Government simplifies import procedure for pet dogs and cats

NEW DELHI: Simplifying the import procedure to ensure welfare of pets and their owners, the Centre has come out with a new rule making it easier for owners of pet dogs and cats to get 'no objection certificate' (NOC) of final quarantine clearance for their imported furry friends "round the clock at the port of entry itself". Owners will now just have to get an advance NOC after submitting requisite documents and prior intimation of arrival details through email.
Earlier, pet owners faced hassles in getting the required clearance as they had to report to concerned authorities for clearance post-import. They had to get clearance in India after importing the pets under the baggage rule.
Currently, imported live animals, including pet dogs and cats, are brought through seven entry points - Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru. Hyderabad and Kochi - where Animal Quarantine and Certification Service Station (AQCS) are located.
The ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying on Feb 20 issued an office memorandum (OM) for facilitation of final quarantine clearance.
"In the interest of welfare of pet dog and pet cat as well as facilitation to owners, the final NOC by the concerned AQCS will be issued to imported pet dog and pet cat round the clock at the port of entry itself. However, the owner has to ensure receipt of advance NOC from the respective AQCS after submission of requisite documents and prior intimation of date and time of arrival through email," said the ministry's OM.
The ministry, at the same time, requested all AQCSs to depict location of facilitation point for final quarantine clearance along with advance NOC for "easy understanding of owners travelling with pet dog and pet cat".