Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, George Kurian inaugurated the newly established Animal Quarantine & Certification Service (AQCS) at Cochin International Airport (CIAL) in Kochi, Kerala on 10th October, 2024. This facility is a significant step in facilitating the import of pet dogs and cats, aligning with the Government’s commitment to enhancing the “Ease of Living” for pet owners, informed the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, PIB.
Several facilities including a 24-hour air-conditioned pet station, a dedicated cargo section, a veterinary doctor on call, a customs clearance centre and a facilitation centre for travellers accompanying pets has been curated by Cochin International Airport to support the initiative. During the event an agreement was signed by Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying with CIAL for operating the Animal Quarantine facilities. Managing Director of CIAL, S. Suhas said that the decision will greatly benefit travellers accompanied by pets.
At present, live animals, including pets, are imported through six major entry points where AQCS stations are located: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. This new facility at Cochin International Airport will reduce the cost and effort for pet owners importing animals into Kerala, offering them a more convenient option, the Ministry noted.
On this occasion, George Kurian also invited suggestions from various stakeholders for further improving import and export processes for livestock, fishery products and related activities which is expected to boost economic activity in the region.
