Sweden to India Pet Relocation Quarantine Explainer (Dogs & Cats)

Moving your pet from Sweden to India can feel like a paperwork marathon. Still, once you understand how India’s animal quarantine clearance actually works, it becomes far more manageable. In this guide, I’ll break down the real-world meaning of quarantine, what triggers it, what most pets experience on arrival, and how to plan a smooth Sweden to India pet relocation for dogs and cats.

What “quarantine” really means when flying pets into India

When people say “quarantine”, they often imagine weeks in a facility. In practice, India’s AQCS (Animal Quarantine & Certification Services) process is closer to an arrival inspection plus document verification. If everything is in order and your Pet looks clinically healthy, you’ll usually proceed to clearance.

However, India can quarantine animals when required, and the decision is typically based on documentation gaps, health concerns, or suspicion of disease. A DGFT Trade Notice also states that animals may be quarantined in a government quarantine station for a stipulated period where required.

For pet dogs specifically, AQCS guidance shows a clear scenario: if a dog is deemed “unfit” and is showing clinical signs, it can be quarantined for 15 days at the respective AQCS, with testing and daily records.

So, the aim is simple: arrive as a “fit” case with correct documents, and quarantine becomes unlikely.

Step 1: Confirm which import route applies (this changes your paperwork)

India’s pet import pathway commonly depends on your situation:

1) Transfer of Residence (ToR)

If you’re moving back to India after living abroad for 2+ years, you may be able to import pets under baggage rules (common approach), with supporting proofs required by AQCS procedures.

2) Short stay / not eligible for ToR

If you’re not meeting the ToR conditions, you’ll typically need DGFT import authorisation, then apply for an Advance NOC from AQCS before travel. AQCS dog guidance also tells applicants to ensure they have a valid DGFT licence before applying.

Step 2: Sweden-side prep that helps you avoid “quarantine risk” in India

India checks identity, vaccination history, and overall health status. So your Sweden-side prep matters a lot.

Microchip first, always

Your pet should be microchipped and the number must match every document. (A microchip-before-rabies sequence is a common compliance expectation in international moves.)

Rabies vaccination timing: don’t cut it too close

Sweden’s agriculture authority notes that after a primary rabies vaccination, you must wait 21 days before travel.

Even if India’s rules don’t say “21 days” in the same way, this timing helps keep your export and airline checks clean, and avoids last-minute surprises.

Step 3: The two approvals that most people confuse (DGFT vs AQCS)

Think of it like this:

• DGFT authorisation = permission to import (needed in several cases, especially when not qualifying under baggage/ToR route).
• AQCS Advance NOC = quarantine pre-clearance for the port/airport you’ll land in, obtained before travel. It must be applied for in advance (often around 7 days before travel, with some relaxations).

Also important: AQCS dog/cat guidance states airlines may refuse uplift until advance NOC is obtained.

Which Indian airports can clear pets?

AQCS operates at multiple stations (the application forms list New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata).

Separately, DGFT trade notice notes specific airports/ports for pet imports and mentions quarantine “where required”.

Practical tip: choose a landing airport with established AQCS handling and reliable airline pet support. It reduces stress on the day.

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Documents checklist for Sweden to India pet relocation (dogs & cats)

Here’s a clean checklist you can follow:

Document	Why it matters	Notes
Microchip details	Links pet identity to paperwork	Same number everywhere
Rabies vaccination record	Core health requirement	Don’t do it too close to travel
Pet passport / health book	Proof of ongoing care	Keep originals
Official veterinary health certificate	Key clearance document	Issued by exporting country vet
DGFT import authorisation (if required)	Legal permission to import	Needed for several scenarios
AQCS Advance NOC	Pre-import clearance	Apply before flying
Flight ticket / airway bill	Confirms arrival details	Listed in AQCS forms

What happens on arrival in India (the “quarantine” moment explained)

When you land, the AQCS team typically:

1. Checks documents (NOC, health cert, vaccination proof, identity)
2. Scans microchip (or matches identity details)
3. Performs a basic health assessment
   

Fit vs Unfit: the key decision

AQCS dog guidance describes that unfit cases (especially clinical signs) may be quarantined for 15 days with testing and daily examination records.
If “fit”, the process moves toward clearance without facility quarantine.

Here’s a simple view:

Outcome	What it means	Likely next step
FIT	Documents OK + clinically healthy	Clearance / final steps
UNFIT	Clinical signs or major issues	Quarantine + testing (dogs: 15 days noted)

So yes — quarantine exists, but most prepared pets won’t trigger it.

Timeline planner (realistic, low-stress)

When	What to do
6–8 weeks before	Vet check, microchip verification, rabies review
4–6 weeks before	Confirm route (ToR vs DGFT), shortlist airline
2–3 weeks before	Gather certificates, finalise flight plan
~7 working days before travel	Apply for AQCS Advance NOC (and ensure DGFT docs if needed)
Travel week	Final vet checks, crate comfort, copies of all documents
Arrival day	AQCS check + clearance; quarantine only if required

Common mistakes that cause delays (and make quarantine more likely)

• Missing or late Advance NOC (some airlines won’t uplift without it)
• Rabies timing miscalculated (Sweden export timing matters)
• Microchip number mismatch across papers
• Landing at an airport not aligned with your AQCS plan
• Health certificate not detailed enough (or not properly endorsed)

Quick comfort tips for dogs & cats (small things, huge difference)

• Use an IATA -compliant crate and let your pet practise in it daily.
• Freeze a small water dish (reduces spills during transit).
• Put a worn T-shirt inside the crate (smells like home).
• Keep your tone calm on travel day — pets read your mood, honestly.

FAQs: Sweden to India Pet Relocation & Quarantine