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Guide to pet entry into India — From quarantine, NOC, airline regulations to settling in after arrival and veterinary care

By ARAZIA India Desk11 min read

Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 3 — Pet Entry Gateway to India — Biswarup Ganguly (CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons)

Once you receive your decision to take up a new position and begin preparing to settle down, there is one issue that requires you to make up your mind much earlier than expected. as soon asWill you be taking your pet with you?no see. In India, there is a quarantine risk for each country, and pet import regulations have been strengthened several times in recent years, so if you simply approach the country with the mindset of “I can just get vaccinated and buy a plane ticket,” it often happens that you end up stranded due to lack of documentation right before leaving the country.

This article is based on the experiences of Korean families who actually settled in Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida with their pets.Pre-vaccination and microchip → Apply for NOC (No Objection Form) from the Indian Ministry of Agriculture → Airline reservation and crate preparation → Delhi Airport quarantine clearance → Settlement, veterinary care and walking habits after arrival in IndiaThis is a guide organized in order.

This is an area where the regulations themselves still change frequently.Specific figures and deadlines must be checked on the official website (DAHD, Ministry of Agriculture of India, QIA, Korea Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Quarantine Agency) and the airline used at the time of departure.We recommend that you double-check and use this article as an ‘overall map’ for your preparation.

01Indian Pet Import Regulations — Why ‘NOC’ is the Gateway

To bring a pet to India, two documents must go together. One is issued by the Korean (country of departure) government.Animal quarantine certificate for export (Export Health Certificate)and the other is under the Indian Ministry of Agriculture.Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS)issued byNOC (No Objection Certificate)no see. Without these two documents you will not be able to pass through Indian customs.

In 2020, the Indian government significantly overhauled pet import regulations.In principle, pets that can be brought in as passenger baggage are limited to a maximum of 2 pets per person, only for the purpose of transfer of residence.limited to . If imported as commercial cargo, a separate import license is required and the procedures and costs become much more complicated. Expatriate families usually come through the ‘Personal Cargo for Moving Purposes’ track.

division	detail
competent authority	AQCS under Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Agriculture, India
Airports where you can bring in	Designated airports with AQCS quarantine stations such as Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Chennai (MAA), Kolkata (CCU), Bengaluru (BLR)
Number of items brought in per person	Up to 2 animals per personal cargo for moving purposes (dogs and cats combined)
target animal	In general, dogs and cats (separate regulations apply for other birds, reptiles, and small animals; prior confirmation is required)

Ultimately, pet migrationPlanned as ‘part of moving cargo’You must calculate and prepare your quarantine schedule well in advance of issuing airline tickets. The latest regulations and detailed conditions must be followed.Official site of the Indian Department of Agriculture (DAHD)Please check again with your airline's cargo team.

02Preparation for departure - microchip, rabies vaccination, health examination

There are three key things to prepare for NOC application and airline reception.ISO standard microchip, Rabies vaccination record within the expiration date, andQuarantine certificate issued by the Korean government (Agricultural, Forestry and Livestock Quarantine Headquarters) immediately before departureno see. If you do not follow the order, the effective time of each document will be different and revaccination and re-examination will be necessary.

1. Microchip implantation (first thing)

15-digit microchip compliant with ISO 11784/11785Implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccine.
If the chip has a different standard (e.g. 9-digit or 10-digit American format), the reader may not recognize it at Indian airports and customs clearance may be delayed.
After transplantImplantation date and chip number must be written on the vaccination card.You must do it. All future vaccines and tests will be linked to this chip number.

2. Rabies vaccination

The rabies vaccination isOnly valid after microchip implantationdo. In many cases, previous vaccinations are not recognized.
Since there is a waiting period for antibodies to form after vaccination, generallyAt least 30 days have passed since vaccination, within the expiration date (1-year standard)You must board in a condition of .
India does not require rabies antibody titer (FAVN) testing.Required depending on the transit countryYou can, so check the transit regulations before making your flight schedule.

3. Other vaccinations and deworming

Dog: Comprehensive vaccine such as DHPPi (measles, hepatitis, parvo, parainfluenza) or DHPP + Corona, kennel cough
Cat: FVRCP (panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calici) comprehensive vaccine
Before departureRecords of internal and external anthelmintic administrationIf you leave the issuance of quarantine certificate, the issuance of quarantine certificate will be smooth.

