India to the United Kingdom: moving with a dog or cat
Yes, but you must start at least 4 months before you fly: a rabies blood test 30 days after vaccination, then a 3-month wait from the blood draw. On Air India, pets fly to the UK only as cargo.
Updated 20 Oct 2026. 7 rules, 7 verified against official sources.
The short version
- India is an unlisted country for Great Britain, so pets need a rabies blood test at an approved lab and a 3-month wait before entry.
- The microchip must go in before the rabies vaccine.
- Dogs need tapeworm treatment 1 to 5 days before arrival.
- On Air India, pets fly to London Heathrow or Gatwick only as cargo; cabin travel to the UK is not allowed.
The rules, with sources
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India is an unlisted country
Verified 20 Oct 2026Unlisted-country rules apply: microchip, rabies vaccine, blood test, 3-month wait, approved route, health certificate.
Note: India's unlisted status is stated by Zoovet Travel citing APHA (verified 25 Jun 2026). The GOV.UK page we read links to the country list but does not name India on the same page.
Dogs and cats. Sources: Zoovet Travel (cites APHA, verified 25 Jun 2026) (secondary), checked 20 Oct 2026; GOV.UK, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Microchip before the rabies vaccine
Verified 20 Oct 2026Pets must be microchipped before the rabies vaccination.
Dogs and cats. Source: GOV.UK, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Wait at least 21 days after the first rabies vaccine
Verified 20 Oct 2026At least 21 full days after the first vaccination, or the last of the first course.
Dogs and cats. Source: GOV.UK, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Rabies blood test, then a 3-month wait
Verified 20 Oct 2026Blood sample at least 30 days after vaccination, sent to an EU-approved lab; result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. You then wait 3 months from the sample date before entering Great Britain. The result stays valid while rabies boosters are kept up to date.
Dogs and cats. Source: GOV.UK, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Dogs: tapeworm treatment 24 hours to 5 days before arrival
Verified 20 Oct 2026Not needed for cats.
Dogs. Source: GOV.UK, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Approved route and travel document
Verified 20 Oct 2026Use an approved route and carry the travel document your vet issues for your departure country. If rules are not met, the pet can be quarantined for up to 4 months at your cost.
Dogs and cats. Source: GOV.UK, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Air India: cargo only, Heathrow or Gatwick
Verified 20 Oct 2026Cabin travel to the UK is not allowed. Pets travel as cargo to LHR and LGW; Birmingham is not available.
Dogs and cats. Source: Air India, checked 20 Oct 2026
Timeline
- Day 0Microchip, then rabies vaccine.
- Day 30 or laterBlood sample to an EU-approved lab.
- 3 months after the blood sampleEarliest entry date to Great Britain.
- 1 to 5 days before arrivalTapeworm treatment for dogs.
- Before bookingConfirm an approved route and cargo space with the airline or an agent.
Airlines on this route
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
How long does it take to move a dog from India to the UK?
At least about 4 months from the rabies vaccine: 30 days to the blood test, then 3 months from the blood sample date. Add time for the lab result and booking cargo space.
Can my dog fly in the cabin from India to London?
Not on Air India. Its policy says pets travel to Heathrow and Gatwick only as cargo.