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Fly Pets Abroad: CIAL's New International Pet Export Service

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Vidhi

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4 min read

17 Jun, 2024

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Cochin International Airport (CIAL) has made a significant leap forward by obtaining clearance to export pets to international destinations. This new facility has brought immense joy to pet owners who previously faced the heartbreaking decision of leaving their beloved pets behind when relocating abroad. On Thursday, a Lhasa Apso puppy named Luka became the first pet to fly out of CIAL, marking a historic moment for the airport and pet owners alike.


Luka's Historic Journey


Luka, a cherished pet of Rajesh Susheelan and Kavitha Rajesh from Attingal made history by being the first pet to be flown internationally from CIAL. Luka's journey began on Thursday morning, traveling from Kochi to Dubai via Doha, with the pet cargo handled by Qatar Airways. This milestone signifies the start of a new era where CIAL becomes the only airport in Kerala with the facility to export pets abroad.


Comprehensive Facilities for Pet Export



To support this new service, CIAL has established an array of comprehensive facilities. A 24-hour air-conditioned pet station ensures the comfort of pets awaiting their flights. Additionally, a special cargo section dedicated to pets, a veterinary doctor on call, a customs clearance center, and a facilitation center for individuals accompanying pets have been set up. These facilities are designed to make the process seamless and stress-free for both pets and their owners.


Previously, CIAL was only authorized for domestic departure and arrival of pets. With the new clearance, pets can now be carried as cargo in specially prepared cages to any foreign country. This significant development offers peace of mind to pet owners, knowing that their furry friends can accompany them to their new homes abroad.


Future Plans for Pet Import


In an effort to further enhance its services, CIAL is working on obtaining permission for the direct import of pets from abroad. To facilitate this, the airport is establishing a special 'animal quarantine' center. This facility will ensure that pets arriving from other countries meet all necessary health and safety standards before joining their owners in Kerala.


Expanding Export and Import Services



In addition to the new pet export facility, CIAL already has established permissions for the export and import of fruits and plants. A dedicated 'plant quarantine' center near the cargo section handles these operations, ensuring that all exported and imported plants meet the required health regulations. This expansion into pet export is a natural progression for CIAL, reflecting its commitment to providing comprehensive services for a variety of cargo.


A Boon for Pet Owners


The ability to export pets internationally from CIAL is a game-changer for many pet owners in Kerala. It eliminates the distressing prospect of parting with pets when moving abroad. Instead, families can now keep their beloved pets with them, ensuring that their transition to a new country is smoother and happier for everyone involved.


Cochin International Airport's new pet export facility is a remarkable development for Kerala's pet owners. With Luka's historic flight, CIAL has set a precedent and opened up new possibilities for seamless international travel with pets. As the airport continues to enhance its facilities and services, pet owners can look forward to more convenient and compassionate options for traveling with their furry companions.

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