Import of dog/cats- General information

Import Policy of Pet (dogs/cats) is "restricted" and is permitted for import, only with
an authorisation from DGFT. Import of Pets are allowed only for the following
specific purpose-

i. Dogs imported by the R&D Organisations for conducting research with the
recommendation of CPCSEA
ii. For the internal Security by the Defence and Police Force
iii. Pet Dog as therapy animal/ Emotional support dog on production of medical
certificate along with prescription of treatment of the applicant and certificate
regarding Emotional Support Dog. However on return from India the
applicant has to take back the dog with them and they had to submit –
a. Necessary proof (copy of return flight ticket & live cargo receipt) to be
submitted online along with the application request
b. A local address with ID proof of the local host/relative/family who has to
submit an undertaking that in case the applicant fails to take back the pet,
he/she shall be liable for action under the Foreign Trade (Development &
Regulation) Act, 1992 as amended from time to time. Further the
host/relative also has to submit an undertaking that the RA from where
the license has been issued is informed of taking back of the Pet with
evidence.
iv. Dogs which have been with the applicant for a considerable period (at least
for 2 years at the time of making application) as "pet" may be considered for
import subject to satisfaction of other conditions like proof of the "Pet" staying
with the applicant for the above time/duration / the applicant is transferring
their residence to India after 2 years of continuous stay abroad etc.
v. Dogs for commercial purposes like breeding/as gift or other purposes are not
allowed to be imported.
vi. New born puppies are not allowed.
vii. Import of pets is allowed without authorisation for persons shifting residence
permanently to India. (Custom's Baggage Rules). http://awbi.org/awbi-
pdf/customs_circular.pdf
 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What's the policy for import of Pet?

Ans. Import of live animals including cat/dog/ rabbit is restricted in India.

Generally, import Of pets is allowed without authorisation for persons shifting

residence permanently to India. (Custom's Baggage Rules). Others have to apply
for import authorisation.

Q. What is the procedure for import of Pets?

Ans. Import of Pet (dogs/cats) are restricted and permitted for import only with an
authorisation from DGFT. Import of Pets are allowed only for the following specific
purpose-

i. Dogs imported by the R&D Organisations for conducting research with the
recommendation of CPCSEA
ii. For the internal security by the Defence and Police Force
iii. Pet Dog as therapy animal/ Emotional support dog on production of medical
certificate of the applicant and certificate regarding Emotional Support Dog.
iv. Dogs which have been with the applicant for a considerable period (at least
for 2 years) as pet may be considered subject to other conditions like proof of
dog staying with the applicant and that the applicant is transferring their
residence to India after 2 years of continuous stay abroad etc,

Dogs for commercial purposes like breeding and other purposes are not
allowed.New born puppies of less than 7 months are not to be allowed.

Q. Is Import of Pets allowed for a short duration

Ans. Import of cat/dogs/rabbit for Short duration (as a tourist) is generally not
permitted/ allowed. However, the cases are examined on case to case basis and
permission is granted in rare cases on the basis of justification along with
supporting documents. The import of pet for short duration is allowed subject to the
following conditions —

i. If the pet is meant for medical reasons of the applicant i.e. Pet Dog as
therapy animal/ Emotional support dog. This is subject to production of medical
 certificate along with prescription of treatment of the applicant over period and
certificate regarding Emotional Support Dog by the applicant.
ii. The applicant would have to take back the pet with them on their return from
India and necessary proof (copy of applicants (and pets) return flight ticket & live
cargo receipt) to be submitted to the DGFT (HQ)/RA office from where license is
issued.
iii. The applicant has to submit a local address with ID proof of the local
host/relative who has to submit an undertaking that in case the applicant fails to
take back the pet, he/she shall be liable for action under the Foreign Trade
(Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 as amended from time to time. Further the
host/relative also has to submit an undertaking that the RA from where the license
has been issued is informed of taking back of the Pet with evidence.
iv. The applicant should ensure that the RA from where the license was issued
is informed of taking back of the Pet with evidence failing which action will be
initiated against the local contact after the date of return mentioned by the applicant
in their application.

Q. What is the procedure for importing Pet?

Ans. An application for grant of an Import Authorisation to import PET may be made
online by filling up Form 2M (ANF 2M) along with documents prescribed therein,
Link for online application ishttps://dgft.gov.in Services  Import Management
System Import Authorisation of Restricted Items Apply for a new Authorization.
Details may also be seen in the Trade Notice No. 47/2020-21 dated 23.03.2021 at
the following link

The applicant has to attach pet book and vaccination certificate of the pet along
online before submitting the application.

Q. Do you need an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) to apply for Import of Pets?

You may use your own Importer Exporter Code (IEC), if you already have one.
Alternatively, you may use the permanent IEC No. IIHIE0153E.

Q. What is the procedure of approval?

Ans. After an application is received, it is forwarded to D/O Animal Husbandry,

Dairying and Fisheries for comments/NOC. If that Department issues NOC, the
case will be considered in an Inter-ministerial committee meeting called Exim
Facilitation Committee (EFC). The meeting of the EFC is held once every month. If
the case is considered and approved by the Committee, import license/authorisation
for import of pet is issued by DGFT(HQ) directly.

With this license the applicant needs to approach the AQCS.

Q. What the relevant Notifications and Circulars in this regard?

 DGFT Notification No. 3/2015-2020 dated 25th April 2016

 Customs Circular.25/2013-Customs dated 1st July 2013
 Customs Circular 15/2013-Customs dated 8th April 2013
 Customs Circular 94/2002-Customs dated 23rd December 2002
 Annexure

ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR IMPORT OF DOG INTO INDIA

I. OWNER

Name and address………………………………………………………………………...

II. DESCRIPTION

Species of animal:
Age or date of birth:
Sex:
Breed:
Colour:
Coat type & marking/distinguishing mark:
Identification number:

Ill. Additional Information

Country of origin:

Countries visited over the past years as declared by the owner (give dates):

IV. DESTINATION OF ANIMALS

Country of destination:
Name and address of consignee:
Nature and identification of means of transport:

V. Sanitary Information

The undersigned Official Veterinarian certifies that the animal/s described above
and examined on this day:

a. shows no clinical sign of diseases including rabies, canine distemper, parvo

virus infection, leptospirosis etc.
b. has been vaccinated for rabies (in case it is more than three months of age)
within the time limit recommended by the manufacturer of vaccine licensed
and approved by the exporting country (name of the vaccine, batch number
and the date of vaccination must be shown on the veterinary certificate)

Official stamp:
Issued at……………… on ……………
Name and address of Veterinarian
 Signature……………………………

Annexure

ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR IMPORT OF CAT INTO INDIA

III. OWNER
Name and address………………………………………………………………………...

IV. DESCRIPTION
Species of animal:
Age or date of birth:
Sex:
Breed:
Colour:
Coat type & marking/distinguishing mark:
Identification number:

Ill. Additional Information

Country of origin:

Countries visited over the past years as declared by the owner (give dates):

VI. DESTINATION OF ANIMALS

Country of destination:
Name and address of consignee:
Nature and identification of means of transport:

VII. Sanitary Information

The undersigned Official Veterinarian certifies that the animal/s described above
and examined on this day:

a. Shows no clinical sign of diseases including rabies, feline enteritis, feline pan
leukopenia, leptospirosis etc.
b. has been vaccinated for rabies (in case it is more than three months of age)
within the time limit recommended by the manufacturer of vaccine licensed and
approved by the exporting country (name of the vaccine, batch number and the
date of vaccination must be shown on the veterinary certificate)

Official stamp:
Issued at……………… on ……………
Name and address of Veterinarian
Signature……………………………