Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) marked a major operational milestone on Tuesday by inaugurating Kerala's first official Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) clearance station, enabling international air passengers to import and export accompanied pet dogs and cats directly through Nedumbassery.
Previously, international travelers and non-resident Indian (NRI) families relocating to or from Kerala with domestic pets were forced to transit through distant airports in Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, or Delhi, enduring grueling overland journeys and substantial logistical costs to complete mandatory veterinary clearance.
Milestone Facility Enables Direct International Travel for Companion Pets
The newly commissioned quarantine station, established in coordination with the Union Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying and the Kerala state government, features a comprehensive 2,500-square-foot air-conditioned complex situated within the airport's cargo and customs enclave.
The facility is equipped with dedicated veterinary clinical examination rooms, sterile quarantine holding kennels, an advanced microchip identification scanner, sample refrigeration units, and certified waste sanitization infrastructure to process animals safely and humanely.
“Inaugurating dedicated animal quarantine facilities at CIAL fulfills a longstanding demand from pet owners and international travelers across Kerala and South India.” — S. Suhas, Managing Director of Cochin International Airport Limited
State-of-the-Art Clinical Amenities Fulfill Longstanding NRI Demands
Officials noted that international pet owners can now secure pre-arrival import permits online through the government's PARIVESH and AQCS digital portals, with quarantine officers on-site at CIAL conducting physical health screenings upon aircraft arrival before issuing formal entry clearance.
The service has been met with widespread celebration across Kerala's expatriate community and animal welfare groups, reinforcing CIAL's reputation as one of India's most innovative and passenger-centric aviation hubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What animals are permitted through the Kochi airport quarantine station?
The facility is currently approved for the import and export of accompanied domestic pet dogs and cats by international travelers.
Which government bodies oversee the facility?
The station operates under India's Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) in coordination with CIAL.
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