Bringing a pet to India

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

India has strict, origin-dependent import rules for dogs, cats, and ferrets, with no uniform policy across species. Pets from rabies-free or low-risk countries face simpler requirements, while those from high-risk areas must meet additional testing and waiting periods. There is no mandatory quarantine for compliant pets, but expect thorough document checks at entry.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to India.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA, DEFRA, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine details, and validity
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by origin country authority
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
  • Pet passport or equivalent (if from EU/UK)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

The health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US). No import permit is required.

AQCS India

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA, DEFRA, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine details, and validity
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by origin country authority
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
  • Pet passport or equivalent (if from EU/UK)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

The health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US). No import permit is required.

AQCS India

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA, DEFRA, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine details, and validity
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by origin country authority
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
  • Pet passport or equivalent (if from EU/UK)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

The health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US). No import permit is required.

AQCS India

Frequently asked questions

No, India does not require a rabies titer (FAVN) test for dogs from any country. A valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel is sufficient.
No, India does not impose quarantine for dogs arriving from any country, provided all documentation (microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate) is in order.
India does not specify a strict limit for non-commercial pet imports, but bringing more than 2-3 dogs may trigger commercial import rules. Check with the Indian customs or animal quarantine department for guidance on larger numbers.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the dog's arrival in India. It must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK).
No, India does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from standard import requirements. They must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate rules as any other dog.
Cabin travel depends on the airline's policy and the dog's size/weight. Most airlines allow small dogs (under 8 kg including carrier) in the cabin on international flights to India, but you must check with your specific carrier. Larger dogs travel as checked baggage or cargo.
Yes, India accepts EU or UK pet passports as proof of rabies vaccination and microchip, but you still need a separate health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the relevant authority (e.g., DEFRA for UK passports).

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to India.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
  • Pet passport or equivalent official record (if applicable)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No quarantine for cats from rabies-free origins. Ensure microchip is implanted before rabies vaccination.

AQCS India

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
  • Pet passport or equivalent official record (if applicable)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No quarantine for cats from low-risk origins. Ensure microchip is implanted before rabies vaccination.

AQCS India

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
30 days
Mandatory 30-day quarantine at an approved facility upon arrival. Costs borne by owner.
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL)
  • Import permit (No Objection Certificate) from DAHD
  • Vaccination record for other routine vaccines (e.g., feline distemper)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees ~$50-100, quarantine costs ~$200-500. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Quarantine and titer test required for high-risk origins. Start process at least 4 months before travel.

AQCS India

Frequently asked questions

Most airlines allow cats as checked baggage in the cabin (carry-on) or as cargo depending on size and airline policy. For cabin travel, the cat must fit in a soft carrier under the seat (typically max 8 kg including carrier). For cargo, the cat travels in a pressurized hold. Confirm with your airline at least 72 hours before departure. India does not have a blanket ban on cabin pets, but individual airlines set their own rules.
India generally allows up to 2 cats per person under non-commercial pet import rules. If you bring more than 2, you may need a commercial import license and additional documentation. Check with the Department of Animal Husbandry for the exact limit as it can vary by state.
No. Cats from the US and UK (both low-risk origins) do not require a rabies titer test. Only cats from high-risk origins (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) need a FAVN test with a result ≥0.5 IU/mL, plus a 30-day quarantine.
No. India does not recognize emotional support animals or service cats as exempt from standard import rules. All cats, regardless of role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and quarantine requirements. No special documentation or waivers are available.
No. The 30-day quarantine is mandatory for cats from high-risk origins regardless of titer test results. The titer test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, but quarantine is still required. Plan for at least 4 months total lead time.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the date of arrival in India. If it is older than 10 days, Indian authorities may deny entry or require a new certificate from a local vet in India. Always time the certificate to be no more than 10 days old on the day you land.
India does not legally mandate other vaccinations for cat import, but many airlines and quarantine facilities recommend routine vaccines (e.g., feline distemper, feline herpesvirus). Check with your vet and the quarantine facility if any additional shots are required for boarding.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to India.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at entry, administered at least 21 days prior)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

AQCS India

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at entry, administered at least 21 days prior)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

AQCS India

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
30 days
Mandatory quarantine at an approved facility in India, typically at the port of entry. Costs borne by owner.
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at entry and throughout quarantine, administered at least 21 days prior)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)
  • FAVN titer test result from OIE-approved lab (performed at least 30 days post-vaccination and within 6 months of travel)
  • Import permit from DAHD

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees ~$50-100, quarantine costs ~$200-500. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

AQCS India

Frequently asked questions

No. For ferrets from low-risk origins like the US or UK, a FAVN test is not required. Only ferrets from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa) need a FAVN test, plus a 30-day quarantine and an import permit.
India generally allows up to 2 pets per passenger under non-commercial rules. For more than 2, commercial import regulations may apply, including additional permits and customs clearance. Check with the Department of Animal Husbandry for exact limits.
No. India does not recognize emotional support animals or service ferrets under its pet import regulations. All ferrets must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and quarantine requirements regardless of their role.
Most airlines do not allow ferrets in the cabin on international flights to India. Ferrets are typically accepted as checked baggage or cargo, subject to airline-specific policies. Confirm with your carrier at least 2 weeks before travel.
The rabies vaccination must be valid at entry and throughout the quarantine period. If it expires during quarantine, the facility may require a booster vaccination at your expense. Ensure the vaccine is administered at least 21 days before travel and has a validity of at least 1 year.
Yes, India accepts rabies vaccines labeled for 3-year duration, provided the ferret is at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination and the vaccine is administered by a licensed veterinarian. The 21-day waiting period still applies.
No. India does not impose breed-specific restrictions on ferrets. However, some airlines may have their own policies regarding ferret transport. Always check with your airline.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies (with a valid certificate), and accompanied by an import permit from the Department of Animal Husbandry. The rabies-neutralizing antibody titre test is required for pets from high-risk countries, and the test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to India, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with India's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.