Bringing your dog or cat to India from another country requires proper documentation and compliance with Animal Quarantine & Certification Services (AQCS) requirements. Depending on your circumstances, the pet may fall under the Baggage Rule, DGFT Licence, or Re-import category.
1. Import of Pets Under Baggage Rules
According to the AQCS guidance, pet import under the baggage provision can apply to owners bringing dogs or cats, subject to the applicable conditions.
The important requirements include:
- Proof of at least two years of stay abroad
- Proof of transfer of residence to India
- For accompanied baggage, the owner’s ticket is required.
- For unaccompanied baggage, the pet should generally arrive within the specified period after the owner’s arrival, along with passport and immigration-stamp evidence.
- Advance Customs permission may be required when the pet is being sent before the owner’s arrival or more than one month after the owner’s arrival. Animal Quarantine and Certifica…
2. Health Certificate for Dog or Cat Import
A major requirement for pet import to India is an official health certificate from the country of origin.
For dogs, the certificate should certify that the animal is free from clinical signs and symptoms of specified infectious and contagious diseases, including Rabies, Canine Distemper, Parvo Virus Infection and Leptospirosis.
For cats, the health certificate covers diseases including Rabies, Distemper, Feline Enteritis, Feline Panleukopenia and Leptospirosis.
3. Rabies Vaccination Requirements
For a dog aged three months or older, and for cats, the AQCS guidance states that Rabies vaccination must have been administered more than one month but within 12 months before actual embarkation.
Vaccination details should be officially certified or mentioned in the official Health Certificate. Other vaccination records should also be appropriately certified or recorded.
4. Owner Details Must Match
The owner’s name mentioned on the official health certificate should match the name on the owner’s ticket to establish ownership.
The health certificate should also mention the owner’s name and address in the country of origin and the country of arrival.
5. Declaration for Personal Pet
The owner needs to provide a declaration that the dog or cat is a bona fide pet and is not being imported for:
- Commercial purposes
- Gift purposes
- Breeding purposes
This is an important distinction when determining whether the animal qualifies under the applicable personal-pet provisions.
6. What If the Pet Does Not Qualify Under Baggage Rules?
If the case does not fall under the applicable Baggage Rule, the AQCS guidance provides for a DGFT Licence in situations such as short visits, R&D, Defence, Police and other cases outside the baggage provision.
The applicable requirements under the licence, including pre-import health conditions and tests, must be fulfilled before approaching AQCS for the required NOC. Animal Quarantine and Certifica…
Importantly, the AQCS page states that commercial import of dogs for breeding or other commercial activities is not permitted under the stated provision.
7. Re-import of a Pet from India
If a pet was previously taken out of India and is now being brought back, the case may fall under the Re-import category.
Supporting documents can include:
- Proof of earlier movement of the animal
- Previous Indian health/certification documents
- Official health certificate from the country of origin
- Vaccination details
- Owner’s ticket
8. Advance NOC from AQCS
The AQCS guidance states that an Advance NOC can be issued within 7 days before arrival, based on self-certified advance copies of the required documents.
The original health certificate is retained by AQCS during examination. Depending on the circumstances, the animal may be kept under quarantine observation, with final clearance issued after the applicable period. Animal Quarantine and Certificate…
Conclusion
If you are planning to bring a dog or cat to India, do not wait until the date of travel to check the requirements.