Moving with Pets? Essential Tips for Pet Owners to Register Them!

Moving your pets to a new state in India or a new country can be a daunting task for pet owners, as it involves several procedures and regulations that need to be followed. You will need to jump through a lot of legal hoops to have your pet moved to your new city.

In this blog, we have covered all the necessary steps involved in registering your pet for both domestic and international moves. By following the guidelines listed in this blog, you can ensure that your beloved pets are well-prepared for a smooth and hassle-free relocation.

How To Register Your Pet for a Domestic Relocation in India?

Step 1: Get Your Pet Vaccinated

Before moving your pet, take them to a registered veterinarian for a comprehensive health check-up and get all necessary vaccinations done. After this check-up, the veterinarian shall provide you with a certificate stating that your pet is healthy, free from any contagious diseases and fit for the move.

Step 2: Obtain a Pet License

To obtain a pet license for domestic moving in India, you should approach the local municipal corporation or animal welfare organization. Make sure you carry proof of your pet's health and vaccination records, an ownership certificate as well as a photograph of your pet.

Step 3: Register Your Pet With the Local Authorities

After obtaining a pet license, you should register your pet with the local authorities such as the local police station and the animal welfare organization.

Here are a few reasons why pet registration is important in India:

Legal recognition: When you register your pet, they become legally recognized by the government. In any case of any dispute or legal issues, you can prove that your pet is a legal member of your family.
Safety: Ensures safety, in situations when your pet is lost or stolen, a registration tag or microchip can help to easily track and find them and reunite them back to you.
Public health: Registering helps to keep a record of their vaccinations and prevent the spread of diseases.
Ownership: This process helps to control illegal practices like unregistered pet breeding and the sale of pets on the black market.

Step 4: Obtain a NOC from Your Current Vet

If you're moving from one state to another, you'll need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current veterinarian, this document confirms that your pet is healthy and vaccinated and that there are no legal or other issues that would prevent your pet from moving to a new location.

Step 5: Microchip Your Pet

Although it is not a legal requirement in India, microchipping your pet helps to identify them in case they are lost or stolen during the move. You can easily get your pet microchipped at the local veterinary hospital.

Step 6: Update Your Pet's Identification Tags

Make sure to update your pet's identification tags with your new address and contact information.

How To Register Your Pets for an International Relocation in India?

Step 1: Microchip Your Pet

Get your pet microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip to ensure that they can be properly identified during the relocation process.

Step 2: Get Your Pet Vaccinated

Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies and other required diseases before an international move. The vaccinations must be administered at least 30 days prior to the relocation.

For an Indian pet passport, the mandatory vaccinations prior to entering India are:

For dogs: Distemper, Leishmaniasis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis
For cats: FVRCP including Feline Enteritis, Feline PanLeukopenia

Step 3: Obtain a Health Certificate

A registered veterinarian in India must examine your pet and issue a health certificate stating that your pet is in good health and fit to travel and free from any contagious diseases.

Step 4: Apply for an Export Certificate

You will need to apply for an export certificate from the AQCS office (Animal Quarantine and Certification Service) in your state of residence at least 10 days prior to the date of export. This certificate is issued after an inspection of your pet by an AQCS veterinarian.

Note: Dogs and cats must be over the age of 3 months to travel to India.

Step 5: Obtain an Import Permit

Check with the embassy or consulate of the destination country to determine if an import permit is required. If it is, you will need to obtain a permit from the relevant authorities in the destination country.

In order to import pets to India you will need a Notice of Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Animal Quarantine Station in India.

Step 6: Choose a Pet-Friendly Airline

Choose an airline that can transport your pet safely to the destination country. You will need to provide the airline with all the required documentation and certificates before your pet can travel.

Step 7: Get an Identification Tag

Once your pet is registered, make sure to get an identification tag with your contact details on it. This will help ensure that your pet can be returned to you if they ever get lost.

Take note: It's important to note that the requirements for international relocation of pets can vary by country and may change over time. Therefore it's always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities well in advance to ensure that you have all the information and necessary documentation ready.

Conclusion

Registering your pets is an essential part of moving, whether you're relocating domestically or internationally. It not only ensures that your pets have the necessary documentation and meet all the required regulations, but it also helps to protect their health and well-being during the move. With the right preparation and care, you can ensure that your pets settle into their new home with ease.