At a glance
- Typical timeline: 26-32 weeks from start to arrival
- Complexity: Very_high — plan well ahead
- Quarantine: Mandatory quarantine. 30 days. Facility: AQCS quarantine facility. 30-day quarantine at designated facility.
If you’re relocating from Canada to India and taking your pet, the good news is thousands of families do this every year.
This route is one of the most demanding international pet transport routes. Start preparations at least 26 weeks before your travel date: some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened. India requires mandatory quarantine (30 days) for all arriving pets. This is the part of the process most owners find hardest to plan around. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a mandatory waiting period after your pet’s vaccination. You cannot speed this up.
Use this guide to map out your preparation timeline and avoid the most common mistakes.
The Journey, Step by Step
What India Requires
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies Vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 30-day wait after vaccination before travel
Titre Test
Required. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 30-day wait from test date before entry
Quarantine
Mandatory quarantine. 30 days. Facility: AQCS quarantine facility. 30-day quarantine at designated facility.
Import Permit
Required. Issued by: Animal Quarantine and Certification Services. Permit issued by AQCS or State Animal Husbandry Department.
Health Certificate
Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 14 days from issue. Must include all vaccination and test details.
What to Budget For
- Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
- IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
- Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
- Rabies titre test laboratory fee
- Import permit application fee (India)
- Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)
- Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Before You Leave Canada
Show export requirements from Canada
Export permit: No CFIA export permit required for personal pet exports. Some destination countries may require CFIA endorsement of health certificate.
Health certificate: {'required': 'If required by destination country', 'issued_by': 'CFIA District Veterinarian or accredited veterinarian (endorsed by CFIA if needed)', 'process': 'Visit accredited vet for examination, vet prepares health certificate, submit to CFIA for endorsement if destination requires government endorsement', 'timing': 'Typically within 10 days of travel (or as specified by destination country)'}
Things to Know Before You Book
Key requirements for moving your pet to India
This is one of the more demanding international pet transport corridors. India runs a strict biosecurity programme and there are no shortcuts through it.
All pets must complete quarantine on arrival in India (at AQCS quarantine facility) for 30 days. This is non-negotiable and is entirely separate from the pre-travel preparation.
Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) regulates imports. Requirements are complex.
Practical advice for shipping your pet from Canada
Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.
Book the titre test laboratory well in advance. Approved labs have limited appointment slots and the blood sample processing takes time. Don’t leave this to the last few weeks.
Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.
If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
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