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 through several official channels:
- Online via the official AQCS Import Clearance System, a government logistics portal that lets registered importers/owners apply for pet (cat and dog) import/re-import NOCs, track application status, and receive SMS/email alerts.
- By email or in person — per the official AQCS Standard Operating Procedure for pet cats, the application form should be submitted at least 7 days before travel. Email is a normal, standard submission method, not merely an exception.
- By mail or fax to the AQCS office.
An in-country agent is recommended. For pet baggage NOCs, applicants contact the AQCS station at the destination port directly.
Pet owners should submit a complete application at least 7 days before embarkation. Per the official AQCS procedure for pet cats, once a complete application is submitted, the Advance NOC is issued within 1 working day. The '3-day relaxation' provision is not stated on the official AQCS website.
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).
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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 under the baggage rule are subject to a 15-day quarantine at the AQCS station upon arrival, even when all documents and vaccination records are in order.
The quarantine period may be extended if the cat shows clinical signs of illness.
An exemption from the 15-day quarantine applies only to cats brought for temporary visits (e.g., shows, tourists, therapy purposes), provided all required documents are presented and the owner is present at both entry and departure.
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. The NOC can be applied for online via the official AQCS Import Clearance System, by email, by mail/fax, or in person. Submit a complete application at least 7 days before travel — the Advance NOC is typically issued within 1 working day. 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 under the baggage rule are subject to a 15-day quarantine at the AQCS station upon arrival, even with all documents in order. The quarantine may be extended if your cat shows clinical signs of illness. An exemption applies only to cats on temporary visits (e.g., shows, tourists, therapy) where all documents are presented and the owner is present at both entry and departure.
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.