A Comprehensive Guide to Pet Transport to India

Bringing pets to India requires careful planning and adherence to specific pet travel regulations. Understanding India's pet import requirements and rules regarding health and safety is crucial for successful pet relocation to this vibrant country.

It’s also important to choose the right pet transportation services in India. Whether you need a cat or dog imported to India, one pet, or multiple, choosing the right services helps ensure your pet has a comfortable and safe journey.

In this guide, we'll cover key points of pet import to India that pet parents should be aware of and what to expect from pet transportation services to India.

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Regulations for Importing Pets to India

Attention: This information is to be used as general guidelines for pet transport to India and may not be updated to meet the current Indian pet import requirements. Before you travel to any country with pets, contact the appropriate authorities for your destination country.

Microchip and Vaccination Requirements

Ensuring your pet's safety during its journey and in its new home starts with two essential requirements: a compliant microchip and up-to-date vaccinations.

  • Microchip: Your pet must be implanted with a microchip that conforms to ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785. This is crucial for identification and avoiding travel complications.
  • Rabies Vaccination: An original Rabies Certificate is essential. It must detail the microchip number, the date of injection, and the vaccine's validity period, highlighting the necessity of an inactivated vaccine.

Health Certificates and Documentation

Traveling to India with pets necessitates additional veterinary certifications beyond the microchip and rabies vaccine:

  • Vet Health Certificate (Form 7001): This certificate, issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 10 days of your flight, confirms your pet shows no clinical signs of certain diseases.
  • Annexure I (for dogs) or II (for cats) Certificate: Similar to Form 7001, this must be issued within 10 days of departure.
  • USDA Endorsements: The USDA must stamp key documents, including the Microchip Implantation Record, Rabies Certificate, and Vet Health Certificate, for validation.
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC): Our team at PetRelocation can facilitate this temporary permit, which is crucial for entry into India.

Crate Acclimation and Preparation

Preparing your pet for a comfortable journey involves more than just paperwork. Crate acclimation is vital for minimizing stress:

  • Ensure the crate is airline-approved, and familiarize your pet well before travel to make the journey as stress-free as possible.

Restrictions on Importing Birds to India

When importing pets to India to protect local wildlife and agriculture, significant restrictions are to be considered.

  • India currently prohibits the import of domestic and wild birds, poultry, poultry semen, and swine from the United States. For details, refer to the India Ministry of Agriculture.

New Regulatory Change Affecting Dog Breeds in India - March 2024

A significant update has been announced by Indian authorities, impacting the import of certain dog breeds and their mixed counterparts. The following breeds are now banned from import:

  • Pitbull Terrier
  • Tosa Inu
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Dogo Argentino
  • American Bulldog
  • Boerboel
  • Kangal
  • Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Ovcharka)
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dog (Ovcharka)
  • South Russian Shepherd Dog (Ovcharka)
  • Tornjak
  • Sarplaninac
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Akita
  • Mastiffs (Boerbulls)
  • Rottweiler
  • Terriers (specific types not specified)
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback
  • Wolf dogs
  • Presa Canario
  • Akbash Dog
  • Moscow Guard Dog
  • Cane Corso
  • Any dog commonly known as a Bandog (or Ban Dog)

This update reflects India's commitment to public safety and animal welfare, aligning with global standards and practices. Pet owners planning to relocate or travel with their pets to India must consider these changes to ensure compliance and a smooth transition for their furry family members.

For assistance with pet relocation to India, contact the experts at PetRelocation.

We also offer pet travel services from India to the USA. Learn more about our pet relocation services to the United States.

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