Pet entry requirements: Dog → India
These are the requirements for entering India with a dog, based on a departure from Germany/the EU. Requirements can change — always confirm with the relevant authority before you travel.
🔴 Required
Import permit Required
Advance No Objection Certificate (NOC) from AQCS via the ATITHI 2.0 portal, applied for at least 7 days before embarkation; airlines carry the dog only with a valid Advance NOC; a Final NOC is issued at the port of entry after examination. Alternative routes: DGFT licence (short stay) or re-import.
Microchip Required
Required: the microchip certificate is one of the mandatory application documents (India SOP “Import of Pet Dog(s)”); the chip number is entered in the health certificate.
Rabies vaccination Required
Dogs aged three months and older: rabies vaccination more than 1 month but within 12 months before embarkation, officially certified in the health certificate (source page: baggage-rule route; the numbers are single-source, hence not in numeric columns).
Minimum age / young animals Required
Over 1 month (plus import permit).
Health certificate Required
Official veterinary health certificate on the AQCS form (Annexure 1.1.1 'Veterinary Certificate for Import of Pet Dogs into India'), signed by an Official Veterinarian: no clinical signs of rabies, canine distemper, parvo, leptospirosis, ICH, scabies, leishmaniasis; vaccinated against rabies, distemper, parvo, leptospirosis. Owner name must match the ticket.
🟡 Recommended
Rabies titer test Not required
Not listed as an entry requirement in official texts — verify locally
Other tests Recommended
Certificate must attest freedom from rabies/distemper/parvo/lepto (dog) or panleukopenia/lepto (cat); DHPPiL recommended
Parasite treatment Recommended
Not officially mandated; routine deworming recommended — verify locally
Quarantine Recommended
Examination on arrival; an animal that fails it or shows clinical signs goes into quarantine for 15 days (extendable). The veterinary certificate states a flat 15 days for pets in baggage (exception: temporary stay with the owner), while the SOP and FAQ mention it only in case of doubt – confirm with AQCS before travelling.
Registration Recommended
For residents often a municipal dog licence/registration; varies by city/state — verify locally
🐾 Local rules (in-country)
These apply on the ground in the destination country — to everyone, not as an entry condition — and depend on the breed and situation (e.g. public transport, listed breeds).
Breed restrictions On site
Import-ban advisory (03/2024, 23 breeds) struck down/not enforced; individual states/municipalities vary — verify locally
Muzzle / leash On site
No nationwide rule; local rules possible — verify locally
⚠️ Notes & grey zone
Grey zone
Baggage rule only for residence transfer (≥2 yrs abroad); tourists need a DGFT authorisation (often hard to get). Mind NOC timing + evolving breed rules. Quarantine sources disagree: the veterinary certificate for dogs states a flat 15 days for pets in baggage (exempt only for temporary stays with the owner); the SOP gives 15 days only if the animal fails the physical examination or shows clinical signs, and the AQCS FAQ says pets under baggage are quarantined only in case of doubt. The level is therefore 'recommended' – neither 'required' nor 'not required'.
Notes
Baggage-rule import (up to 2 dogs/cats) requires proof of 2 years abroad and transfer of residence to India; otherwise a DGFT licence is needed. Entry ports: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad. All rules subject to change.
Related destinations in Asia & the Middle East
China · Hong Kong · Israel · Japan · United Arab Emirates
Airlines flying this route
From data on flown routes — not a pet-policy guarantee. Check the airline's own pet policy before booking.
Air India · Lufthansa
Check this route & airlines in detail →Authority: Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS), Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
Read at the responsible authority on 30/09/2026.
Check your specific route & airlines →For informational purposes only. Regulations change frequently — verify with the relevant authorities before travel.