Kochi: To facilitate the import of pet dogs and cats, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, George Kurian, today inaugurated a newly established Animal Quarantine & Certification Service (AQCS) at Cochin International Airport (CIAL) in Kochi, Kerala. This initiative is part of the government’s broader commitment to enhancing the “Ease of Living” for pet owners and improving the import and export processes related to livestock and fishery products.
Speaking at the inauguration, George Kurian emphasized the importance of this facility in making travel easier for pet owners and boosting economic activity in the region. He also invited suggestions from stakeholders to further streamline the import and export processes for livestock and fishery products.
In support of the initiative, CIAL has introduced several services including a 24-hour air-conditioned pet station, a dedicated cargo section, a veterinary doctor on call, a customs clearance center, and a facilitation center for travelers accompanied by pets. These facilities aim to offer world-class services and make Cochin a more pet-friendly entry point for travelers.
Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, signed an agreement with CIAL during the event to oversee the operations of the Animal Quarantine facilities. S. Suhas, Managing Director of CIAL, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that it will benefit pet owners significantly by providing a convenient, cost-effective option for importing animals into Kerala.
This facility, which is part of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying’s regulations under the Livestock Importation Act of 1898 (amended in 2001), will help prevent the introduction of exotic diseases into India. With the new AQCS at Cochin International Airport, pet owners in Kerala now have an additional point of entry for importing animals, alongside existing AQCS stations in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.