India to Australia: moving with a dog or cat
Not directly. Australia does not accept dogs or cats straight from India. Your pet must first go to an approved country and complete Australia's preparation there, which takes at least 6 months.
Updated 20 Oct 2026. 4 rules, 4 verified against official sources.
The short version
- Dogs and cats cannot be imported directly from a non-approved country, and India is not on Australia's approved lists.
- The usual route is an approved country such as the UK, Canada or the US (all Group 3), which has its own entry rules from India first.
- For Group 3 exports, a 180-day waiting period runs from the date the lab receives the rabies antibody (RNATT) sample.
The rules, with sources
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No direct import from non-approved countries
Verified 20 Oct 2026Cats and dogs cannot be directly imported from a non-approved country. India is not on Group 1, 2 or 3.
Dogs and cats. Source: Australian Government, Department of Agriculture (DAFF), checked 20 Oct 2026
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Group 3 approved countries include the UK, Canada and the US (excluding Guam and Hawaii)
Verified 20 Oct 2026Most of Europe is also Group 3. Pets usually relocate to one of these first.
Dogs and cats. Source: Australian Government, Department of Agriculture (DAFF), checked 20 Oct 2026
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180-day wait from the RNATT for Group 3 exports
Verified 20 Oct 2026The waiting period runs from the date the lab receives the RNATT sample. An RNATT is valid for 12 months from sampling. A government-approved vet must do the pre-export preparation, and the pet must be microchipped before it starts.
Dogs and cats. Source: Australian Government, Department of Agriculture (DAFF), checked 20 Oct 2026
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Air India does not carry cabin or checked-baggage pets to Australia
Verified 20 Oct 2026Listed among routes not served for cabin or checked pets.
Dogs and cats. Source: Air India, checked 20 Oct 2026
Timeline
- FirstChoose the approved country your pet will live in, and meet that country's entry rules from India (see India → UK or India → USA).
- In the approved countryMicrochip check, rabies vaccine and RNATT with a government-approved vet.
- 180 days after the lab receives the RNATT sampleEarliest export to Australia, subject to the other import conditions and permit.
Confirm before you book
Rules change. Check these official pages, and your airline, before you pay for anything:
For health questions (fitness to fly, sedation, breed risks) ask your vet. We do not give veterinary advice.
Common questions
Can I take my dog from India to Australia?
Not directly. India is not an approved country, so the dog must first live in an approved country and complete Australia's preparation there, including a 180-day wait after the RNATT for Group 3 countries.