Eva the cat becomes first animal to enter India through Kochi airport

Eva the cat is the first animal to enter India through Kochi airport with new AQCS services.

Eva, a pet cat, has became the first animal to be brought into India through the Kochi international airport after a dedicated Animal Quarantine Certification Service (AQCS) was inaugurated in October 2024 at the airport.

Until now, animals could be brought to India by air only through six select airports in the country, including Chennai and Hyderabad, with AQCS facilities. The animal quarantine certification is needed to ensure that there is no spread of exotic diseases.

Eva, which was imported through the Kochi airport on Thursday (November 28, 2024), was brought in from Doha in Qatar and belongs to a person from Thrissur district.

The import of the pet cat is the culmination of great efforts by the airport authorities to fulfil one of the long-standing demands of passengers from Kerala.

Luka, a puppy of the Lhasa Apso breed was the first animal to be flown out of the airport in Kochi in June, 2024.

The airport has established a slew of facilities, including a vet on call, air-conditioned station for pets and a dedicated section to handle animals.