Live Animals

The pet cage must be securely equipped to prevent unauthorised access, and accidental opening of the door either from inside or outside. Also, ventilation apertures should be small enough to ensure that no part of the animal protrudes outside of the container. For further details, please refer to IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR). 

We transport animals such as dogs, cats, birds, amphibians, and day-old chicks. Certain breeds, such as snub-nosed or flat-faced pets, are not carried, because of the risks involved transporting them in the cargo compartment. Snub-nosed dogs are most likely to have breathing issues and require temperatures which cannot go below 10°C and above 27 °C. Restrictions also apply in the case of certain breeds of birds which are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). To learn more about animal breeds that are restricted for carriage on Air India, please get in touch with us at - cargocare@airindia.com.

While we focus on time-sensitive delivery and streamlined transport processes, we also ensure that the animals are well-accommodated during transportation. In addition, our expert staff provides avian care, for day-old chicks, with proper temperature control.

To know more details about necessary documentation, please connect with us at - cargocare@airindia.com.

Yes, live animals receive high priority when shipped as cargo and are only transported through our Rapid service.

Yes, Air India allows the shipment of most bird breeds. However, avian breeds listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) cannot be shipped.

Before shipping live animals as cargo, the shipper must make sure of the following steps:

• Finalise the route and special care if required, upon reservation and prior acceptance
• Intimate if the female animals are in estrus ‘heat’
• Specify the gender of the mammals being shipped
• Submit important documents required for Shipper’s Certification  
• Comply with national, operator and IATA regulations  
• Provide containers as per current edition of IATA’s LAR 
• Ensure suitable bedding and food for the species based on the regulations

Completion of the Shipper’s Certificate must adhere to IATA’s LAR.  Below are the few steps one must follow:

• The certificate must be completed in English. If required, an accurate printed translation in another language should be submitted.  
• Two copies of the completed and signed certification forms must be presented.  
• The common name (in English) and the scientific names must be entered in the species description box of the certification. For domestic dogs, cats, farm animals that are not listed in CITES, only the common name is applicable.
• Signature of the shipper or their authorised agent is mandatory. Handwritten or facsimile signatures, whether stamped or electronic, are acceptable.