Government Eases Pet Import Procedure for Pet Dogs and Cats

New Delhi: In a bid to simplify the pet import process and ensure their welfare, the Centre has introduced a new rule making it easier than ever for pet parents to obtain a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC). 

Pet parents can now get a NOC of final quarantine clearance for their pet "round the clock at the port of entry itself". Pet parents will only have to obtain an advance NOC now, which can be done once the required documents are submitted through an email. 

This is a welcome change, particularly for those travelling internationally with their pet. Earlier, pet parents had to consult the concerned authorities to obtain the post-import clearance, which means they had to obtain clearance after importing their pets under the baggage rules. 

As of now, live animals being imported (including pet dogs and cats) are brought through one of seven entry points, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru. Hyderabad and Kochi. 

The entry points are designated as such because there is an Animal Quarantine and Certification Service Station (AQCS) at each of these locations. The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying issued an office memorandum (OM) to facilitate the final quarantine clearance. 

"In the interest of welfare of pet dog and pet cat as well as facilitation to owners, the final NOC by the concerned AQCS will be issued to imported pet dog and pet cat round the clock at the port of entry itself. However, the owner has to ensure receipt of advance NOC from the respective AQCS after submission of requisite documents and prior intimation of date and time of arrival through email," the ministry's OM said.

At the same time, the ministry requested all AQCS stations to highlight the locations of these facilitation points where final quarantine clearance can be done along with an advance NOC for "easy understanding of owners travelling with pet dogs and pet cats".