Bringing a pet into India: moving with a dog or cat
Yes, up to two dogs or cats per passenger, with an advance NOC from the animal quarantine service (AQCS). Check eligibility first: for a transfer of residence you need proof of at least two years living abroad.
Updated 20 Oct 2026. 7 rules, 4 verified against official sources, 3 flagged.
The short version
- Up to two dogs or cats per passenger; more needs a permit or DGFT licence.
- Apply to AQCS for an advance NOC before you fly. Airlines will not carry the dog without it. The final NOC is issued at the arrival airport.
- Eligibility depends on why you are bringing the pet: transfer of residence (2+ years abroad and proof of relocation), re-import of a pet exported from India, or a DGFT licence.
- AQCS stations: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad.
The rules, with sources
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Up to two pets per passenger
Verified 20 Oct 2026Dogs and cats only. More than two needs an import sanitary permit from DAHD or a DGFT licence.
Dogs and cats. Source: Consulate General of India, Atlanta, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Eligibility: transfer of residence, re-import, or DGFT licence
Verified 20 Oct 2026Transfer of residence needs proof of two years' stay abroad and proof of visa cancellation or relocation. Re-import needs the earlier export health certificate issued by AQCS India. A short stay needs a valid DGFT licence.
Note: The SOP we read covers dogs. We expect the same pathways for cats but have not confirmed it.
Dogs. Source: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Advance NOC from AQCS before you fly
Sources conflictApply with the health certificate and documents. AQCS issues the advance NOC within about 1 working day. The airline will not carry the dog without it. The final NOC is issued at the port of entry after examination.
Note: Lead time differs: the AQCS SOP says at least 7 days (7 working days in its annexure), the Consulate in Atlanta says at least 15 days. We recommend applying 15+ days ahead.
Dogs and cats. Sources: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, checked 20 Oct 2026; Consulate General of India, Atlanta, checked 20 Oct 2026; India Sea Trade News (news), checked 20 Oct 2026
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Rabies vaccination
Sources conflictProof of rabies vaccination is required. The Consulate in Atlanta says at least 30 days and not more than one year before travel in one place, and "not earlier than one year" in another.
Note: Until clarified, plan for a vaccine given 30 days to 12 months before arrival, and confirm with the AQCS station.
Dogs and cats. Source: Consulate General of India, Atlanta, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Documents
Verified 20 Oct 2026Original veterinary health certificate, rabies vaccination record and microchip number. For cargo: copies of the owner's passport, e-ticket and airway bill.
Dogs and cats. Sources: Consulate General of India, Atlanta, checked 20 Oct 2026; Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Quarantine only if the pet fails examination
Verified 20 Oct 2026A dog that fails examination or shows signs of disease is quarantined for 15 days at an AQCS station, with testing at the owner's cost.
Dogs. Source: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, checked 20 Oct 2026
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Arrive at an airport with an AQCS station
Sources conflictDelhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad.
Note: The AQCS SOP lists six offices. A 2025 news report lists seven entry points including Kochi. Confirm with AQCS before booking Kochi.
Dogs and cats. Sources: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, checked 20 Oct 2026; India Sea Trade News (news), checked 20 Oct 2026
Timeline
- Before anything elseConfirm your eligibility pathway (transfer of residence, re-import, or DGFT licence).
- At least 30 days before travelRabies vaccine in date (see the conflicting-guidance note).
- 15+ days before travelApply to the AQCS station at your arrival airport for the advance NOC.
- ArrivalExamination by the AQCS officer; final NOC issued at the airport.
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 many pets can I bring into India?
Up to two dogs or cats per passenger. More than two needs a DAHD import permit or a DGFT licence.
Do I need an NOC to bring my dog to India?
Yes. Apply to the AQCS station at your arrival airport for an advance NOC before you fly; airlines will not carry the dog without it. The final NOC is issued on arrival.