Moving a dog or cat from Thailand to India is very doable with the right preparation. Plan on roughly 4-8 weeks; the checklist is clear and the timing is manageable. Factor in 15 days of quarantine at the destination.
You will not need a …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Thailand to India
typically takes around 4-8 weeks.
Expect 15 days of quarantine on arrival.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Thailand to India pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm microchip is in place and rabies vaccination is current
Responsible: DLD-authorised vet Thailand
Rabies vaccination must be more than 1 month before travel date, within past 12 months
2
Apply for AQCS NOC (India)
Responsible: Owner or Indian-based agent
At least 2 weeks before departure; NOC takes approximately 5 working days
3
Obtain DLD export health certificate
Responsible: DLD-authorised vet
Shortly before travel; must be current at time of departure
4
Book Thai Airways Cargo or Air India Cargo
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel, especially for large dogs
5
Arrive at AQCS-equipped airport in India; 15-day quarantine begins
Responsible: AQCS India
On arrival day
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter India
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 or AVID microchip required.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Administered more than 1 month before arrival. Within 12 months of the travel date. Thailand is rabies-endemic, so India's AQCS will check vaccination dates carefully.
Rabies titre test
Not required. India does not mandate a FAVN titre test from Thailand or any other country.
Quarantine
15 days at an AQCS quarantine facility on arrival. Can extend to 30 days if health concerns arise during the observation period.
Health certificate
DLD export health certificate confirming freedom from infectious disease including rabies, distemper and leptospirosis. Must be current and clearly dated.
Export permit (Thailand)
No formal export permit required for pet dogs and cats leaving Thailand.
Costs
What this route typically costs
DLD export health certificate Thailand: THB 300-800 (USD 8-23)
Rabies vaccination Thailand: THB 300-600 if not current
AQCS NOC India: minimal government fee
Thai Airways or Air India cargo BKK to DEL or BOM: USD 500-1,400 depending on crate size
AQCS India quarantine 15 days: INR 5,000-15,000 (USD 60-180)
Indian agent fee (recommended): USD 400-900
Total typical range: USD 1,200-3,000 for a medium dog
Critical points to read before you book
The AQCS NOC must be in hand before the pet's flight departs Bangkok. India does not issue the NOC on arrival. A pet arriving without one is detained at the airport.
Thailand is rabies-endemic. India's AQCS will pay close attention to the rabies vaccination dates on the DLD health certificate. Ensure the certificate is complete and clearly dated.
Only land at AQCS-equipped Indian airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata or Hyderabad. Other Indian airports cannot process live animal arrivals.
The 15-day quarantine is mandatory and begins on the day of arrival. It cannot be shortened by documentation, route choice or breed. Build this into your timeline and budget.
Cats face the same requirements as dogs on this route: microchip, rabies vaccination, AQCS NOC and 15-day quarantine.
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.
THAI AIRWAYS
Thai Airways
Thai Airways (TG) operates direct BKK (Bangkok Suvarnabhumi) to DEL (Delhi) and BOM (Mumbai) services. Thai Airways Cargo handles live animals with experience at the Bangkok DLD departure process. Direct routing reduces transit time and stress. Book in advance for large crates.
Cargo Only
AIR INDIA
Air India
Air India operates Bangkok to Delhi and Mumbai. Cargo available. As an Indian carrier, the arrival logistics at Delhi and Mumbai are well-established. Contact Air India Cargo directly for live animal rates and availability.
Cargo Only
INDIGO
IndiGo
IndiGo operates on some Bangkok to India routes with cargo capability. Confirm with IndiGo Cargo whether live animals are accepted on this specific corridor before committing.
Cargo Only
India entry requirements at a glance
Getting a pet into India is a middle of the road process. The rules are well defined, so most of the work is simply staying on schedule.
Getting the details right
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
FAQ
Common questions about Thailand to India pet transport
No. India does not require a FAVN titre test from Thailand or from any other country. The requirements are an ISO or AVID microchip, a current rabies vaccination (more than 1 month before travel, within 12 months), an AQCS NOC obtained before departure, and a DLD export health certificate.
Apply to the AQCS quarantine station at your intended Indian arrival airport: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata or Hyderabad. Submit your pet’s vaccination records, microchip details and your intended travel date. The NOC takes approximately 5 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure to allow buffer time. An Indian-based agent can handle the application on your behalf.
15 days at an AQCS government quarantine facility. This is mandatory for all pets arriving from Thailand and cannot be shortened. If AQCS veterinary staff identify health concerns during the 15-day period, it can extend to 30 days. For most well-documented pets, the standard 15-day period applies.
Thai Airways and Air India both operate direct cargo services from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to Delhi and Mumbai. Thai Airways Cargo is familiar with the Bangkok DLD process; Air India Cargo is well-established at the Delhi and Mumbai AQCS facilities. Compare rates and book at least 4-6 weeks ahead for large crates.
Airline guides
Thai Airways
Air India
IndiGo
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.