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Taking a Dog or Cat to India from the UK:
Pet Travel Guide
Travelling with your pet to India from the UK requires structured preparation, correct certification, and careful timing. Below is a clear, practical step-by-step guide covering vaccinations, Export Health Certificates, pre-export paperwork, NOC applications, declarations, and final travel checks, written to help you avoid delays and last-minute problems. This guide applies to non-commercial exports of pet dogs and cats from the UK to India.
Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Your Dog or Cat from the UK to India
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DGFT approval can take several weeks, so we strongly recommend starting the process early.
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Additional requirements may apply if you are travelling through another country.
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If you intend to return to the UK in the future, a rabies blood test (RNATT) may be required, so planning ahead is advisable.
Important information
1
Confirm the Correct Import Route
Pets can enter India under one of three routes:
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Transfer of residence
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Re-import of a previously exported pet
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DGFT import licence (for temporary stays or certain other circumstances)
If you're travelling temporarily, relocating with more than two pets, or don't meet the transfer-of-residence requirements, you'll usually need a DGFT import licence.
Certain breeds (including Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Cane Corsos, Akitas, and some Mastiff breeds and crosses) cannot be imported into India.
2
Microchip and Vaccinations
Your pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip, and the microchip number must match all documentation.
A valid rabies vaccination is required and must:
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Be administered when your pet is at least 12 weeks old
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Be given at least 30 days before travel
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Be valid at the time of entry into India
Routine vaccinations should also be up to date.
3
Plan Your Journey
Before booking your veterinary appointments, confirm:
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Your departure date
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Your airline
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Your arrival airport
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Any transit countries
Additional documentation may be required depending on your route.
4
Obtain the correct travel certificate Export Health Certificate and AQCS Approval
India requires an EHC 2910 Export Health Certificate completed by an Official Veterinarian.
The process normally involves two appointments:
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A pre-export (PX) appointment approximately one week before travel
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A final examination within 48 hours of departure
The PX certificate is then used to obtain an Advance No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS).
5
Final Examination and Certification
During the final appointment, we will:
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Perform a full clinical examination
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Verify the microchip details
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Review vaccination records
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Complete and issue the final Export Health Certificate.
6
Airline Requirements
Some airlines also require a Fit to Fly certificate and may have additional rules regarding:
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Crate specifications
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Breed restrictions
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The number of pets permitted per passenger
Always check directly with your airline before travelling.
7
Arrival in India
Your pet should travel with the following original documents:
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Export Health Certificate (EHC 2910)
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Rabies vaccination certificate
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Microchip records
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AQCS No Objection Certificate (NOC)
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Flight documentation