![Guide to Transporting Pets to India | NOC Application and Quarantine Procedures [2026 Edition]](https://petair.jp/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/a-complete-guide-to-pet-transportation-to-india.jpg)
Last Updated: August 1, 2026
What You'll Learn in This Guide
- Basic Requirements You Must Meet to Bring a Pet to India
- What is a NOC (Import Permit), and who applies for it and when?
- Differences in Procedures Based on the Type of Travel, Such as Relocation, Assignment, Re-entry, and Short-Term Stays
- When should I start preparing, and in what order should I proceed?
- The fact that there are only a limited number of airports and seaports that allow pets
- Breakdown of Costs and Key Climate Considerations
What are the basic requirements for bringing a pet to India?
When shipping dogs and cats to India, you must meet four basic requirements: age, microchip, rabies vaccination, and NOC (import permit). Among these, the rabies vaccination is a point that is often overlooked, as there are both minimum and maximum time limits regarding how long it has been since the vaccination was administered.
| Items | Key Requirements |
|---|---|
| Age of pet | Dogs can receive the rabies vaccine starting at 3 months of age. |
| Microchip | Compliant with ISO Standards 11784 and 11785 |
| Rabies vaccination | You must have been vaccinated between more than 1 month and 12 months prior to your scheduled departure date (please note both the minimum and maximum time frames). |
| NOC (Import Permit) | Obtaining a prior authorization issued by the Indian government agency AQCS |
When it comes to the rabies vaccine, people tend to think that “as long as at least 30 days have passed since vaccination, it’s fine,” focusing only on the minimum requirement; however, if more than 12 months have passed since vaccination, it will not be accepted as valid proof. It is important to work backward from your planned departure date and schedule your vaccination so that you can depart while the vaccine is still valid (Source: AQCS Official Website(Confirmed in August 2026).
What is a NOC (Import Permit)? Who applies for it, and when?
An NOC (No Objection Certificate) is a prior authorization for the import of pets issued by the Indian government agency AQCS (Animal Quarantine and Certification Services). Under the system known as the “Advance NOC,” the certificate is issued within seven days prior to the scheduled travel date based on copies of self-certified documents (Source: AQCS Official Website(Confirmed in August 2026).
Hearing that it’s “issued just before departure” might make you feel rushed, but this simply refers to the timing of the Advance NOC’s issuance. To ensure a stress-free experience, we recommend a two-step approach: plan ahead several months in advance to have your pet microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and gather all necessary documents, and then time the actual application for and issuance of the NOC to coincide with the period immediately before your trip.
PetAirJPN provides guidance on organizing and preparing the documents required for an NOC application, compiles information regarding communications with Japanese animal quarantine offices, and assists with confirming and coordinating transport conditions with airlines. The NOC application itself must be submitted by the pet owner (or the recipient in India), and we do not guarantee the approval of the application or the timing of its issuance.
Do the required procedures vary depending on the type of trip?
Import procedures for India are broadly divided into three categories based on the nature of your trip. Since the required documentation and the appropriate office to contact will vary depending on which category you fall into, it’s a good idea to confirm this as early as possible.
| Category | Cases That Are Likely to Be Affected | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Change of Residence (Relocation of Primary Residence) |
When Moving to or Being Assigned to India from Abroad | You will be required to provide proof of continuous residence abroad for at least two years, among other things. |
| Re-import (Re-import) |
When bringing a pet that was previously exported from India back to India | This will need to be cross-checked against the records from the time of departure. |
| Short Stay (Short-term stay) |
When Bringing Your Pet Along on a Business Trip or Short-Term Stay | This involves a license from the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade, India). |
This classification directly affects the preparation of original documents and the application process. To determine which category applies to your travel situation and what supporting documents are required, please check the latest information on the official AQCS and DGFT websites before your trip, or contact PetAirJPN (Source: DGFT Pet Import FAQ, ,AQCS Official Website(All confirmed in August 2026).
When should I start preparing, and in what order?
It’s best to start preparing for your trip to India as early as possible. This is because you’ll need to work backward based on the validity period of the rabies vaccine (more than 1 month but no more than 12 months) while simultaneously handling two distinct sets of preparations: export procedures in Japan and the application for a Certificate of No Objection (NOC) from the AQCS.
Start Preparing (As Soon as Possible)
- Check whether the microchip complies with both ISO 11784 and 11785 standards, and if it has not been implanted, have it implanted as soon as possible.
- Tentatively set your planned travel date, then work backward from the rabies vaccine’s validity period (more than 1 month but no more than 12 months) to plan when to get vaccinated.
- Confirm the type of travel (emigration, re-entry, or short-term stay) and identify the supporting documents that are likely to be required.
About 2 to 3 months before departure
- If you haven't received the rabies vaccine yet, getting it by this time will give you some breathing room in your schedule.
