain.
• Rules change frequently, so please confirm all requirements with your veterinarian and the official authorities on both sides before you travel.

This section covers the export process for moving your dog or cat from an EU country to India.

• Export health certificate: You must obtain an official EU export health certificate issued and endorsed by an official veterinarian.
• Microchip: Your pet must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip implanted prior to the rabies vaccination.
• Rabies: A valid rabies vaccination must be recorded on the health certificate, administered at least 21 days before travel.
• Import permit: You are required to secure an Advance No Objection Certificate from the Indian Animal Quarantine and Certification Services.
• Additional vaccinations: Cats require a specific influenza examination within 7 days of travel; all standard vaccinations should be recorded.
• Carrier rules: You must comply with all specific airline or transport carrier rules regarding pet travel containers and safety.
• Residency: Owners must ensure they meet the Indian requirement of having resided in the country of departure for at least two years.
• Rules change frequently, so please confirm all requirements with your veterinarian and the official authorities on both sides before you travel.