Travel to India with Pets Conveniently

Pets are an important part of the family just like friends.

And, what fun is a vacation without family and friends?

However, it is not always convenient to carry your pets along, especially on international trips. There are public accommodations and tourist destinations that take special care for pets. However, commuting poses a big challenge.

More and more airlines are making provisions for making your travel experience pet-friendly. Since air travel is the most preferred mode of transportation it was the need of the hour to make special rules for you to carry your favorite pet along with you for domestic or international travel.

There are various regulations on the carriage of pets that vary largely on the basis of the destination you are planning to visit. This article centers on one of the most popular tourist destinations, India.

So, before closing flight ticket deals to India, here’s everything you must know while you are travel with pets.

You must meet the following conditions set by the airlines to import your pet:

1. If you are an Indian returning to your country, your stay should not be more than 180 days. Also, you must have stayed out of the country for more than two years.
2. An OCI or PIO card is mandatory to facilitate a smooth transfer of your pet to India if you are of Indian origin but a foreign national.
3. You need a DGFT license in order to allow entry to your pet if you are an Indian citizen visiting the country for a short term visit.
4. A foreign national can travel with their pets provided they are relocating to India for work or intend to stay here for a minimum duration of one year.
5. India prohibits the importing of dogs for commercial purposes and breeding.
6. India doesn’t allow the transfer of unaccompanied pets through flights unless the owner is moving residency to India.

Pets per Person:

Each person can travel with pets up to 2 dogs or cats. If you wish to travel with more than a couple of cats or dogs, you would require a license from the Director-General of Foreign Trade.

Best Time to Arrive with Pets:

Before you buy Indian tickets, make sure that you arrive at the airport between 5 am to 12 pm. This is the most convenient time window for importing pets to your desired destination.

All accompanying dogs and cats need to arrive within 30 days of the first immigration stamp. Unaccompanied pets must enter within 7 to 14 days after the owner.

Entering the Country:

Your pet will arrive via cargo or as a piece of checked baggage. Currently, you can enter the country through destinations of Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

Pet Microchip: A microchip is a grain-sized identification transponder based on radio frequencies. Your pet must be ISO 11784/11785 microchipped to enter India.

You can also bring your microchip scanner in case your pet is not ISO 11784/11785 compliant.

License to Import:

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade in India issues a license to import pets in case of traveling for change in the ownership.

Next, for dogs and cats, 30 days in an approved quarantine facility in the country of origin is also required.

Pets traveling to India with their owners require NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the Animal Quarantine Station. You can apply for the same on your own or via an agent/representative.

Vaccines:

For your dog or cat, vaccination against rabies must be administered at least 31 days before their arrival in India.

Dogs need vaccination against multiple diseases such as Leptospirosis, Distemper, Leishmaniasis, and Parvovirus. This becomes all the more important if you are traveling from countries on a high-risk of rabies.

However, the rabies titer tests are not mandatory to enter India. Cats must be vaccinated against FVRCP between 30 days and 12 months before entering India.

Veterinary Certificate for India:

Maximum 30 days prior to travel from Canada or the USA, you must complete the Veterinary Certificate for India from a USDA or CFIA certified vet. Also, USDA or CFIA must endorse the form.

If you are to travel from any other country, the governing authority for the import of animals must duly endorse all forms. Also, note that all the documents must be in English.

Within India:

You can catch a domestic cheapest flight to India and travel with pets, provided you have all the documents required. And, you are subject to local rules and regulations.

Traveling with pets is the safest. However, cargo is cheaper. So before you book airline tickets to India, consider the pros and cons.

Once you have reached India, you can choose other modes of transportation. However, not all of them are pet-friendly. The most convenient way to go about the country would be by air or train.

Also, for local commutes in India, hiring a cab or a private vehicle is perhaps the best way to explore the country with alongside your pets.

The most important thing is documentation. Always have a copy of permits and licenses. Click photographs from your cellular phone. Have the identifications for your pet handy.

The key is to be well-informed. India is a reasonably pet-friendly country. So, don’t worry about leaving your lovely companions as there is always a way out.