Pet Transport from India to the Philippines
The Philippines uses a system called the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC), managed by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). Every dog or cat entering the Philippines needs one. For pets from India, the process starts with …
The India to Philippines pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
What your pet needs to enter Philippines
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
What this route typically costs
Critical points to read before you book
The SPSIC is valid for only 2 months. If your travel date shifts beyond the validity window, you must reapply. Plan your travel date before applying.
BAI restricts each SPSIC to a maximum of 3 pets. If you are moving more than 3 animals, you must apply for multiple clearances.
The pet must be at least 120 days old at the time of SPSIC application. Very young puppies or kittens cannot travel on this route until they reach that minimum age.
India is rabies-endemic. The Philippines BAI will not waive the rabies vaccination requirement for India-origin pets. Ensure vaccination is complete at least 14 days before SPSIC submission.
Do not book cargo until your SPSIC is confirmed. Flying without a valid SPSIC results in the pet being held at Manila airport and potentially returned.
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
Applying for the BAI SPSIC: what India-based owners need to do
The SPSIC is the Philippines’ equivalent of an import permit and health clearance combined. You apply through the BAI’s online portal before travel, not on arrival. BAI reviews the application, which includes your pet’s vaccination history, microchip details and a photograph of the animal. Processing typically takes two to three weeks.
One important restriction: each SPSIC covers a maximum of three pets. If you are moving four or more animals, you need to submit separate clearances. Also, pets must be at least 120 days old at the time of application. Very young puppies and kittens need to age into the minimum before you can start this process.
Once the SPSIC is issued, it is valid for two months. Book your cargo flight and set your travel date before applying, so you do not run out of validity window. If your date slips beyond two months, BAI requires a fresh application.
Quarantine at Manila: how 30 days works in practice
All pets arriving in the Philippines go to a BAI quarantine facility directly from the airport. For India-origin pets, the standard period is 30 days. During this time, BAI officers observe the animal’s health. The pet is not accessible for daily visits in the same way a boarding kennel might be; contact the BAI quarantine station for their current visit schedule.
Quarantine facility fees run approximately PHP 15,000-30,000 for 30 days, depending on the species, size, and facility rate at the time. This is in addition to all flight and documentation costs. Budget for quarantine as a fixed cost on this route; it cannot be waived for Indian-origin pets.
On the positive side, Philippine Airlines operates direct services from Mumbai and Delhi to Manila, which reduces the transit time and stress for your pet compared to a connecting flight. Book your cargo space through the Philippine Airlines cargo team well in advance for large dogs.
Cost and timeline comparison: India to Philippines vs India to Malaysia vs India to Thailand
| Factor | India to Philippines | India to Malaysia | India to Thailand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Titre test required | No | Yes (FAVN, 3-month wait) | No |
| Quarantine on arrival | 30 days (BAI) | 14+ days (DVS) | No (discretionary) |
| Import permit/clearance | SPSIC (BAI) | DVS pre-approval + MAQIS | DLD import permit |
| Typical preparation time | 8-14 weeks | 20-28 weeks | 6-10 weeks |
| Rough total cost | USD 1,500-3,500 | USD 2,000-4,500 | USD 1,200-2,800 |
The Philippines does not require a titre test, which removes the 3-month waiting period that Malaysia imposes. That makes the India-Philippines corridor faster to execute than India-Malaysia, despite both requiring quarantine on arrival. Thailand is the most straightforward of the three because it has no mandatory quarantine and no titre test requirement.
Common questions about India to Philippines pet transport
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