India (IN)
India is the world's most populous nation and a fast-rising global power — a vibrant federal republic of extraordinary cultural, linguistic, and geographic diversity.
Bringing Pets to India
Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.
Quarantine duration: 15 days at an AQCS (Animal Quarantine and Certification Services) facility for pets imported as accompanied or unaccompanied baggage by residents. Pets brought for temporary visits (shows, travel, therapy, assistance, and security purposes) are exempt from the 15-day quarantine period, provided valid documents are presented to the AQCS officer on arrival.
Vaccinations
Restricted Breeds
Plus Note: The Dog Breed Specific Legislation varies by state/city — check local regulations
💰 Costs
International pet relocation is complex and expensive. Total cost range: INR ₹80,000–4,00,000 ($1,000–5,000 USD) depending on pet size, origin country, and whether you use a professional pet relocation company. Breakdown: airline pet cargo fee (₹20,000–80,000 each way for medium dog), health certificate (₹2,000–5,000), import permit (₹500–2,000 AQCS fee), rabies titre test if required (₹5,000–15,000), veterinary consultant fee (₹3,000–10,000), pet relocation service fee if using specialist (₹50,000–2,00,000).
🐕 Dog Tax / Registration
No nationwide dog tax in India. Some municipalities (e.g., certain areas of Mumbai) charge a nominal annual registration fee (₹100–500). Most cities do not levy dog tax. Check with your local municipal corporation.
Register with a local vet as soon as possible after arrival. International vet chains (PetSuites, Cessna Lifeline) available in major cities. Vaccination schedules: ensure annual rabies booster, follow Indian schedule for other vaccines. Flea/tick prevention especially important in India — year-round treatment recommended. Anti-tick medication (Nexgard, Bravecto) available from vets.
📋 Relocation Process
Step 1: Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip). Step 2: Ensure all vaccinations current including rabies (21 days before travel minimum, within 12 months). Step 3: Get health certificate from accredited vet within 10 days of travel. Step 4: Apply for Import Permit from AQCS (Animal Quarantine and Certification Services — aqcsindia.gov.in). Step 5: Check airline pet policies — Air India, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines each have specific rules for pets in cabin vs cargo. Step 6: Arrange documentation: health certificate, vaccination records, import permit, microchip certificate, proof of ownership. Step 7: Declare pet at customs on arrival. Step 8: AQCS inspection at airport — resident pet owners should expect a 15-day quarantine at the AQCS facility; temporary visitors are exempt with proper documentation. Step 9: Register with a local vet within 1–2 weeks of arrival and confirm all Indian vaccination requirements met.
India has a huge population of community dogs (street dogs). Urban dogs encounter significant health risks: rabies (rare but present), tick-borne diseases (ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, Lyme disease less common), leptospirosis, parvovirus, distemper. Year-round flea and tick prevention is essential. Breed: certain breeds suffer significantly in India's climate — brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Pug) have serious breathing difficulties in India's heat. Consult vet before bringing such breeds. Air quality: dogs in Delhi may need protection from severe air pollution (PM2.5) in winter — limit outdoor exercise on severe AQI days. Renting with pets: many Indian landlords do not allow pets — verify before signing your rental agreement. Gated societies often have their own pet rules — check society bye-laws. Pet food: Hill's, Royal Canin, Pedigree, Purina widely available at pet stores and online (Amazon India, Heads Up For Tails). Avoid raw food unless you can guarantee supply chain safety.