UAE to India Pet Import: 2026 Relaxed Rules Guide

What the 2026 Relaxation Means for UAE Residents

In March 2026, India's Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued Circular No. 11/2026, granting a one-time relaxation of pet import formalities for Indian nationals returning from conflict-affected Middle Eastern countries, including the United Arab Emirates. The measure is designed to prevent pet abandonment by simplifying documentation, vaccination timelines, and customs clearance for dogs and cats travelling with their owners to India.

For the large Indian expatriate community in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, this circular reduces several bureaucratic hurdles. However, the UAE side of the process still requires compliance with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) export procedures. This guide focuses on the practical steps UAE residents must complete before boarding a flight to India.

Who Is Eligible Under the Circular

• The pet owner must hold a valid Indian passport.
• The pet must be a dog or a cat. Birds, reptiles, rabbits, and exotic species are not covered.
• The animal must have been in the owner's custody for at least one month, confirmed by a signed self-declaration.
• The relaxation applies at Indian airports with Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) presence: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

Indian nationals returning under normal, non-emergency conditions should follow the standard Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) import process, which requires full documentation and advance filing of a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Preparing Your Pet in the UAE: Step by Step

Step 1: Microchipping (6 to 8 Weeks Before Travel)

All pets entering India must carry an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip. In the UAE, microchipping is already mandatory under MOCCAE regulations, so most registered dogs and cats will have one. Verify the chip is scannable by visiting any licensed veterinary clinic in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah. If a new chip is needed, the procedure typically costs between 150 and 300 AED depending on the clinic and emirate.

The microchip must be implanted before the primary rabies vaccination. If the rabies vaccine was given before chipping, the vaccination generally needs to be repeated after the chip is placed.

Step 2: Rabies Vaccination and Core Vaccines

India requires a valid rabies vaccination administered no fewer than 30 days and no more than 12 months before arrival. Under the 2026 relaxation, a rabies booster that is overdue by up to 15 days will still be accepted. If no vaccination record exists, the animal can receive a rabies shot at the Indian port of entry (cost borne by the owner).

For dogs: India's standard requirements include vaccination against distemper, leptospirosis, and rabies. Under the relaxed rules, incomplete records do not automatically disqualify the pet, but owners should bring whatever documentation they have.

For cats: Vaccination against rabies and feline panleukopenia is expected. Partial records are accepted under the emergency circular, with supplementary vaccinations administered at the Indian airport if needed.

In the UAE, most veterinary clinics maintain digital vaccination records linked to the pet's microchip number. Request a printed vaccination certificate or pet passport summary before departure.

Step 3: MOCCAE Export Health Certificate (1 to 2 Weeks Before Travel)

Regardless of India's relaxed import rules, the UAE requires an export health certificate for any animal leaving the country. This certificate is issued through MOCCAE or its authorised service centres in each emirate. The process involves:

• A clinical examination confirming the pet is healthy and free from signs of infectious disease.
• Verification of microchip and vaccination records.
• Payment of the applicable government fee (typically around 100 to 200 AED).

Book the MOCCAE appointment early, as slots can fill quickly during peak travel periods, particularly before summer when temperatures in the UAE regularly exceed 45°C and many residents travel.

Step 4: Apply for the Indian NOC (15 Days Before Travel)

Under normal rules, the No Objection Certificate from the AQCS office at the destination Indian airport must be filed at least 15 days before the flight. The application requires microchip details, vaccination records, owner identification, and travel itinerary. Under the emergency relaxation, late applications may be accepted for evacuees, but filing on time remains strongly recommended for UAE residents who have advance notice of their travel dates.

Applications are submitted through the DAHD portal (dahd.gov.in). Major AQCS offices operate at Delhi IGI Airport, Mumbai CSIA, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

Step 5: Book Airline Pet Transport (2 to 4 Weeks Before Travel)

Contact the airline early to reserve cabin or cargo space for the pet. Airlines operating out of Dubai International (DXB), Abu Dhabi International (AUH), and Sharjah International (SHJ) each have their own pet policies regarding crate dimensions, breed restrictions, and seasonal embargoes.

The travel crate must meet International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations: sturdy construction, adequate ventilation, a leak-proof floor, and sufficient room for the animal to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. For a medium-sized dog weighing around 15 to 25 kg, an appropriately sized IATA crate typically costs between 400 and 800 AED in the UAE.

Heat advisory: During the UAE summer months (June to September), ground temperatures at airports can be extreme. Some airlines impose heat embargoes that restrict pet cargo transport when tarmac temperatures exceed safe thresholds. If travelling during summer, confirm with the airline that pet cargo services are operating on your travel date.

UAE Climate Considerations for Travel Day

The desert climate of the UAE presents specific risks when transporting animals:

• Hydration: Ensure the pet has access to a spill-proof water container inside the crate. Freeze a small bowl of water before departure so it melts gradually during transit.
• Timing: Where possible, book flights departing in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower, particularly between May and October.
• Brachycephalic breeds: Flat-faced dogs (Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus) and flat-faced cats (Persians, Exotic Shorthairs) are at elevated risk of respiratory distress in heat. Many airlines restrict or ban these breeds from cargo holds during summer. Discuss options with the airline and your veterinarian well in advance.

Document Checklist for UAE Departure

Carry all original documents in your hand luggage:

• Owner's Indian passport (original and photocopy)
• Signed self-declaration of pet ownership (minimum one month custody)
• Pet vaccination certificate, pet book, or pet passport
• MOCCAE export health certificate
• Microchip implantation record with 15-digit ISO number
• Flight itinerary or boarding pass
• Two recent passport-sized photographs of the pet (some AQCS offices request these)
• NOC from AQCS (if filed in advance)
• Any additional proof of ownership: adoption certificates, veterinary visit records, boarding receipts

Arrival and Customs Clearance in India

On arrival, proceed to the AQCS counter at the airport. Officers will inspect documents and perform a clinical examination. If vaccinations are missing or overdue, the pet will receive a rabies shot on the spot (owner pays). Allow at least 2 to 4 hours for inspection, paperwork, and release. Pets are typically released to the owner the same day.

Under the relaxed rules, the absence of a veterinary health certificate does not disqualify the animal from entry. AQCS officers will perform a clinical inspection and issue clearance based on the animal's health status. However, having the MOCCAE export certificate will significantly speed up the process.

After Arrival: Post-Travel Health Check

Schedule a full veterinary examination within seven days of arriving in India. The transition from the UAE's air-conditioned indoor environments to a different climate can cause stress, particularly for breeds acclimatised to cooler indoor temperatures. Update any missing vaccinations, register the microchip with a local Indian database if applicable, and discuss any travel-related health concerns with the veterinarian.

What the Relaxation Does Not Cover

• Species: Only dogs and cats qualify. Falcons, which are popular in the UAE, and other birds or exotic pets are excluded.
• Breed bans: India's existing restrictions on certain dog breeds (as specified by DAHD notifications) remain in effect regardless of the relaxation.
• Commercial imports: The circular applies only to personal pets, not animals imported for sale or breeding.
• Duration: This is a one-time emergency measure. Once the designated period ends, standard import rules resume in full.

Key Contacts and Resources

• MOCCAE (UAE): For export health certificates and UAE pet regulations, visit moccae.gov.ae
• DAHD (India): For NOC applications and AQCS contact details, visit dahd.gov.in
• CBIC (India): For customs queries related to the circular, visit cbic.gov.in
• Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai: For evacuation coordination and travel document assistance