The Simplified Guide to Pet Registration in India

The formal procedure for pet licensing and registration in India varies from one state to another. Since there isn’t a centralised process, it’s an understandably hazy area for many pet guardians. There are many doubts related to whether it is against the law to have unlicensed pets, where you can go to register pets and so on. Since in many cases, the law isn’t enforced, many pet people view pet registration as an unnecessary inconvenience. However, pet licensing has several benefits for both the community and for pet parents. 

In this article, we’ll try to make the process as straightforward as possible.

What is pet licensing and why should I care about it?

Pet licensing is simply the process of registering your pet with the local municipal corporation. With this, you establish that you are the legal guardian of your pet. This can make it easy to settle any potential ownership disputes. If you’re interested in signing your pet up for dog shows, registration is usually mandatory. 

A common practice

Pet registration is quite common throughout the world and in many countries it is mandatory. This gives the local municipality an estimate of the size of the pet population in their jurisdiction. 

A protective measure 

Since this civic body is usually responsible for public health and safety measures, an understanding of the size of the pet population through registration assists them in providing the facilities necessary to support the current population. For example, government-run veterinary clinics. 

As up-to-date vaccination records are necessary to complete pet registrations, it’s a way of ensuring that pets are vaccinated regularly. This curbs the spread of diseases like rabies which are still prevalent in India. 

In case there is an outbreak of communicable disease among pets and preventive action is planned by the municipality, your pet is protected as they won’t be counted as a carrier of the disease. 

The pet registration process in 5 steps

As registrations need to take place with local municipalities, depending on where you live this process could look a little different. Here’s what you may need for it -

Step 1 - Locate the office that you need to register your pet with

A quick call to your local municipal office should confirm where you need to go.  There is usually a specific office or department to contact, for example, in Bengaluru, pet registration can be done in person at a BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) office that functions under the Animal Husbandry Department. 

In other cases, like in New Delhi, it’s possible to complete dog registration online through a website. Pet registration online is also common if you live in Gurgaon. The Nagar Nigam dog registration process is accessible through a website as well. 

Step 2 - Provide details of your pet

This could include (but not be limited to) photos, and up-to-date vaccination certificates (especially regarding the anti-rabies vaccinations). In some cases, a sterilisation certificate is also required for older pets. Additional paperwork will be required if your pet has been imported. In Bengaluru, it’s also necessary to declare whether other domestic animals are living at the same residence. If there are, their vaccination records need to be submitted as well.  

Step 3 – Fill in an application form

The application is usually quite straightforward, just requiring you to fill in details of your pet. You may be asked to sign an undertaking that you accept local bylaws that apply to your pet. In Bengaluru, this also includes responsibilities that you are obliged to adhere to as a pet guardian. This includes providing your pet with adequate shelter and food, routine medical check-ups and vaccinations. As a pet parent, you are also required to treat your dog as a companion, and it states that you are prohibited from subjecting your pet to experimental procedures. 

Step 4 - Provide your details

Submit government-approved paperwork that confirms your identity as well as your home address. This could include official documentation including copies of your Aadhar, driving licence or voter ID, among others.  

Step 5 – Complete the process by paying the fee

A nominal payment will have to be made for a fixed period (usually one year) and renewed as required. The cost of registering your pet varies, it could be around Rs.60 or even go up to around Rs.500. 

You should then receive a pet licence book or certificate. In some cases, also a metal badge that you can fix to your pet’s collar. 

Kennel Club of India (KCI) dog registration vs. Municipal registration for Pets – What’s the difference? 

The Kennel Club of India (KCI) is primarily concerned with promoting scientific breeding of dogs. They intend to promote the welfare of dogs by setting the norm or accepted standards for breeding. They also offer registrations for pet dogs, and these can be used as a certificate of their pedigree if that is relevant for your pet.  It can also be used in cases where ownership needs to be transferred. A KCI registration is often accompanied by a microchip. If you purchased your pet from a registered breeder, it should already be microchipped and be registered with the KCI. 

Registering with the KCI isn’t obligatory and does not result in a fine or any form of penalty. But in many regions, failing to register your pet could result in legal consequences.