- Undergo a health checkup and make arrangements to obtain a health certificate issued by a veterinarian
- Arrange for a transport cage and verify that its size and structure comply with IATA standards
- Check with the airline regarding reservations and conditions for transporting pets
No later than 14 days before the desired date for the export inspection
- Apply for an export inspection through NACCS (Animal Quarantine-Related Operations) at a Japanese animal quarantine station at least 14 days prior to the desired inspection date (Source: Animal Quarantine Service)
Within 10 days of departure
- Undergo an export inspection at the Animal Quarantine Station and receive an export quarantine certificate (Source: Animal Quarantine Service)
Immediately before departure (within 7 days)
- Submit copies of your self-certified documents to AQCS and obtain an Advance NOC no later than 7 days before your scheduled departure date (Source: AQCS Official Website)
- Final confirmation of flight schedules and terms of carriage with the airline
Upon Arrival in India
- At the AQCS counter at the arrival airport or seaport, undergo document review, microchip verification, and a health check.
- If there are concerns about your health, you may be subject to quarantine observation at the airport. Please check the AQCS official website for details.
For Those Who Find the Preparation Process Complicated and Are Feeling Anxious
Please let us know your planned travel dates and your pet's current situation.
Here is the required preparation period and the order of the procedures.
Are there only a limited number of airports and seaports that allow pets?
In India, the number of airports and seaports that accept pet imports is limited. AQCS quarantine certification service centers have been established at airports in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. In addition, a new AQCS facility opened at Cochin International Airport in October 2024 (Source: "News on Air," a news portal affiliated with the Indian government(Confirmed in August 2026).
Be sure to check the AQCS official website before your trip for the latest list of eligible airports and seaports, as well as information on whether other locations are accepted. It’s a good idea to confirm whether your destination’s arrival airport is included on the list before booking your flight.
How much will it cost?
When transporting pets to India, there are several cost items to consider, including fees for assistance with export procedures in Japan, costs for health examinations and vaccinations, the cost of purchasing a transport crate, and airfare. Since the total amount varies depending on the pet’s weight and size, the travel dates, and the airline, this guide does not list specific amounts.
If you contact PetAirJPN, we will provide you with an estimate of the cost based on your planned travel dates and your pet's condition.
What are some things to keep in mind regarding the climate?
Since India’s climate varies significantly by region, it’s a good idea to plan accordingly based on your destination. In northern cities such as Delhi, air quality tends to deteriorate during certain periods in the winter. It’s advisable to adjust your activities based on the current conditions—for example, limiting outdoor activities and spending more time indoors.
In cities along the west coast, such as Mumbai, humidity tends to rise during the monsoon season. It’s a good idea to plan ahead for waterproofing the transport cages and managing humidity once you arrive at your destination. Additionally, since temperatures can become extremely high in some regions during the summer, please consider measures such as traveling early in the morning or at night, as well as preparing water and cooling items. These are general seasonal trends; as your travel date approaches, please be sure to check the latest local weather information as well.
Pre-Departure Checklist
The Advance NOC is issued within 7 days prior to the scheduled departure date.
Confirm that the vaccination was administered between more than 1 month and 12 months prior to the scheduled departure date
Compliant with both ISO 11784 and ISO 11785
Issued by a veterinarian
Issued by the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service
Proof corresponding to one of the following: emigration, re-entry, or short-term stay
Designed to meet IATA standards for size and structure, ensuring breathability
How can you prevent problems? How should you respond in an emergency?
Incomplete documentation is the most common problem to avoid, as it can lead to delays in the import process. Be sure to gather all necessary documents before departure and double-check them several times to ensure there are no errors. It’s also a good idea to consider purchasing pet transport insurance to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances while abroad.
If an unexpected problem arises while you are there, we recommend following these steps in the order listed below.
- First, consult a local veterinarian
- Contact the Japanese Embassy in India as needed.
- Contact the airline or travel agency
- Record and document the situation
What can PetAir do?
PetAir provides a full range of support for pet travel to India, including guidance on preparing the necessary documents, assistance with communications with the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service, support with airline arrangements, guidance on customs clearance, and handover at the airport. If you let us know your planned travel dates and your pet’s condition, we will advise you on the necessary preparation time and the steps to follow.
We do not handle the actual submission of NOC applications or the preparation of documents for government agencies; our services primarily focus on organizing the necessary information and guiding you through the process. We do not guarantee the issuance of an NOC, confirm flight availability, or guarantee your pet’s health. Please consult with your pet’s owner and your regular veterinarian regarding vaccinations and health management. Fees vary depending on the destination, travel dates, and your pet’s condition; we will provide an estimate when you contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary: Confirming Your Schedule and Travel Arrangements Is Key to Preparation
When transporting a pet to India, the key to preparation is to confirm the following three points well in advance: working backward based on the rabies vaccine’s validity period (more than 1 month but no more than 12 months); understanding the differences in procedures depending on the type of trip (emigration, re-importation, or short-term stay); and noting that the number of acceptable airports and seaports is limited. While the application for and issuance of the NOC (No Objection Certificate) itself takes place immediately prior to travel, the process of gathering the necessary documents and administering vaccinations requires planning that begins several months in advance.
Since regulations and procedures are subject to change, be sure to check the latest information on the official websites of AQCS, DGFT, the Animal Quarantine Service, and other relevant agencies before traveling.
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Written by: PetAirJPN Editorial Department (International Pet Transportation Operations Team)
*The information in this article is current as of August 2026. India’s quarantine regulations, NOC issuance procedures, and airline policies are subject to change without notice. This article is intended to provide general information only. To determine your specific eligibility to travel and the applicable requirements, please be sure to check the latest official information from relevant authorities—such as AQCS, DGFT, and animal quarantine offices—as well as airlines.
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