India

Is India a good place to travel or relocate to with pets?

Here are reviews and details to help you see if this country is a good place to travel with your cats and/or dogs

Official Indian government document on importing pets

Official government website on pets coming from the US to India

Pets relocating to India are allowed

Pets visiting India are not usually allowed. There are exceptions for service animals etc.

Entry Requirements 

Medical Requirements: The pet needs a rabies vaccine not more than 1-year-old.  The typical 3 years from the US will not count. 

A rabies titer test is not required

• Dogs – vaccinated for canine distemper, parvo virus infection, leptospirosis
• Cats – vaccinated for feline enteritis, feline pan leukopenia, leptospirosis, distemper, scabies, aujeszky’s disease, toxoplasmosis

Documentation Required and how to get it: You have to prove that you intend to move to India for at least 2 years. At least 7 days before arrival, submit the paperwork for the Advance No Objection Certificate (NOC) from AQCS. 

• Veterinary Health Certificate for dogs or cats (valid for 30 days)
• Pet passport/ Pet book/ Pet health card
• Flight Ticket/ Airway bill/ seaway bill
• Application

Additional Considerations

Microchip Requirements: pets should be microchipped and vaccinations connected with the number

Quarantine Requirements (if any): India does not usually quarantine vaccinated pets from countries with no or low incidences of rabies. When it does happen, it will last for between 30 days and three months

Breed Restrictions: None listed

Number of pet restrictions: 2 per person

Other: The pet must have been owned for 2 years. Puppies and kittens are not allowed.

Hiring a pet relocation company is recommended that includes a representative in India who will help with the process once the pet arrives.

The requirements are very complex.  This site will not be able to present the complexities to their full extent.  Please click on the official links for more details.

Insider Tip: Crossing into India by a land border has more relaxed expectations.  If you really need to get into India with your pet, crossing a land border might be an option for you.  

Is this country considered high-risk rabies for entry into the US?

This country is not free of rabies. Learn more about CDC’s dog import suspension from countries classified as high-risk for rabies.

Is this country considered high rabies for entry into EU countries?

This country is not free of rabies

Are you flying to India?

Read Flying with a Dog Under the Airplane Seat: The Ultimate Guide

Read Flying with a Big Dog: Travel Tips for Ease & Safety

This information was last updated January 2023. 
If you notice any errors or updates, please let us know by contacting us here.