Moving to India with pets – stress-free and animal-friendly DACHSER & KOLB: consultation, process planning and partners for professional pet transport.
India is an important destination for many families, expats and professionals starting a new chapter, whether for professional or private reasons. Anyone moving to India with a pet should start planning early: the import process is document-heavy and must be coordinated with the airline, veterinary authority, Animal Quarantine and Certification Service in India and the entire relocation logistics.
According to the available requirements, passengers moving to India under Transfer of Residence or Residence may generally import one dog, one cat or one parrot. For dogs and cats, an Advance NOC from the Indian Animal Quarantine and Certification Station is also required; the NOC must be available before landing in India.
DACHSER & KOLB supports you in planning your international move to India in a structured way – including timeline, document check, transport coordination and coordination with specialised pet transport partners.
Early Planning and Documents for a Stress-Free Move to India with Pets
The following documents are particularly relevant when moving to India with a pet:
✓ Vaccination record
✓ Veterinary Health Certificate
✓ Advance NOC from the Animal Quarantine Department or Animal Quarantine and Certification Station in India
✓ Flight details or travel confirmation
✓ Transport documents from the airline or pet transport partner
✓ Copies of the pet owner’s travel documents
The Indian NOC must be applied for before entry. According to APHIS, dogs and cats require an NOC in addition to a valid health certificate; all animals must have received the NOC before landing in India. The application requires vaccination records, a government-issued veterinary certificate and flight details, among other documents.
In plain terms: without properly prepared documents, clearance at the airport can be delayed. In the worst case, additional checks, quarantine or operational extra costs may occur.
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Health and Vaccination Requirements for Pet Relocation to India
Vaccinations
A complete vaccination record is a mandatory part of the import documents. For dogs and cats, rabies protection is particularly relevant. Vaccination documents must be complete, up to date and clearly assigned to the animal.
It is important that all details match: pet owner’s name, animal species, pet’s name, vaccination date, vaccine information, microchip number if available, and the details in the health certificate.
Inconsistent documentation is a real risk for delays during entry.
Veterinary Health Certificate
The Veterinary Health Certificate confirms that your pet is healthy, fit to travel and suitable for international transport. For the NOC application at the Indian Animal Quarantine and Certification Station, APHIS states that the vaccination records, a government-issued veterinary certificate from the country of departure and flight details are required.
The health certificate should include in particular: pet owner details, animal species: name, breed, sex, age and colour, vaccination status, health status, fitness to travel, country of origin and destination airport, government or official veterinary confirmation, if required in the country of departure.
Advance NOC from India
The Advance No Objection Certificate, or NOC, is one of the most important documents when moving to India with a pet. It is issued by the relevant Animal Quarantine and Certification Station in India. It must be available before landing in India. According to APHIS, the processing time is around five working days.
Usually required: all vaccination records of the pet, government-issued veterinary certificate from the country of departure, flight details or Air Waybill, pet owner and travel details
For dogs and cats, the process was further simplified in 2025: final quarantine clearance can be issued at the port of entry around the clock, provided that an Advance NOC has been issued in advance and the arrival data has been properly submitted.
Which Animals Can Be Imported into India?
According to the information provided, a passenger entering India under Transfer or Residence may import one pet:
- one cat
- one dog
- or one parrot
For dogs and cats, the publicly documented NOC processes are particularly relevant. For parrots, wildlife protection, CITES, airline and Indian import requirements should additionally be checked individually, as birds may be more strictly regulated in practice than standard companion animals.
Preparation and Well-Being of Your Pet
Get your pet used to the transport crate early. The crate should not be used for the first time on the day of departure. The more familiar the animal is with the crate, the lower the stress during travel.
Feeding, water intake and possible calming measures should be discussed with your veterinarian before the flight. Sedatives should not be used independently, as they can create risks during the flight.
Before departure, identify a suitable veterinarian at your destination in India. This is especially important for older animals, chronic illnesses or long-term stays.