4. Quarantine Certificate (Export Health Certificate)

Departure after all vaccinations and tests are completed.Within 10 daysAfter checking health status at a designated animal hospital,Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Quarantine Agency (QIA)atIssuance of quarantine certificate for exportI receive it. There is a quarantine headquarters branch within Incheon Airport, so you can apply on the day of departure from the airport, but there is a possibility of document errors and re-issuance.Issued 1-2 days before departureIt is safer to receive.

Pet Delivery Air Crate — Labrador puppy in an IATA compliant carrier. — Airline crates that meet IATA standards are prepared in advance, taking into account the number of months and body size after growth. · Chachacha369 (CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons)

03AQCS NOC application — a document that must be obtained before arrival in India

Once the required documents are in place, go to the AQCS quarantine station at the arrival airport in India.No Objection Certificate (NOC)Apply in advance. NOC is the official confirmation from the Indian government that 'this pet is approved for entry into the country'. Without this document, customs clearance will not proceed at the airport quarantine counter.

Basic documents for NOC application

pet owner'sCopy of passport and Indian visa(Long-term stay visas such as employment visas and expatriate visas)
Documents proving the purpose of moving —Confirmation of dispatch to an Indian company, employment contract, rental agreement in India or Form Cetc.
Pet information —Microchip number, breed, sex, age, vaccination record
Issued by the Korean governmentCopy of quarantine certificate for export
A pledge stating that it is a moving, not a round trip.(Form required by airline/quarantine office)

Application/Issuance Procedure

At the AQCS office at the airport you plan to arrive at.Send document set in advance by emaildo. For Delhi, the AQCS office at IGI Airport is the contact point.
Once the documents are completeDraft/confirmed NOC before expected arrival datewill reply.
On the day of arrival, the quarantine officerPhysical verification (microchip scanning, visual confirmation of health status)After receiving the final approval stamp, it is handed over to customs clearance.

NOC application isAt least 2-3 weeks before departureIt is safe to embark on . Indian government offices have inconsistent e-mail response speeds, so when requests for supplementary documents come in, time is tight. Dedicated to international pet migrationpet relocation agencyHiring an agent to act as an agent is common among expatriate families. Although it costs money, the risk of document rejection and psychological burden are greatly reduced.

04Airline regulations and reservations — Comparison of Korean Air and airlines serving India

There are three main ways to transport pets by air.Carry-on Companion (PETC), Baggage hold check (AVIH), General air cargo (Cargo)no see. Based on the Incheon → Delhi direct flight, the characteristics of each method are as follows.

division	Target	characteristic
Carry-on Companion (PETC)	Small dog/small cat (combined weight of companion and carrier less than airline standard)	Ride in a carrier at the owner's feet, separate advance reservation required, limited number of items per flight.
Check baggage (AVIH)	Sizes that cannot be brought on board, such as medium and large dogs	Separately checked into a pressurized, air-conditioned cargo compartment and used on the same flight as passengers.
General cargo (Cargo)	When the guardian arrives on a different side or on a different day, etc.	Separate reception and acquisition through a cargo agency, separate import permit if classified as commercial cargo.

Things you must check when making a reservation

Limit on the number of items allowed per flight— The number of pets allowed is set for each airline and flight.Closed on first come first served basisIt works. Book a flight ticketjeonBe sure to check with the cargo team/baggage team for advance reservation availability.
Crate specifications — IATA (International Air Transport Association) standardsmust be met. pet insideA size that does not interfere with standing up, turning, or lying downis the basic standard. There are not many places that sell IATA standard crates in Korea, so please take your time when purchasing and starting adaptation training.
Brachycephalic Restrictions— Breeds with short noses such as Pekingese, Pug, Bulldog, Persian, and HimalayanVulnerable to temperature and pressure changesDuring the summer, cargo space check-in is often restricted or even refused.
In-flight meal and water plan— For long distances, a waterer and a small amount of food in the crate are essential.

Korean Air and Asiana Airlines have relatively systematic guidance on pet transportation procedures, and domestic flights such as India IndiGo have different regulations from international flights.Transfer to a domestic flight after arriving in IndiaIf so, you must make a separate reservation in advance. Please check the official website of your airline for exact weight, specifications, and fees.

Pet delivery relocation — dogs waiting in the carrier — Train your dog to get used to the crate by placing it in the house a few weeks before arrival to reduce stress during the move. · IsraeliEditor54 (CC0, Wikimedia Commons)

05Arrival at Delhi Airport — Quarantine inspection and customs clearance flow

At the cargo terminal of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI, DEL)AQCS Quarantine Counteris always present, and when your pet arrives,Separate cargo acceptance procedure from passenger baggageStep on . After the passenger completes immigration inspection and baggage collectionGo back to the cargo terminal (usually near Cargo Terminal / Center for Perishable Cargo)It is common to acquire a pet.

