Bringing your pet to India? We’ve handled hundreds of pet exports to Asia — let us help with yours.
Traveling to India with a pet is a complex process. The country has strict requirements, including specific vaccinations, import permits, health certificates, and a possible quarantine upon arrival.
Navigating these rules and making sure nothing is overlooked can feel overwhelming. We’ve put together a guide to help you understand what it takes to bring your pet to India, including when it makes sense to enlist expert pet shipping help to ensure no step is missed.
Eligible Pets and Country Restrictions
India does not have a nationwide breed ban on dogs and cats, though there may be local restrictions in place. Airlines may also impose their own rules. There are no restrictions based solely on the country of origin.
Eligible Pets
Pet import is limited to 2 pets at a time. India’s standard pet import rules focus on dogs and cats. Animals other than cats and dogs may be allowed, but only with specific licences and approvals. Some live animals may be prohibited altogether due to wildlife protection or avian flu concerns.
India does not have an active, nationwide ban on specific dog breeds for import or as pets. However, there has been ongoing discussion at the national level about a potential ban on certain dog breeds deemed dangerous.
Some cities, states, and municipalities have already implemented their own breed-specific rules. For example, the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh adopted a ban in 2025 on the following dog breeds as pets, unless they were already registered before the rules took effect:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Bulldog
- Bull Terrier
- Cane Corso
- Dogo Argentino
- Rottweiler
- Any crossbreeds of these dogs
Other regions across India are actively debating similar measures, so it’s important to check the rules in your destination city or state before relocating your pet.
The airline you choose to fly your pet to India may also have breed restrictions in place. Lufthansa, our preferred carrier to India, does not allow snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dog and cat breeds to travel in the cargo hold on passenger flights. Some of these pets may be accepted through Lufthansa Cargo.
Larger or strong-jawed breeds may require reinforced pet crates to ensure safe transport, and airlines often set additional size or weight limits for pets flying internationally. If you’re flying with a pet that needs a reinforced crate, we provide custom-built CR82 crates for safe travel.
Approved Countries
India does not ban pets based on the pet’s country of origin. What matters instead is meeting the health, documentation, and quarantine requirements established by Indian authorities and customs.
Planning an international flight for your pet? We can help.
Microchip and Vaccinations
Cats and dogs arriving in India must be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination. They should also be up to date on their core vaccinations, with all immunizations documented on an official veterinary health certificate.
Microchip
All cats and dogs traveling to India should be implanted with an ISO-compliant microchip before travel. Your pet’s microchip number must be recorded on all health and import paperwork, including the veterinary health certificate and vaccination records.
Vaccinations
All cats and dogs entering India must have a valid rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days but no more than 12 months before travel. The rabies vaccination must be documented on your pet’s veterinary health certificate.
In addition to rabies, pets should be up to date on core vaccinations for their species. These are vaccines commonly required by veterinarians, and it’s expected they’ll be documented on the health certificate.
While India does not mandate a specific list beyond rabies, canine distemper, canine parvovirus, and leptospirosis are listed on model health certificates for pet dogs. Vets typically administer a combination DHPP (or DA2PP) vaccine that covers distemper, canine adenovirus type 2 (canine infectious hepatitis), parvovirus, and parainfluenza virus.
For cats, core vaccines are typically given as a combo FVRCP vaccine that covers feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia.
Blood Tests and Treatments
India does not require a rabies antibody titer test for cats or dogs entering the country. Import regulations also don’t specify mandatory parasite treatments for internal or external parasites.
Pets must, however, be certified as healthy and free of clinical signs of contagious diseases on their veterinary health certificate and upon arrival. It’s always best practice to ensure they are up to date on parasite preventatives, including deworming and flea or tick treatments, especially if they will spend time in quarantine.
Import Documents
Traveling with or moving pets to India involves several important documents. Ensuring each one is complete and accurate will help your pet clear customs smoothly and avoid delays as you meet pet import regulations.
Health Certificate (Veterinary Certificate)
Every cat or dog entering India must have a veterinary health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. This certificate confirms that your pet:
- Is healthy and free of contagious diseases.
- Has received all required vaccinations, including rabies.
- Has a microchip with its number recorded.
For pets coming from the U.S., the health certificate must also be endorsed by a USDA APHIS Veterinary Services office. The endorsement verifies that the certificate meets Indian import requirements and is officially recognized by customs authorities.
The international health certificate is valid for 30 days, but must be completed within 10 days of travel to meet airline requirements. Health documentation should accompany your pet for submission to Indian authorities upon arrival.
DGFT License
All pets traveling to India on a temporary basis (not a relocation) must obtain a DGFT license from India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) before their trip. This document formally allows your pet to enter the country and confirms compliance with Indian import regulations.
DGFT licenses are specific to a particular pet and travel period. If you’re traveling temporarily, a previously issued license usually cannot be reused for a new trip. Permits may take up to one month to process.
