Pet Travel Requirements: India to United States
Statutory biosecurity requirements for taking companion pets from India to the United States. Under the CDC Dog Import Rule, India is classified as a high-risk rabies country, requiring a minimum age of 6 months, ISO microchips, online CDC Dog Import Form receipts, AQCS endorsement, and Animal Care Facility reservations.
Can I travel with my pet from India to United States? Yes. Companion dogs and cats can enter United States from India under non-commercial regulations established by AQCS India & US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) / USDA APHIS (CDC Dog Importation Regulations (42 CFR 71.51, effective August 1, 2024)). Entry requires an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, rabies vaccination with a 2β3 months minimum waiting period, conditional / recommended for streamlined entry, and an endorsed CDC Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip & AQCS Export NOC. Compliant pets are eligible for 0 days (subject to acf examination).
Key Route Factors at a Glance
Conditional / Recommended for Streamlined Entry
India is classified as high-risk for dog rabies by the CDC. Dogs vaccinated in India must have a reservation at a CDC-registered Animal Care Facility (ACF) at an approved US port of entry for exam and booster revaccination, unless accompanied by a qualifying USDA/CDC approved rabies titer lab report.
0 Days (Subject to ACF Examination)
No long-term quarantine facility stay required. Dogs complete immediate veterinary check-in at the airport Animal Care Facility (e.g. The ARK at JFK) and are released directly to the owner.
2β3 Months Minimum
Dog must be at least 6 months old at flight date. Microchip + rabies vaccine + 28-day validity + CDC Form + AQCS Export Certificate within 7 days of departure.
CDC Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip & AQCS Export NOC
Official CDC Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form signed by a licensed vet and endorsed by an AQCS official government veterinarian.
Statutory Requirements Checklist
Every requirement must be met in strict chronological order before departure.
Interactive Entry Readiness Assessment
DOCUMENTS
Sequence Protocol: Compliance standard verified against destination regulatory authority statutes.
MICROCHIP
Sequence Protocol: Sequence Mandatory: Microchip MUST be implanted and scanned strictly prior to rabies vaccination.
HEALTH CERTIFICATE
Sequence Protocol: Government Endorsement: Issued by an accredited vet and officially stamped or digitally endorsed by the sovereign veterinary authority.
The Preparation Timeline for India β United States
Follow this verified corridor timeline to prevent border delays or invalid document rejections.
ISO 11784/11785 Microchip
Implant 15-digit microchip. Must be documented on all veterinary records.
Rabies Vaccination (Age β₯ 12 Weeks)
Administer approved rabies vaccine. Dog must be at least 6 months of age by departure date.
CDC-Registered ACF Reservation
Book required arrival appointment and revaccination slot at a CDC-registered Animal Care Facility at your US entry airport.
AQCS India Endorsement & Health Certificate
Attend regional AQCS station in India for physical pet exam and government endorsement of the CDC Foreign Rabies form.
Submit Online CDC Dog Import Form
Complete free online CDC Dog Import Form and obtain the instant email receipt with QR code.
Recommended Regulatory Guides for India β United States
FAVN Rabies Titer Test Manual
Learn about the 0.5 IU/mL antibody threshold, approved testing laboratories (KSU, Auburn, ANSES), and mandatory post-draw waiting periods.
USDA APHIS VEHCS Guide
How accredited veterinarians submit export certificates for sovereign government review and validation within 10 days of travel.
IATA Dog Crate Requirements
Container Requirement 1 (CR-1) sizing formulas, metal hardware specifications, and ventilation percentages for international flights.
Frequently Asked Questions: India to United States
Common questions about traveling on this specific pet transport corridor.
Explore Sovereign Country Compliance Hubs
Traveling from India to United States with your pet?
Upload your pet's vaccination records and microchip certificate. We verify vaccination dates, 21-day latency windows, and government health certificate deadlines against official AQCS India & US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) / USDA APHIS rules in seconds.
Run Free Route Compliance Assessmentβ