General customs clearance flow

Immigration inspection/baggage claim— Passengers complete customs clearance first.
cargo terminal transfer— If you have an agency, you will go to the IGI cargo area. If not, you will go to the IGI cargo area.
AQCS quarantine officer physical verification— Microchip scanning, visual health status verification, document matching. If there is no problemNOC final approval.
customs clearance— If it is classified as moving cargo and has an NOC, customs duties are generally not levied, but if it is misunderstood as commercial cargo, the process becomes complicated. Please also present documents for the purpose of moving.
Takeover and return home— Do not open the carrier, but open it in a quiet room after arriving home to give time to adjust.

Practical tips for arrival date

arrivalWeekends, Indian public holidays, night timeIf caught, your pet may have to wait in the warehouse for several hours to half a day outside of the quarantine officer's working hours.Flights arriving during the day, preferably on weekdaysSelect .
It is common for daytime temperatures in Delhi to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in the summer just prior to arrival.Season and time of day (late evening arrival)Consider .
If you take over yourselfPre-book a vehicle and driverYou must do it. It is difficult to immediately find a large vehicle that can transport Uber or Ola to the transfer station.
Do not overlap with the initial settlement procedure (FRRO, SIM card, account) upon arrival.Checklist for your first 30 days in IndiaPlease refer to and allocate your schedule in advance.

Inside Terminal 3 of Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport — Customs clearance process for pets entering India — Pet pickup takes place at the AQCS quarantine counter at the IGI cargo terminal, not at the passenger terminal. · Biswarup Ganguly (CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons)

06Settlement after arrival - veterinary care, walking, climate adaptation, housing rules

During the first two to three weeks after arriving in India, both people and pets are faced with unfamiliar environmental stimuli such as jet lag, climate, noise, and smells. At this timeQuickly establish a regular veterinary hospital and walking routineWhat you do will determine the quality of your life in India for the next few years.

Representative animal hospitals in Delhi NCR (for reference only)

Cessna Lifeline Veterinary Hospital— Large hospital with 24-hour emergency care in south Delhi. Foreigners have a lot of experience using it.
Max Vets— Multiple branches in Delhi and Gurgaon. Comprehensive medical treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation.
DCC Animal Hospital (DCC Pet Care Center)— Multiple branches in Delhi. Vaccination, beauty, and pension combined.
CGS Hospital— Based in Gurgaon. Comprehensive medical treatment and imaging examination.

When selecting a hospitalEmergency response at night and on weekends, Primary care veterinarian’s communication in English, Travel time from home (taking traffic into account)Check it out together. In emergency situations, like with people, speed of response is key. Although it is a human subjectHospital/emergency response guideIt may be helpful to refer to the hospital accessibility mindset.

Mandatory vaccinations and health checks immediately upon arrival

to the vetCopy of Korean vaccination record/quarantine certificatepresented and tailored to the Indian environment.Additional vaccine plansCheck. In India, annual rabies booster vaccination is safe.
Tick-borne diseases (Ehrlichia, Babesia, etc.)is common throughout India. From immediately after arrivalMonthly preventive measures (spot-on, oral medication)Get started.
Filaria (heartworm)Prevention is also considered essential in Delhi NCR.

Walking and climate adaptation

During the summer (April to June), daytime temperatures exceed 40 degrees. For a walkEarly morning and late eveningIf the asphalt or cement road surface is hot, there is a risk of burning the soles of your feet.
During the monsoon season (July-September), waterholes and grass forestsExposure to ticks and parasitesThis skyrockets. Make it a habit to check your feet and abdomen after a walk.
From November to early FebruaryDelhi air pollution (PM2.5)It affects the respiratory system of not only humans but also pets. On days when the index is very bad, substitute indoor activities. Waiting and transportation appGuide to essential apps for living in IndiaPlease refer to .
Most residential complexes in Gurgaon and Noida have dog run spaces or designated walking times. Delhi city centerLodhi GardenThis is a popular dog walking spot, but policies may vary depending on the time of day and season, so please check the information at the management office.

Residential complex rules and consideration for neighbors

When signing a leaseIs it pet-friendly?Be sure to confirm in writing. There are cases where conflict with the Management Committee (RWA) arises after only verbal approval has been received.Gurgaon area and housing guideSee also.
In the elevator and public lobbyWear a leash and muzzle and bring a defecation bag.As there are many neighbors who are sensitive to noise (barking),bark trainingIn parallel.