Step by Step – How Pet Entry into India Runs Smoothly
8–12 weeks before departure
- check whether your pet may be imported
- clarify whether entry falls under Transfer of Residence or Residence
- check vaccination status with your veterinarian
- coordinate the transport method with the airline or pet transport partner
- define destination airport and arrival route
- check the requirements of the Animal Quarantine and Certification Station
6–8 weeks before departure
- update vaccination records
- prepare the Veterinary Health Certificate
- select a transport crate according to airline requirements
- get your pet used to the transport crate and travel situation
- compile the documents for the Advance NOC
2–4 weeks before departure
- confirm final travel dates and flight details
- apply for the Advance NOC with the relevant authority in India
- check documents for completeness
- compare names, pet details and vaccination information
- prepare copies of all relevant documents
3–10 days before departure
- have the health certificate issued or confirmed
- keep original documents and copies in your hand luggage
- label the transport crate correctly
- coordinate feeding and water intake with your veterinarian
- allow enough time for check-in with your pet
On the day of departure
- arrive at the airport early
- keep your pet, transport crate and documents ready
- follow airline requirements at check-in
- do not place important documents in checked baggage
Important documents in your hand luggage: pet owner’s passport vaccination records / Vaccination Record Veterinary Health Certificate Advance NOC flight and transport documents copies of all relevant documents
After Arrival in India
- declare your pet to customs or the responsible Animal Quarantine Station
- present the original documents
- present the animal for inspection
- wait for final release or quarantine decision
For dogs and cats, the current Indian regulation provides that the final NOC can be issued at the port of entry itself, provided that the Advance NOC and the required documents are available.
Transport and logistics for your pet relocation to India
Transport and Logistics for Your Pet Relocation to India
A flight to India can be stressful for animals. That is why the airline, route, transport crate and document deadlines must be coordinated early.
- In the cabin: Depending on the airline, small dogs or cats may travel in the cabin.
- In the hold: Larger animals often travel in a climate-controlled and pressurised area.
- Manifest cargo: Some animals or routes require transport as air freight.
- Birds / parrots: Additional airline, quarantine and wildlife protection requirements may apply.
Pet transport should not be planned in isolation, but as part of the entire international move to India. Flight date, health certificate, NOC, customs clearance and arrival logistics must work together cleanly.
Advantages with DACHSER & KOLB
- integration of pet transport into the overall relocation concept
- coordination with specialised pet transport partners
- coordination of household goods, customs, relocation and pet transport
- deadline management for vaccinations, health certificate, NOC and flight dates
- clear timelines and contacts
- reduction of operational risks before, during and after entry
FAQ – What are the most common questions about moving to India with pets?
Can I Take My Pet to India?
Yes, under certain conditions. According to the available information, when entering under Transfer or Residence, one dog, one cat or one parrot may be imported.
How Many Pets Can I Bring to India?
According to the information provided, one passenger entering under Transfer or Residence may import one pet: one cat, one dog or one parrot.
Which Documents Do I Need for Moving to India with a Pet?
In particular, vaccination records, a Veterinary Health Certificate and an Advance NOC from the Animal Quarantine Department or Animal Quarantine and Certification Station in India are required. For dogs and cats, APHIS also lists flight details or travel confirmation as part of the NOC documents.
What Is an Advance NOC?
The Advance NOC is a No Objection Certificate issued by the Indian quarantine authority. It must be available before landing in India and is central to the pet’s clearance upon entry.
How Long Does It Take to Apply for the NOC?
According to APHIS, issuing the NOC takes around five working days. In practice, more lead time should still be planned because document checks, flight details and communication with authorities can take additional time.
Does My Pet Have to Go into Quarantine in India?
This depends on the document situation, health status and inspection upon entry. If all documents are complete and the animal passes inspection, clearance can be quick. Missing or incorrect documents can lead to delays or further official measures.
How Early Should I Plan Moving to India with a Pet?
At least 8–12 weeks of lead time is recommended. A safer planning window is 3–4 months, especially if vaccinations, health certificate, transport crate or NOC still need to be organised.
How Can DACHSER & KOLB Support Me When Moving to India with a Pet?
DACHSER & KOLB supports with:
- consultation on process, timing and documents
- synchronisation of pet transport and moving date
- coordination with specialised pet transport partners
- integration of pet transport into the overall move
- coordination of household goods, customs and relocation services
- clear timelines and contacts
Why is it worth hiring a professional moving company?
An international move to India is complex. With a pet, the effort and risk increase significantly. Document deadlines, vaccination records, health certificate, NOC, flight planning, customs issues and arrival logistics must be coordinated cleanly.
A professional moving company brings structure into this process. DACHSER & KOLB supports you in reducing operational risks, keeping critical deadlines in view and preparing your move to India efficiently.
Are you planning to move to India with pets?
Would you like to move to India with your dog, cat or parrot and need an experienced moving company? Then calculate your individual moving price in just a few steps. We will contact you and plan the next steps together.
Sabrina Klier
Customer Service & Sales - AIR & SEA
