Pet Travel Guidelines in India
Being a pet owner isn’t an easy job you know! This is not just about being vigilant or taking care of their health but also spending quality time as well. Whenever you are planning to take up that much needed vacation for yourself or may be for your family your guilt conscience kicks in. How are we supposed to leave our pet members alone at home? Either someone in the family has to sacrifice the trip or else you will need a nanny. At least metro cities have the option of leaving their pets at the daycare centers where they will be taken care of the rest of the days. But not everyone can afford or access this facility. So how to exactly tackle this situation? Are we left with the only option of taking our pets with us? Like, why not?
Traveling with pets in India requires adherence to specific regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of both animals and humans. Below is a comprehensive guide detailing the rules and guidelines for pet travel within India, covering various modes of transportation and necessary preparations.
1. General Requirements for Pet Travel in India
Pet Vaccinations
Pets must be vaccinated against rabies and other common diseases. Vaccinations should be administered more than 30 days but less than 365 days before travel. For dogs, required vaccinations include rabies, canine distemper, parvovirus, Leishmaniasis, and leptospirosis.
For cats, required vaccinations include rabies, distemper, feline enteritis, feline panleukopenia, and FVRCP. https://petraveller.com.au/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-international-pet-transport-to-india
Health Certificate for Pets
A veterinary health certificate issued within ten days prior to departure is mandatory. This certificate should confirm that the pet is free from infectious diseases and fit for travel. https://in.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/a-z-index/pets-in-india/
2. Air Travel Regulations
Airlines do allow the travelling of the pets, but domestic and international airlines have different sets of regulations which need to be abided. In case of, Pets weighing up to 7 kg (including the carrier) are permitted in the cabin. The carrier dimensions should not exceed 46 cm x 46 cm x 30 cm. Only two pets are allowed in the cabin per flight, and each must be accompanied by a passenger. https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information/first-time-flyers/carriage-of-pets.html
A health certificate from a registered veterinarian is required before travel. Ensure that the pet’s carrier is well-ventilated, leak-proof, and labeled with the pet’s name. It’s advisable not to sedate pets during air travel due to health risks associated with pressure changes.
3. Train Travel Regulations
In terms of Indian Railways, Pets are permitted in First Class AC compartments under the following conditions:
- You need to make exclusive compartment booking, passengers must book the entire First Class AC compartment for themselves to travel with their pets.
- If booking an entire compartment is not feasible, pets can be transported in the brake van. In such cases, a fitness certificate from a veterinarian is mandatory.
- Make sure that pets are properly restrained to prevent any inconvenience to other passengers. Carry sufficient food and water for the pet’s journey.
4. Road Travel Regulations
There are no specific legal requirements for transporting pets in private vehicles within India. However, for safety use pet seat belts or carriers to secure pets during transit. Ensure proper ventilation and avoid leaving pets unattended in parked vehicles to prevent heatstroke.
5. Interstate Travel Considerations
While not always mandatory, it’s advisable to carry a recent health certificate when crossing state borders. Some states may have specific quarantine or health check requirements. It’s prudent to check with local authorities before traveling.
Documentation for Pet Travelling:
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) is issued by the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS) in India. This is required in terms of relocation in any in our outside
- DGFT Licenses are required for pets not permanently moving to India. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) mandates obtaining this license before securing the NOC. (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/print/pdf/node/3652)
- Up-to-date vaccination records, including rabies, are essential.
Pet owners can easy travel with their pets by ensuring that they are following these guidelines for a comfortable and hassle free trip within India