A major decision you will have to make is whether to bring your pet to Mumbai or to leave him or her in someone’s care back home. Some pets, like tropical birds, won’t be affected much by moving to India. But because Mumbai is hot, humid, polluted, and crowded with people and cars, life will be difficult for pets who love running around outdoors – and for those with thick coats! If you will be stationed in Mumbai for a long time, you have almost no choice but to bring your pet. If your Mumbai stay is short, say six months or a year, think about alternative care options.
Bringing your Pet
To take your pet with you, it is recommended to enlist the help of a professional pet relocation service to help with health checks and certificates, notifying the airlines, and with customs clearance. Your moving company might be able to assist you. Writer Corporation is a trusted Mumbai moving company which aids in transporting and importing pets. Contact writer.relo@writercorporation.com or call 022-2372-2008.
Health check, vaccinations, and health certificates
In December 2008, the Indian government declared that all pets entering India must be issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from India’s Animal Quarantine Station prior to landing.
Contact the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service Station for up to date requirements for pet clearance into India because rules can change quickly.
Animal Quarantine and Certification Service Station
Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture,
Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries,
Kapashera (Crossing), New Delhi – 110 001
Phone: 011-2506-3272
Fax: 011-2506-0647
Documents required for a No Objection Certificate:
- All vaccination records of the pet
- Government-issued veterinary certificate from the exporting country (USDA document with the Annexure I/II in case of USA)
- Flight details or copy of the airline ticket bill
Currently, dogs require:
- General health check
- Vaccinations including canine distemper, parvo virus, rabies, and leptospirosis.
Currently, cats require:
- General health check
- Vaccinations including rabies, feline enteritis, feline panleukopaenia, and leptospirosis.
The health certificate for cats and dogs must prove the vaccines were administered at least one month prior to travel and no longer than 180 days prior to travel. Make several copies of the health certificate.
The NOC must be obtained by your local Indian clearing agent in person. It cannot be applied for online. The NOC is faxed or emailed to the shipper. The certificate must be presented to the airline in India at the port of entry, before the pet has been off-loaded. If the pet is traveling accompanied by the owner, the owner of the pet must carry the NOC. This document takes up to 5 working days to obtain and is free of cost.
Import Permits
Import permits are required for all pets other than cats and dogs and if you are bringing more than two cats and/or more than two dogs. Your relocation company can help you get the correct documentation.
Flights
Before you fly, check that your pet’s collar has clearly marked name and contact information. If possible, travel on the same flight as your pet. Pets are almost never allowed in the cabin; there is a pressurized compartment for pets in the luggage hold. Larger animals usually need to travel separately on cargo flights. Do your best to arrive on a weekday so that your pet can clear Mumbai customs as soon as possible. Leaving your pet in Mumbai customs for anything other than a short duration is not recommended due to insufficient care of animals.
Licensing your Dog in Mumbai
When you arrive in Mumbai, have your dog licensed. You will need to show a copy of the health certificate to show his vaccines are current. Contact the center closest to your Mumbai address:
For South Mumbai:
Office of the Dog Control Officer and Sr. Sanitary Inspector
Dog Licencing Establishment
Gangaram Bapu Sakpal Marg, Nagar Dhobighat, Mahalaxmi
Phone: 2308-5118
For the Western Suburbs:
Senior Sanitary Inspector
Dog Licensing Establishments for H and K wards
Behind Guru Nanak Dispensary
Station Road, Bandra West
Phone: 2642-2672
Senior Sanitary Inspector
Dogs Licensing Establishment Office for P and R wards
Entrance of Linking Rd., Malad West
Phone: 2882-0296
For the Eastern Suburbs:
Senior Sanitary Inspector
Dog Licensing Establishment Office
Municipal Office Bldg, Next to the N Ward Office
Jawahar Road, Ghatkopar East
Phone: 2509-4161 Ext. 262
Important to know: Leaving Mumbai
Many countries will only allow pets to clear customs if they have been in a rabies-free country for six months prior to arrival. This may pose a problem for you when you return to your home country because of the prevalence of rabies in India. You could keep your pet in a country such as Singapore for the six months before you are due back home, but because of the hassle and costs involved, it is worth reconsidering bringing your pet if this will be an issue for you. Check the requirements of your home country regarding pet entrance before making your decision.
