India to Germany has a direct cargo route via Lufthansa from Delhi to Frankfurt, which simplifies the routing. India is not EU-listed, so the FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood draw apply. The AQCS NOC is an India-side requirement …
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm ISO microchip predates rabies vaccination.
Responsible: Vet in India
5+ months before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination and 21-day post-primary wait.
Responsible: Vet in India
5+ months before travel
3
Apply to AQCS for NOC (allow at least 30 days for processing).
Responsible: Owner or agent, AQCS
4-5 months before travel
4
Blood drawn for FAVN titre test. 3-month wait starts from this date.
Responsible: Official vet and EU-approved laboratory
4-5 months before travel
5
Wait 3 months from blood sampling date.
Responsible: N/A - mandatory waiting period
3 months from blood draw
6
Book cargo from DEL or BOM to FRA on Lufthansa or Air India.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
7
Obtain DAHD-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: DAHD-authorised vet plus DAHD endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
8
Depart DEL or BOM. German customs inspects at Frankfurt.
Responsible: Airline cargo and German customs
Travel day
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Germany
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required. India is not EU-listed. FAVN titre test required. Blood drawn after microchip and valid vaccination. 3-month wait from blood sampling date. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. German customs (Zoll) inspects at Frankfurt (FRA) or destination airport.
Import permit
No import permit. DAHD-endorsed EU-format certificate with AQCS NOC are the required documents.
Health certificate
EU-format certificate endorsed by DAHD, within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (India)
AQCS NOC required for all pet exports from India. Issued after inspection at the designated AQCS quarantine station. Primary departure airports for Europe: Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM).
DAHD-endorsed health certificate: INR 1,000-3,000 (approximately EUR 10-35)
FAVN titre test (EU-approved laboratory): EUR 85-170
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo DEL/BOM to FRA (Lufthansa or Air India direct): EUR 900-2,100 depending on crate size
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 1,300-3,200
Critical points to read before you book
India is not EU-listed: FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood draw are mandatory. Start 5+ months before travel.
AQCS NOC application takes up to 30 days; apply well ahead.
3-month wait runs from blood draw date, not results date.
Germany Bundesland breed restrictions vary; check your destination state.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa Cargo
Lufthansa operates direct from Delhi (DEL) to Frankfurt (FRA). Lufthansa Cargo handles live animals in temperature-controlled holds. Frankfurt is Germany's main live animal cargo hub.
Cargo Only
AIR INDIA
Air India Cargo
Air India operates between DEL and FRA direct. Air India Cargo accepts live animals on selected European routes. India's flag carrier on the Delhi to Frankfurt corridor.
Cargo Only
EMIRATES
Emirates SkyCargo via DXB
Emirates connects from Delhi or Mumbai via Dubai to Frankfurt and other German airports. Emirates SkyCargo handles live animals at Dubai International.
Cargo Only
AQCS NOC and titre test: the India export process
Two documentation steps are required on the India side: the AQCS (Animal Quarantine and Certification Service) No Objection Certificate (NOC) and the FAVN titre test.
The AQCS NOC involves an inspection at the designated quarantine station. Apply at least 30 days before travel, as processing can take several weeks. The FAVN titre test requires blood drawn after a valid microchip and rabies vaccination. The 3-month wait runs from the blood draw date, not the results date.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) endorses the EU-format health certificate, which must be dated within 10 days of travel. Total preparation: approximately five to six months. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Lufthansa and Air India direct from Delhi to Frankfurt
Lufthansa Cargo and Air India Cargo both operate direct from Delhi (DEL) to Frankfurt (FRA) with live animal cargo acceptance. Delhi is the preferred departure point for India to Germany moves due to direct connectivity.
From Mumbai, Emirates SkyCargo via Dubai is a practical alternative. Book four to six weeks ahead and confirm live animal cargo acceptance on your specific flight.
Germany Bundesland breed rules
Germany’s federal breed bans (Pit Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu) apply uniformly. Each Bundesland then has its own list. Bavaria is the most restrictive, adding Rottweiler, American Bulldog, and others. Check your destination state before starting the AQCS and titre test process.
FAQ
Common questions about India to Germany pet transport
Yes. India is not EU-listed, so the FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood sampling date are mandatory. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
The AQCS (Animal Quarantine and Certification Service) NOC is a No Objection Certificate required for all pet exports from India. It is issued after an AQCS inspection of your pet. Apply at least 30 days before travel as processing takes several weeks.
Yes. Lufthansa Cargo operates direct from DEL to FRA and accepts live animals. Air India Cargo is another direct option on this route. Book four to six weeks ahead.
Cargo from DEL to FRA typically costs EUR 900 to EUR 2,100. Add EUR 85-170 for the titre test, EUR 20-55 for the AQCS NOC, and EUR 10-35 for the DAHD certificate. Total all-in is typically EUR 1,300 to EUR 3,200.