Official Import Rules
India requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Animal Quarantine & Certification Services (AQCS) obtained prior to arrival. The NOC can be applied for by mail, fax, email, or in person. An in-country agent is recommended. For pet baggage NOCs, applicants typically contact the AQCS station at the destination port directly. Allow 7 days before travel for the NOC application (relaxable to 3 days in specific circumstances); processing typically takes about 5 working days.
Cats need an ISO microchip, current rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old, not older than 12 months), and a health certificate from a government-accredited vet certifying the cat is free from rabies, distemper, feline enteritis, feline panleukopenia, and leptospirosis. Verify the correct pre-travel issuance window for the health certificate directly with the destination AQCS station.
Cats must arrive at designated airports with AQCS facilities (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad).
Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip.
Rabies vaccination
Current vaccination required, typically at least 21-30 days before travel.
Health certificate
Issued by accredited vet. Verify the correct pre-travel issuance window with the destination AQCS station.
Government endorsement
May be required — check with destination authority.
Travel
Arrive at designated port with all original documentation.
Preparation Checklist
2 months before
1 month before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
Cats imported as accompanied baggage are subject to a 15-day quarantine upon arrival if documents are in order. Cats brought for temporary visits (tourists, short stays) with proper documentation may be exempted from the 15-day quarantine at the discretion of the quarantine officer. The AQCS inspects cats at the airport on arrival.
City & Housing Tips
Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Pune have growing pet cultures with excellent vet clinics. Pet-friendly housing can be challenging — many housing societies restrict pets. Websites like MagicBricks and 99acres have pet-friendly filters.
Vets & Common Parasites
Veterinary care varies significantly by city. Major cities have excellent vet hospitals (e.g., Cessna Lifeline, Max Vets). Rural areas have limited options. Common parasites: fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms. Year-round prevention essential. Heat stress is a risk in summer.
Find Vets in IndiaExit Rules — Leaving India
Exiting India requires a health certificate from an AQCS-registered vet, endorsed by the AQCS office. Allow 3-5 business days for processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Apply to the AQCS at least 7 days before travel (relaxable to 3 days in specific circumstances). The NOC is mandatory and typically takes about 5 working days to process. You can apply by mail, fax, email, or in person; for pet baggage NOCs, contact the AQCS station at the destination port directly.
Yes, most airlines allow cabin pets on flights to India, though availability varies by route.
India has the highest rabies burden globally. Keep your cat vaccinated and avoid contact with stray animals.
Community Tips
Cats imported as accompanied baggage are subject to a 15-day quarantine upon arrival if documents are in order. Cats brought for temporary visits with proper documentation may be exempted from quarantine at the discretion of the quarantine officer.
Have you moved to India with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.
CatAbroad Editorial
Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.