Dog Veterinary Care in Delhi — Settlement Health Care after Arrival in India — On the first visit after arrival, Korean vaccination records are shared and a new vaccination schedule tailored to the Indian environment is created. · Nenad Stojkovic (CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons)

07Preparing for a long-term stay and return - Habits to create now

Once life in India is on a stable track, the next hurdle isPreparing to return to Korea (or relocate to a third country)no see. Korea prohibits companion animals from India under its rabies-free zone policy.Rabies neutralizing antibody titer (FAVN) testBecause strict requirements apply, including: It is too late to start preparing when you plan to return home.

What to pack in advance while staying in India

All vaccination, deworming, and hospital treatment records are kept as original files.do. Collect paper cards and receipts from Indian hospitals in one folder and back up scanned copies to the cloud.
Once a yearrabies boosterand always check to see if your microchip number is on your vaccination card.
return homeat least 6 months agofrom KoreaAgriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Quarantine Agency (QIA)Check the required documents and antibody test institutions on the site, andCertified blood collection hospitalSecure . The FAVN test takes several weeks to produce results after a blood draw.
If you are planning to move to a third country (e.g. Singapore/EU), please check the official quarantine site of your intended relocation destination separately as each country's quarantine requirements are significantly different.

Things that are easy to miss in everyday life

Consignment during travel/business trip— The number of pet hotel and pet sitting services is increasing in India, but the quality varies greatly. Trustworthy from the moment of arrivalTwo regular consignment storesIf you secure it, you won't be embarrassed during an urgent business trip.
summer migration— Pets transported in personal vehiclesLeaving it in a parked car even for a momentis absolutely prohibited. Summer indoor temperatures in Delhi and Gurgaon rise to lethal levels in a matter of minutes.
Reuse of crates during relocation— If the IATA crate you used when you first came to India was not significantly damaged,Reuse when returning home or remigratingit's possible. When organizing your moving luggage, mark and store it separately.

In summary, when it comes to living in India with a pet, the first six months of preparation and the first month of settling in immediately after arrival determine the stability of the subsequent years. Documents, vaccines, crates, hospitals - if we manage these four axes without losing sight of them, even the unfamiliar environment of India can become a new home for both our family and pets.

Walking a dog at Lodhi Garden in Delhi — Living with pets in India — Delhi Lodi Garden is known as a dog walking spot. Please check management policies according to season and time zone before visiting. · Slyronit (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)

Useful tips

Microchip → Never change the rabies vaccination sequence.

To be recognized, a 15-digit microchip compliant with ISO 11784/11785 must first be implanted and then a rabies vaccine administered. If the process is carried out in the opposite order, revaccination and re-waiting will be required, which may push the departure schedule by 2 to 3 months.

Airline pet reservations take precedence over airline tickets.

Since the number of passengers per flight is limited, if you purchase an airline ticket first and make a reservation for your pet in advance, it may be rejected due to deadline. Be sure to check with the cargo team and baggage team for advance reservation availability before issuing a flight ticket.

Actively utilize pet relocation agencies

International pet relocation involves a large set of documents and requires consultation with each agency. Although it costs money, the risk and stress of document rejection can be greatly reduced by using an agency that handles NOC application and airport acquisition on your behalf. First consider places that have seen a lot of migration to India in recent years.

Flights arriving during the day on weekdays are given priority.

If you arrive on a weekend, Indian public holiday, or at night, your pet may have to wait at the warehouse for several hours or more due to the violation of quarantine office working hours. If possible, plan your flight to arrive during the day on a weekday, and to reduce heat load by arriving in the evening or at night during the summer.

Crate acclimation training begins at least 4 weeks in advance.

Buy an IATA-compliant crate in advance, place it in the house, and train it by bringing it in briefly every day to get used to it. If you first put it in a few days before arrival, your health may deteriorate rapidly due to stress during the move.

Common pitfalls and how to solve them

Because the microchip standard is not ISO 11784/11785, Indian airport readers cannot recognize it.

→

In the early stages of preparation for departure, the chip specifications are checked at the veterinary hospital, and if not recognized, an additional ISO standard chip is implanted. Be sure to write the transplant date and 15-digit number on the vaccination card so that the uniform number is included in all future documents.

It is classified as ‘commercial cargo’ and requires separate import permits and customs procedures.

