Essential Requirements for Travelling with Your Pet

Before embarking on your journey, it is crucial to familiarise yourself with the mandatory import requirements when taking your dog or cat to India.
Please note that importation is limited to one dog per person and a restricted number of cats.

1. Vaccinations

• Rabies Vaccination: Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before travelling.

• Standard Vaccinations: Ensure all other routine vaccinations are up to date.

🚨 Pro Tip: If you are planning to get your pet vaccinated, please note that Rabies and routine vaccinations should not be given on the same day, as they may invalidate each other.

2. Pre-arrival Requirements

At least 7 days before embarkation, you must submit an application to the Animal Quarantine & Certification Station (AQCS). This can be done via email or in person and should include the following documents:

• Vaccination and Microchip certificates

• Official Health Certificate

• Air ticket/Airway bill

• Passport copy (of the owner)

Once the documents are reviewed, an Advance No Objection Certificate (NOC-Annexure) will be issued by the AQCS—typically within one working day—along with details of the parameters to be checked upon arrival in India.

3. Veterinary Travel Certification: Export Health Certificate

A specialised Export Health Certificate is required for your pet’s journey from the UK to India. This certificate must be:

• Approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)

• Signed by an Official Vet (OV), who has undergone the necessary training to authorise such documentation.

👉 Check out an example of the Veterinary Travel Certificate here (PDF)

4. Clinical Examinations

Your pet must undergo two clinical examinations to be deemed fit for travel:

• First Examination: Approximately 7 days before travelling to secure a Health Certificate, which is essential for obtaining the NOC from Indian authorities.

• Second Examination: Conducted within 2 days prior to departure. Provided that all criteria are met during this final check, the Export Health Certificate will be issued.

Additional Considerations

• Transit Documentation: If your travel route does not directly lead to India, additional documentation may be required.

• Returning to the UK: If you plan to return to the UK with your pet, it is advisable to conduct a rabies serology test in the UK before departure.

Why choose us 🐾

Taking your pet to India from the UK requires meticulous planning, as the process involves strict timelines, multiple consultations, and documentation that must be signed by specially qualified veterinarians. These complexities can make it particularly challenging for a regular vet to handle.

We specialise in pet travel documentation and happy to help ensuring a safe, smooth, and stress-free journey for your furry friend.

✅ Experienced & Trusted – We’ve helped countless pet owners with their travel preparations, ensuring all documents are in order.
💷 Affordable & Transparent Pricing – Our Export Health Certificate for India have some of the most competitive rates in London.
🚪 Convenience at Your Doorstep – We can even perform all the necessary checks at your home, reducing the risk of your pet getting sick by avoiding exposure to unwell animals at the vet.
📄 Expert Handling of Documents – We prepare these documents daily, so you can be confident everything is completed correctly.

Let us take the stress out of pet travel—so you can focus on the excitement of your journey! 🇮🇳🐾