CBIC Allows Indians to Bring Pet Dogs and Cats from War-Hit Middle East

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued a new circular to help Indians bring their pet dogs and cats back home from war-hit Middle East countries.

The relaxation is followed by an office memorandum issued by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD).

Due to the ongoing crisis, many people are not able to complete the export formalities for their pets. Therefore, to help them, the government has allowed a one-time relaxation measure subject to certain pre-import conditions and post-import conditions.

Pre-Import Conditions

Here are the pre-import conditions that are required to be fulfilled:

• Pet owners must give a declaration stating that the pet dogs or pet cats have been living with them for at least one month.
• They should also submit a vaccination certificate, a pet book, or a pet passport. The delayed or due vaccinations will also be considered.
• If the pet dog or cat is taken from nearby neighbouring countries, the owners should get their pet checked at the veterinary authorities of the respective country.

Post-Import Conditions

Here are the post-import conditions:

• The pet dog or cat with a proper health certificate and vaccination details from nearby countries will get final Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) clearance from the airport after the documentation and clinical examination.
• If the pet dog or cat has not completed its last vaccination and is being imported without any veterinary health certificate, it should be vaccinated for rabies at AQCS.

As per the CBIC circular, if any health problems are found, pets may be kept in quarantine, and all the costs, including treatment and stay, will be borne by the owner.