Relocating to another country can be stressful, even for pets. Exporting pets out of India can be challenge as there are various documentation and procedures you should be aware of.
If you are looking to relocate your pet out of India, here is all you need to know.
Key Steps in Your Journey
- Setting a date for departure
Setting a date for departure early in advance will give you ample time to familiarise yourself with any regulations you will need to know. You will also have time to collect any necessary documents and certificates before leaving.
- Necessary requirements
Before departure, there are various requirements you will need to be aware of, including India’s export requirements, import requirements and airline requirements.
India’s export requirements
Some documents are required to export a pet from India. These include a health certificate from a vet and an Animal Health Certificate from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service. These documents should be received within a week of relocating your pet.
You will also need to get an approved export certificate by Animal Health for Human Health and Wealth (AQCS). According to the AQCS website, requirements for exportation of dogs and cats out of India include:
- Pet examination by officer
- Veterinary health certificate
- Microchip certificate
- Last one year vaccination details of the pet
- Passport copy of the owner
- Air ticket copy of the owner
- Airway bill in case the pet is going through cargo
- If owner is not available to visit AQCS then the authorised person shall submit an authority letter
- Any specific requirements of importing country
- 2 post card size photographs
These documents should be brought to AQCS for approval of an export certificate. You will need to make an appointment 7 days prior through mail or telephone before visiting their office. Do note that this certificate will be valid for 10 days from the date of issue by AQCS.
Each country has its own import requirements
Each country has its own entry requirements, documentation and quarantine rules for pets, which should be checked before travelling. Remember to give yourself ample time to submit these documents for approval before your pet’s flight. These requirements can typically be found from relevant government authority.
Health certificates
Health certificates and vaccinations may be necessary for certain countries. This means that you will need time to bring your pet to the vet for any necessary examinations and vaccinations prior to leaving.
Countries with strict import rules may also require a health certificate endorsed by an official government veterinarian.
Airline export requirements
As different airlines have different policies on exporting pets from India, you will need to ensure that you have all necessary documents for the particular airlines.
There are various pet friendly airlines for you to choose from, including Lufthansa Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates and more.
- Navigating export and import paperwork
Paperwork and expenses are needed when exporting a pet to a different country — and may even be overwhelming at times. If can be helpful for you to hire a professional pet relocation service to help with your move.
Choosing a Pet Relocation Company
There are various things you should look out for when researching professional pet relocation services:
- An International Pet and Animal Transport Association (IPATA) certification. This certification accredits any professional pet transportation specialists.
- Look out for door to door relocation services
- Consider their experience
- Read past reviews to ensure credibility
Expected Costs
When exporting a pet, you should take note of any administrative costs, including vet visits, vaccinations, crates and other necessary documents. While costs vary depending on the airline you choose, destination and your pet’s size, you should factor around $4,000 to $5,000 to relocate your pet out of India.
Conclusion
Relocating can be stressful, especially if you have no idea how to do so, even for pets. Exporting pets out of a country and into another can be a complex process with various steps you will need to take and documents you will need to submit.
Fortunately, a professional pet relocation service can be helpful during this time, giving you a peace of mind when it comes to relocating. Need to export your pet out of India?
Find out how you can do so with Moovaz today!
