Taking a dog to India?

Noodle

Hi Singer! You want to live in Goa permanently, right? Not only coming for holidays?

If only for holidays or a shorter period of time, I would strongly suggest to leave your dogs in Spain, with friends or relatives.

Oherwise - why don't you read this whole thread, there are plenty of tips and advice about bringing dogs into India, you will find a lot of info already here.

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Singer

Thanks Noodle,
Yes Im going to Goa permamently so I must take my dogs. What I require is an answer to a specific question ! Which is, upon entering India, Mumbai, will my dogs be subject to "post import quarantine" of 30 days for observation ?
In addittion,does anyone know of a chartered flight which will allow me to take the dogs direct to Goa fom the U.K. or of any other direct route making Goa My entry point into India. Will using a professional pet shipping agency be advised ?


Thanks

Noodle

I'm pretty sure not. It's more the other way round - when you take dogs from India into Europe, that some countries impose a quarantine. As far as I'm aware, India does not. But the vaccinations have to be up to date and done early enough, i.e. a certain amount of time before you enter India. Your vet will certainly know the exact period of time required.

Can't help you with the other questions, sorry, but I'm sure other members here will!

All the best, Noodle

** jeanneleez **

I am heading to Kolkata in 8 days with a greyhound and a cat. The Indian Consulate has forms you can download for your vet to complete. The vet (here in Chicago) told me his form was good for 30 days. Air India said my animals had to have been vaccinated for rabies six weeks prior to arrival, so there's a bit of conflicting information there... My dog was fine, but the cat needed a new rabies shot - we're going even though it will only be four weeks. We'll be going through Customs in Mumbai. Worst case scenario is that I return 2 weeks later from Kolata to pick him up. From what I've read, we may be able to get away with it if they don't notice the date.

I looked into pet shipping services and they charge a lot just to do the paperwork. You still have to visit the vet and have the paperwork completed, and then give it to the service. You still have to provide the carrier and give that to the service as well. The service will call the airline, and give them the paperwork you filled out. They will depend on the same airline personnel to watch your animals as you would. They couldn't provide any guarantees or promise any better care than contacting the airline yourself. They also would not make any guarantees that when you got there and were going through Customs, that all your paperwork would be in order. Didn't seem like it was worthwhile.

If you would like a list of the companies I found on-line who responded, along with the recommended services, I would be happy to send them to you.

Don't know of any flights direct to Goa. Are your dogs in Spain or UK? If they are in Spain, I would recommend not going through the UK. You have a potential risk associated since you will be bringing the dogs into a country with 6-month quarantine. If they consider your dogs a potential hazard, you may end up leaving London without your dogs. We're going through Frankfurt instead.

Good luck!

-- Jeanne

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http://american-in-calcutta.blogspot.com/

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Noodle

Are you really prepared to leave your cat with strangers for two weeks?

I would never EVER do that! Especially not in a country that's not much 'into cats'. From what I hear cats escape from kennels and animal shelters because Indian workers (who are usually not trained animal personnel as we know it in the West, but low paid workers without much knowledge of animals) don't realize how fast they are and through how small a space they will squeeze through if they want to get out of somewhere.

Don't do it.

machadinha

I don't know about your vet but mine would easily toggle the date around a little, as some countries have ridiculous demands. Ask them.

I thought the UK quarantaine rules had been abandoned? May be misinformed mind.

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Noodle

Yes, wasn't it birds who wrote that here recently? I also vaguely remember reading it.

machadinha

I'm pretty sure of it, as it was grounds for a dog-owning friend of mine to move out there when before she didn't. If so, it has been in effect for several years now I think. I assume some ministry page of theirs will have the details.

** jeanneleez **

My understanding is that the UK quarantine is still in effect, however they have loosened up the law so that you can effectively do a major portion of the "quaratine" in the country of origin under the close supervision of the veterinarian. My vet specializes in this process, and consults with O'Hare Airport regarding entry and departure of livestock and pets. I can get more info from him if you need it.

It wasn't just the UK with significant restrictions - Japan is notorious for its requirements for a series of blood tests that have to be perfectly timed in order to receive entry. Dogs anyway, not sure about cats...

I am concerned about my cat being stuck in Mumbai, but there are trade-offs in life. I am making the best decision I can with the information I have in determining what is in the best interest of everyone. I can't change the port of entry, but it's closer than Frankfurt, less risky than the UK, and it's the worst case scenario. Believe me, I will do everything in my power to keep this from happening. In an ideal world, everything will be perfect. I am minimizing risk wherever I can.

-- Jeanne

birds

Jeanne,this is the worst trade-off you can make. The chances that your cat survives are close to nil.

I have no time at the moment but this idea shocked me so much I had to write. Like Noodle says: DO NOT DO IT!

machadinha

I'm sorry but I'd say if it has to be it has to be. I don't see why their chances of survival would be "close to nil."

However, I'd do everything to keep them with me. I had the impression Jeanne is too. It's not like she's the first or last person to emigrate with pets. Yes, they may die in the process, as they may walking the streets etc. at home. It's the responsibility you take on when you take the pets on.

capt_mahajan

edit: crossposted with mach, (chances of survival may not be nil, but chances of escape may be very high, though)

I am sure you will.

As others have said, a cat, 2 weeks... I would say the odds are pretty good you won't see it again.

machadinha

OK. Maybe I'm too optimistic on kennel situations there

capt_mahajan

Not just the kennel situations, which are below par, but, like somebody said here, they will not be geared for cats, but dogs, and the room/kennel will be probably built to keep a dog in, not a cat.

Hell, even my vets assistants are not geared to handle cats, I barge in and do it myself

Noodle

Really, Jeannie, listen to us even if we sound over the top. But all who have now replied to you have been living in India for many years and know the situation first hand. Kennels here are NOT what you know from the States. Not even remotely.

Talk to your vet about ... you know.