Pet Travel Guide: Know All Important Details Related To Importing Pets From The USA to India

Traveling with your pet can be a great experience but there are a lot of travel hassles that come along with it. Especially when you are traveling from the USA to India it can get a bit complex if you are not prepared. Whether you are traveling to your home town in India or coming to spend a vacation it's important to consider a few things before you carry along your fur babies with you. Here are some guidelines that you must follow if you are considering bringing your pet with you on flights from San Francisco to Delhi, India.

Can I Travel With My Pet To India From The USA?

All the pet parents have this common query and the answer to this is Yes but, there are certain set of rules and regulations which you need to adhere to. A thorough preparation will ensure a smooth travel experience for you and your fur baby.

What Pets Are Allowed To Import In India?

Only dogs and cats are allowed to be brought under the category of pets to India. Any other birds or species are not allowed to be imported as pets to india. Also any endangered species declared by the government are prohibited from import to India.

Which Dog Breeds Are Restricted For Import In India?

The government of India has recently enforced a ban on importing certain aggressive dog breeds. The list includes Pitbulls, Rottweiler, Wolf dogs, Mastiffs including some mixed and cross breeds. It is advised to ensure that your pet doesn't fall into the banned category.

What Are The Pre Travel Preparations I Need To Do?

Importing pets to India requires careful planning and adherence to certain regulations. The maximum limit of carrying a pet is up to two pets per person. In order to ensure safe and comfortable travel for your pet follow these pre-travel steps.

Visit To Veterinarian: Pay a visit to your vetenarian prior to your travel and get a thorough check up done to identify any underlying medical conditions.
Vaccination: Make sure your pet is completely vaccinated with all important vaccinations prior to your overseas travel.
Parasite Control: Consult your vet about the tick and flea preventive measures and also inquire about any specific precautions you need to take depending upon the place you are visiting.
Health Certificates: If required, get all the necessary vaccination certificates prior to your travel with your pet.
Microchipping & Identification Tags: Ensure that your pet is a microchip installed for identification purposes. Add sturdy collar and identification tags containing all the necessary information related to the contact and travel related information.
Travel Crates: Invest in sturdy and comfortable travel crates depending upon the size of your pet. Make sure that it is spacious enough so that your pet can comfortably sit, lie down and move around in it.
Research Import Rules: Collect through information about pet import regulations in India. It is crucial to comply with all the regulations to avoid any delays or issues.

What are the modes of Importing Pets To India?

The domesticated cats or dogs can travel as the cargo or as a part of the passenger cabin luggage. The pet can travel in the cabin if the combined weight of the pet and the container is not more than 7kg. Similarly they can travel as a cargo if their weight is more than 7kg but less than 32 kg.

When to Apply For Import Authorization?

Pet owners are advised to apply for import authorization at least two months prior to their travel. You can apply by filling up Form 2M (ANF 2M)along with the required socuments. Make sure to follow the necessary instructions provided by the authority and submit the forms in the mentioned time frame.

What are the Documents Required For Pet Travel?

Vaccination Certificate
Fitness Certificate
Passport of Pet
Copy of Return Ticket Details
Address of the local host

Important Note: The Local host has to submit an undertaking that if the owner fails to take back the pet, they shall be held liable for the action.

Clearing Customs After Landing In India

Upon arrival you need to declare that you are traveling with the pet animal. Provide all the details and carry all the necessary documents with you.

Depending upon the specific airport or and the quarantine procedures application fee may be charged for the importation and the quarantine service.

If your pet is subject to quarantine, then as per the rules he will be shifted to a quarantine facility for a designated period of time.

After completing all the required formalities you will be free to take your pet to your desired location in India.

Which Airports Provide Animal Import Facility In India?

Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi (DEL)
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai (BOM)
Kempegowda International Airport , Bangalore (BLR)
Chennai International Airport, Chennai (MAA)
Netaji Subhash Chander Airport, Kolkata (CCU)
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (HYD)

Best Pet Friendly Airlines From USA to India.

Lufthansa Airlines
Air India Airlines
American Airlines
Turkish Airlines
Jet Blue Airlines

As a pet parent traveling with your pet to India requires careful consideration of certain rules and regulations. To ensure a smooth and safe travel experience it's important to adhere to the guidelines set by the Indian authorities and airlines. With all the prior planning and preparations you can ensure a seamless travel experience for you and your fur companion.

Disclaimer: This blog is a general guide, we advise you to cross reference important guidelines related to the pet imports with the designated departments beforehand.

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