Taking a Dog to India from the UK in 2026: Everything you need to know

Taking a dog from the UK to India is one of the more complex pet travel processes. It involves multiple stages of certification, strict vaccination rules, and formal approval from the Indian authorities. Most owners choose to work with an experienced import agent based in India, alongside a UK Official Veterinarian.

At PassPets, we regularly support owners through the UK certification side of the process and work alongside Indian agents where required. Below is a step-by-step overview of what’s typically involved.

Step 1: Confirm eligibility and import category

Before anything else, you must confirm why your dog is being imported, as India applies different rules depending on the situation. Common categories include:

• transfer of residence to India

• proof of at least two years’ stay abroad

• re-importing a pet

• temporary stay (e.g. holiday or short visit)

For temporary imports, an Import Authorisation from DGFT is required. This is usually handled by the owner or their import agent in India.

Step 2: Microchip

Your dog must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785).

• The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination used for travel

• The microchip number must match all documentation

If your dog has a non-ISO microchip, acceptance must be confirmed with the Indian authorities (or your agent).

Step 3: Vaccinations

India requires clear documentary proof of the following vaccinations:

Rabies

• Must be administered more than 1 month (not just 21 days) and less than 12 months before the EHC appointment

• Dogs must be at least 3 months old at vaccination

Core dog vaccinations

• Canine Distemper (DHP)

• Canine Parvovirus (DHP)

• Canine Hepatitis (DHP)

Leptospirosis

• Required within 12 months of export

• Primary course must be given exactly 4 weeks apart

• All boosters must be within 12 months of the previous dose

• If the schedule hasn’t been followed, the course may need restarting (this must be checked with the Indian authorities or your agent)

All vaccination certificates must show:

• microchip number

• vaccination dates and validity

• vaccine names and batch numbers

We can provide template vaccination certificates for your vet to complete if needed.

Step 4: Plan your travel date and route

Before booking any appointments with us, you should confirm:

• your intended arrival date in India

• your full travel route, including any transit countries

Transit routes can trigger additional certification requirements, so this needs to be confirmed early.

Step 5: Pre-Export Certificate (for NOC application)

India requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before the final Export Health Certificate can be issued.

To apply for the NOC, you must first obtain a Pre-Export Certificate, which:

• is issued by one of our Official Vets

• must be completed within 7 days of your proposed arrival date in India

• cannot be used for travel

This certificate is used only to support the NOC application.

Step 6: No Objection Certificate (NOC)

The NOC is applied for by the owner or their import agent directly with the Indian authorities.

A copy of the approved NOC must be provided to us before we can issue the final Export Health Certificate.

Step 7: Final Export Health Certificate (EHC 2910)

India requires a UK government-issued Export Health Certificate (EHC 2910).

Timing rules:

• the final EHC appointment must be within 48 hours (2 days) of export

• there is no timestamp, so the appointment can be any time within this window

• we are not usually open on weekends or bank holidays, which must be factored into planning

At the final EHC appointment, our OV will:

• carry out a full clinical examination

• check the microchip

• review all vaccination certificates and clinical history

• verify the NOC

• issue the completed Export Health Certificate (if all requirements are met)

Appointments are available at our Havant, Bristol and London branches.

Step 8: Airline requirements and Fit to Fly

You must check directly with your airline whether a Fit to Fly certificate is required in addition to the EHC.

Airlines may also impose restrictions relating to:

• brachycephalic breeds

• crate specifications

• the number of pets per passenger

If required, we can issue a Fit to Fly certificate alongside the final EHC.

Step 9: Transit countries

If your journey involves transiting through other countries:

• EU transit may require an EU Animal Health Certificate

• non-EU transit may require additional Export Health Certificates or permits

You must confirm requirements with:

• the airline

• the authorities in each transit country

• the Indian authorities or your import agent

Step 10: Returning to the UK (if applicable)

If you plan to return to the UK from India, additional steps are required, usually including:

• a rabies blood test taken more than 30 days after vaccination

• testing at a government-approved laboratory

• confirmation with APHA whether a 3-month waiting period applies

UK re-entry rules are strict and should be planned well in advance.

Other important points to note

• Pets may only enter India through designated ports (including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Kolkata).

• India generally allows two pets per person, but only one dog, unless special permission is granted.

• There are no banned dog breeds, but airline restrictions must still be checked.

How PassPets can help

India is a multi-stage process involving:

• a Pre-Export Certificate

• a No Objection Certificate

• a final Export Health Certificate issued close to departure

At PassPets, we:

• review vaccination records and timing

• issue both the pre-export and final EHC appointments

• work alongside owners and Indian import agents to keep the process on track

For help taking your dog to India or for a quick quote, click below:

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