Pets and the law in India

This page is a general guide as understood in November 2026. It is not legal advice. Rules differ between states and cities and they change. Confirm with your local authority, your state Forest Department or a lawyer before you act.

Wild animals are not pets

The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 protects India's native wild animals and birds. It is an offence to catch, buy, sell or keep them. This includes animals often seen in markets: parakeets such as the rose-ringed and Alexandrine parakeet, munias, hill mynas, owls, the Indian star tortoise and other native turtles and tortoises, monkeys, mongooses and squirrels. If someone offers you one, do not buy it "to rescue it": that keeps the trade going. Report it to the Forest Department.

Pets you may keep

Domestic animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, captive-bred birds that are not native wild species, such as budgerigars and cockatiels, and ornamental aquarium fish are commonly kept. Rules for some exotic species that are listed in international wildlife trade agreements now require them to be declared or registered. If you are thinking of an unusual exotic animal, ask the Forest Department first.

Registering a dog

Many municipal corporations require pet dogs to be registered or licensed and vaccinated against rabies. The process and fee differ by city. Check your corporation's website or ward office.

Housing societies

The Animal Welfare Board of India has issued guidelines on pets in housing societies. In broad terms, residents should not be banned from keeping pets, while owners are expected to keep them clean, vaccinated and under control, and to clean up after them in shared areas. Read your society's bye-laws and the current guidelines, and settle matters politely.

The duty of care

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 makes it an offence to beat, starve, overwork, abandon or otherwise treat any animal cruelly. Abandoning a pet you no longer want is an offence as well as a cruelty. If you truly cannot keep a pet, find it a new home through a shelter or a rescue group.

In public places

• Keep your dog on a leash outside your home.
• Clean up after it.
• Keep vaccination records ready.

This is a care guide, not veterinary advice. It covers housing, food, routine and safety. It does not diagnose or treat illness. If your pet seems unwell, is hurt or behaves differently, take it to a qualified veterinarian without delay.