When relocating to a new place, people often bring their pets with them. Many share a deep bond with their animal and therefore simply cannot leave them behind. So when moving to India, pet relocation to India is often a must for many families. But pet shipping to India, just as to any other place, can be tricky and for those unaware or not prepared, it can even be a hassle. It is always best to be aware about as many specifics of the entire process as possible. So to help out pet loving people moving to India and thinking about pet relocation to India, Universal Relocations has put together a list of insights into what is needed for easy pet shipping to India.
- Vaccination
It is important to maintain your pet’s health and vaccines can be useful in helping your pet fight off illness and disease. Pet relocation to India to requires that these pets have been cleared for rabies, which is they should have been vaccinated for rabies, using inactivated vaccines. The original Rabies Certificate is required to prove this. The certificate must have the microchip number stated on it as well as the date of inoculation and validity of the particular vaccination, as this may vary from one to two years.
- Import permit
Pet shipping to India requires an import permit (in case of change of ownership and must stay in quarantine for 30 days) issued by DGFT in India or a No Objection Certificate (in case they are with their original owners) from the Animal Quarantine Station in India. The No Objection Certificate applies to pets, whether they are accompanied by their owners or not, as in the case if they are brought via shipping containers to India.
- Health Certificate
Health Certificates are one of the most common requirements needed to fulfill in order to move with your beloved pet. A Veterinary Certificate for India must be filled 10 days prior to arrival in India. This certificate, or an equivalent one, must be endorsed by the relevant governing authority of the country from which the pet is to be brought to India.
For further information regarding this, please consult your vet as they may provide best possible medical advice, such as in the case of any pets suffering from an illness or condition. Also contact relocation service providers, such as Universal Relocations.
- Microchips
For pets to be moved to India, the only form of identification that is acceptable is through microchips. These microchips must comply with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785.
Microchips are a good way of keeping track of your pet, and especially good when your method of relocation is using shipping containers to India.
- Rules and Regulations
As with all countries, India too has certain rules regarding importing animals, whether they be pets of not. Currently, imports of all domestic and wild birds are prohibited in India. Similarly, dogs cannot enter India for commercial or breeding purposes.
If your pet is anything other than a dog, cat or ferret, then you may have to apply for additional permits as such an animal (a turtle or snake for example) is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), of which India, along with over 180 countries, is a member of.
Pets being imported into India, such as through shipping containers to India, must be associated to their owner’s transfer of residency.
Contact us at universalrelocations.com for more information and details regarding the process of shipping pets to India as well as any problems or queries you may have regarding the process.