No Objection Certificate (NOC)
All cats and dogs entering India must have a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Station (AQCS). The NOC confirms that Indian authorities have no objections to your pet’s entry and is required, whether your pet travels with you or as cargo.
The pet owner is responsible for obtaining the NOC before travel. Many travelers work with an in-country customs broker or professional pet shipper to handle the process, though it can also be done by mail or email. The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DADF) recommends follow-ups by phone if documents are sent via email.
The application typically takes about 5 working days and requires vaccination records, a USDA-endorsed health certificate, and flight information. A copy of the NOC must travel with your pet, and the original is presented to authorities upon arrival.
Airline Options
Several airlines offer flights to India from the U.S., but not all of them are pet-friendly. At Tailwind, we typically work with Lufthansa, which provides reliable international handling for pets and frequent flights through Germany.
Major hubs serviced by Lufthansa include:
- Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi)
- Chennai International Airport (Chennai)
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai)
- Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru, or Bangalore)
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad)
If you’re traveling onward to cities like Kolkata or Ahmedabad, you may need to add a domestic connection on another airline (e.g., Air India) to get there. Exploring other modes of transportation is also a possibility if you’re unable to find a carrier to get you to your final destination.
Other airlines may also serve major Indian airports, but the best route depends on your pet’s breed, size, and any special requirements. While direct flights are easier on pets, travel to India will require a stop at another transportation hub.
Regardless of the carrier, it’s important to review all airline-specific rules once your itinerary is set. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight, enforce crate size requirements, and may impose seasonal or temperature restrictions, particularly for snub-nosed or strong-jawed breeds.
Quarantine
When pets arrive in India, their health and paperwork are reviewed by the AQCS at the airport of entry. All cats and dogs must have a valid USDA-endorsed health certificate, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and an NOC.
The length and type of quarantine depend on the purpose of your pet’s travel. Pets arriving for permanent relocation are typically subject to a standard 15-day observation period. This allows authorities to confirm that your pet is healthy and free of contagious diseases.
For temporary visits, such as vacations or short-term stays, quarantine may be reduced or waived if your pet meets entry requirements. Authorities consider factors, like proof of return travel, duration of stay, and documentation, when determining whether your pet needs to quarantine or not.
Returning to the USA
India is considered a high-risk rabies country, so pets returning to the U.S. as their destination country must comply with additional CDC import requirements for customs clearance.
For dogs, this generally includes submitting a CDC Dog Import Form receipt and providing either:
- A Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination, or
- A Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination with a microchip, plus a rabies antibody titer from a CDC-approved laboratory.
If your dog does not have a valid rabies titer prior to travel, you will need to reserve a spot at a CDC-registered Animal Care Facility (ACF) in the U.S. At the ACF, your dog will receive a U.S.-licensed rabies vaccination and complete a 28-day quarantine period.
Quarantine rules also determine the port of entry for pet parents. Dogs must arrive at an airport with a CDC-registered facility. Kennel Club LAX is a commonly used facility for pets entering through Los Angeles.
Cats are not subject to CDC rabies import restrictions when returning from high-risk countries such as India. However, airlines may have their own rules for transporting cats internationally, so it’s important to check those requirements before booking.
How Tailwind Can Help
At Tailwind, we support pet owners through every stage of international travel or relocation. From preparing your pet to arrival at their destination, we manage the complex details so you don’t have to, keeping the journey as stress-free for you (and them!) as possible.
For countries with strict regulations, like India, we handle import permits, health certificates, and quarantine coordination door-to-door. With Tailwind, you can rest assured knowing your pet is traveling safely and efficiently, with experienced professionals prioritizing their well-being above all else.
Ready to get started? Each pet relocation situation is different, so to get an idea of the costs involved, fill out a quote request.
See What Our Clients Have to Say
“The entire team was truly outstanding! After our pups endured a long and exhausting journey halfway across the globe, the care and attention given to their comfort was nothing short of exceptional. Brady, Mike, and Jasmin went above and beyond to ease our worries, handling unexpected complications with professionalism and kindness. What could have been an overwhelming experience became far more manageable thanks to their dedication. We are deeply grateful for their support in helping us bring our pups safely home.”
– Christine T.
“Amazing experience! My dog came from a high-risk country and everything was handled perfectly. Since it was the weekend, he stayed with them for two nights and they took wonderful care of him. I am truly thankful to the Tailwind Global Pet team and highly recommend them to everyone.”
– Hamid P.
“Tailwind staff were incredibly professional, responsive, and caring. I had to wait until my flight was only 1 month out, which is nerve-wracking, but once I had my paperwork and uploaded it into the website, the rest of the process felt seamless. And everyone was compassionate about my many panic attacks during the process of bringing my dogs with me from Nepal to America. Thanks Tailwind!
– Jess A.