Importing & Living with Pets in India!

While talking about the most populated countries and most popular of pet imports for us, India comes 2nd, with China ruling on top! We are told that it seems that the number of dogs here is as much if not more in number when compared to the humans inhabiting it. A country known for its rich history and known for its hospitality is home to many diverse species of animals, birds and the likes.

From the olden days of Kings & Queens, Indians have been known to be proud owners of dogs. Formerly known to be used only for protection, dogs have since then become good companions and are used in service as well. So, if you are a dog lover wondering how your loyal companion will survive here, worry not. This is a place where people are friendly and welcoming, and your dog will feel right at home, there is plenty of wildernesses to explore, and the best of the medical services around the corner.

Once you settle into your new home, take your time in getting acquainted with the neighborhood, the other families with pets, and those who are scared or not too fond of animals.

In the beginning it might all be overwhelming, but as you get familiar with the neighborhood, the new faces who you interact with on a daily basis, life will become easier for all.

Once your dog gets accustomed to the new place and gets to learn its way around the house, they will be much more at ease and happier. With regards to food, make sure you have enough supply of what your dog is used to and slowly introduce what is available locally so his system can adjust to that without any nasty side effects. Same applies when you are taking him out on the streets, for a run or walk; let him take in the new surrounding, little bit at a time, for initially he is likely to be wary of everything around them till they get acclimatized to all.

The climatic change will sure have an effect on your dog; right from his eating pattern to sleeping habits, so be prepared, for India is a tropical country and most places are warmer than what is in other parts of the world. Another thing you need to be on the watch out for are the strays, there are numerous stray dogs parading about the streets who could be carriers of ticks or fleas or diseases, so ensure that your pet has been thoroughly examined, vaccinated and de-wormed to keep him clean, free from germs and happy.

After a couple of months, it will seem like you have always lived here in India, thanks to the comforts and lifestyle adopted by its warm people.

For our readers sending their dogs to India, here is a great list to start with!

Following are the pet travel requirements for Prior Approval for Pet Cats/Dogs entering INDIA

1) Microchip: Each Pet shall be identified by means of a microchip. No other form of identification is acceptable. The microchip used should comply with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785- otherwise the pet will need to be sent with its own scanner attached to the top of the crate.

2) Rabies Vaccination & Certificate: All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate and this certificate must state the microchip number, the date of inoculation and the validity of the particular vaccination you obtain Җ some are good for two years, others are only good for one. This vaccine must be an inactivated vaccine.

3) Vet Health Certificate (Form 7001) This is the standard Health Certificate to be filled out by your USDA accredited Veterinarian. Must be issued within 10 days of the flight. Health Certificate must state that the pet has no clinical signs of Aujossky֒s disease, Distemper, Rabies, Leishmaoiasis, Leptospirosis and Tuberculosis.
4) USDA Endorsement: The above referenced forms:

* Microchip Implantation Record
* Rabies Certificate
* Vet Health Certificate

Must be sent to your local USDA for their stamp of approval. Please contact your local representative on the best way of handling this.

Happy Travels!