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Prepare a set of proof of moving, such as confirmation of dispatch from an Indian company, visa, and rental contract, so that it can be accepted as personal luggage (passenger baggage on transfer of residence), and clearly state that the purpose of moving is during the prior consultation with the airline and AQCS.

Since the flight arrives in Delhi during the summer, there is a risk that your pet may suffer severe heat stress in the cargo hold.

→

If possible, adjust the migration period to a season with mild temperatures, such as March-April or October-November, and if unavoidable, choose an evening or nighttime arrival flight. Brachycephalic breeds are often refused summer consignment, so be sure to check with the airline in advance.

Immediately after arrival, tick-borne disease and filaria prevention was missed, and infection was discovered several weeks later.

→

Within the first week of arrival, we will visit a general veterinary hospital in Delhi NCR to share Korean vaccination records and create a new Indian standard monthly prevention schedule for mites, filaria, and internal parasites. Get into the habit of checking your feet, abdomen, and ears after a walk.

If you sign a contract based solely on the verbal consent that 'pets are allowed', friction will arise with the Management Committee (RWA) after you move in.

→

In the rental agreement, the conditions for keeping pets are specified in writing, and the species, size, and number of animals are also written down in detail. After moving in, strictly keep leashes and litter bags in elevators and common areas and pay attention to barking to prevent complaints from neighbors.

Latest updates

India reorganizes pet imports to focus on ‘personal cargo for moving purposes’In 2020, the Indian government revamped the import regulations for pets, limiting the import of pets in the form of personal cargo to a maximum of two pets per person for moving purposes only. Commercial cargo types require a separate import permit, greatly complicating the process.
Designated import counters maintained at five airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and BengaluruPets can only be brought into designated airports where AQCS quarantine stations are stationed, so even if the final domestic flight destination in India is a different city, the first entry must be made at one of the five designated airports.

FAQ

What is the first thing you need to prepare when bringing a pet to India?

Implantation of a 15-digit microchip compliant with ISO 11784/11785 is the first step. Only the rabies vaccine administered after the microchip is recognized, so if the order is reversed, departure may be delayed by 2 to 3 months due to revaccination and re-waiting. Next is the rabies/comprehensive vaccination, AQCS NOC application, airline reservation, and issuance of quarantine certificate from the Korea Quarantine Headquarters just before departure.

What are the restrictions on the number of items brought into India and which airports allow entry?

It is known that a maximum of 2 dogs (dogs and cats combined) per passenger are allowed as personal cargo for the purpose of transfer of residence, and they can only be brought into designated airports where AQCS quarantine stations are stationed, such as Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Chennai (MAA), Kolkata (CCU), and Bengaluru (BLR). Please double check the official website of the Department of Agriculture of India (DAHD) for the latest detailed terms and conditions.

When and how do I apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC)?

Apply by emailing a set of documents in advance to the AQCS office at the airport you plan to arrive (e.g. IGI, Delhi) at least 2-3 weeks before departure. The basic set includes a passport, visa, proof of moving (dispatch confirmation, rental contract, etc.), pet microchip, vaccination record, and a copy of the Korean quarantine certificate, and the final approval is given by a quarantine officer after physical inspection on the day of arrival.

Where do I collect my pet after arriving in Delhi?

Pick-up occurs at the AQCS quarantine counter at the IGI Airport Cargo Terminal, not the passenger terminal. Passengers must first complete immigration and baggage claim, then move to the cargo area, undergo a physical inspection by a quarantine officer and clear customs before picking up their pet. Using an agency will take care of this process for you.

Which veterinary hospitals are reliable in Delhi and Gurgaon?

Cessna Lifeline Veterinary Hospital (24-hour emergency availability), Max Vets (multi-point comprehensive care), DCC Animal Hospital, and CGS Hospital in Gurgaon are frequently used by expatriate families. When choosing a hospital, consider night and weekend emergency response, English communication, and travel time from home.

Is the Indian rabies antibody titer (FAVN) test required?

In general, a rabies antibody test is not required for entry into India, but it is required when transiting through a country or when returning to Korea or moving to a third country. In particular, in order to return to Korea, you must schedule FAVN blood collection and testing at least 6 months before departure. Be sure to check the official website of the Korea Agriculture, Forestry and Livestock Quarantine Agency (QIA) for the latest requirements.

References & links

Indian Department of Agriculture (DAHD) — official site for pet import jurisdiction Korea Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Quarantine Agency (QIA) — Korean companion animal import and export quarantine Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India Indian Government Official Portal KOTRA Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency India e-FRRO Official Portal (Foreigner Registration)