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Bringing Your Pet to Iran: A Complete Import Guide
I've moved internationally three times with Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever, and I've learned that Iran has specific requirements that differ from many other countries. The good news: both dogs and cats are allowed into Iran, but you'll need to plan ahead and follow a precise sequence of steps. This guide walks you through exactly what you need to do, when to do it, and what documents to prepare.
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Import permit required: Yes — apply at least 30 days before arrival
- Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit) — must be done before rabies vaccination
- Rabies vaccination: Required; must be administered at least 21 days before travel
- Health certificate: Required, issued by a licensed vet and endorsed by your country's government veterinary authority; valid for 10 days
- Quarantine: Not required if all documentation is complete and valid
- Approved port of entry: Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)
- Breed restrictions for dogs: Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans are banned
- Cats: No breed restrictions apply
Your Preparation Timeline
6 Months Before Departure
Check breed restrictions and contact Iran's veterinary authority. If you have a dog, verify your breed isn't on the banned list (Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Doberman). Email or contact the Iran Veterinary Organization (IVO) to confirm current requirements, as regulations can change. This is also the time to book your vet appointment for the microchip procedure.
5 Months Before Departure
Get your pet microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 chip. This must happen before any rabies vaccination. Schedule a vet appointment and have the microchip implanted. Your vet will provide documentation of the chip number — keep this safe. If your pet already has a non-ISO chip, you'll need to provide your own compatible scanner at the border, which is impractical; ask your vet about options.
4 Months Before Departure
Administer the first rabies vaccination. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks (3 months) old. The vaccine must be current and administered by a licensed veterinarian. Document the vaccine name, date, and lot number. You'll need proof of this vaccination for your health certificate.
3 Months Before Departure
Wait the 21-day post-vaccination period. Rabies vaccination requires a 21-day waiting period before your pet can travel. This is non-negotiable. During this time, ensure your pet's booster vaccination is current (boosters are required by Iran's standards).
2 Months Before Departure
Apply for your import permit. Contact the Iran Veterinary Organization to request an import permit. Provide your pet's microchip number, vaccination records, and your travel dates. Allow 30 days for processing. This is critical — without this permit, your pet cannot enter Iran.
1 Month Before Departure
Schedule your health certificate appointment. Contact your veterinarian and book an appointment for 5–7 days before your departure date. The health certificate is only valid for 10 days, so timing is crucial. The vet will examine your pet and issue the certificate, which must then be endorsed by your country's government veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS in the United States, APHA in the UK, CFIA in Canada).
2 Weeks Before Departure
Confirm your import permit has been approved. Follow up with the Iran Veterinary Organization to ensure your permit is ready. Request a copy via email if possible. Also, confirm your airline's pet travel policy — carriers like Iran Air have specific requirements for pet transport in cargo or cabin.
1 Week Before Departure
Schedule your health certificate exam. Finalize your vet appointment for 5–7 days before departure. Prepare all vaccination records and microchip documentation. The vet will need to see proof of rabies vaccination, microchip implantation, and your pet's overall health status.
5–7 Days Before Departure
Get your health certificate issued and endorsed. Visit your vet for the examination. Once the certificate is issued, you'll need to take it to your country's government veterinary authority for endorsement. In the US, this is USDA APHIS; in the UK, it's APHA. This endorsement process can take 2–5 business days, so don't delay. The certificate is valid for 10 days from the vet's exam date, so timing is critical.
24 Hours Before Departure
Confirm all documents are in order and pack your pet's travel kit. Verify you have your import permit, endorsed health certificate, microchip documentation, vaccination records, and airline booking confirmation. Pack your pet's food, water bowl, medications, comfort items, and a recent photo. Arrive at the airport early — international pet travel requires additional check-in time.
Documents Checklist
- Import permit from Iran Veterinary Organization (IVO)
- Health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian
- Government endorsement of health certificate (USDA APHIS, APHA, CFIA, etc.)
- Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip implantation
- Rabies vaccination certificate with vaccine name, date, and lot number
- Booster vaccination records (if applicable)
- Airline pet travel booking confirmation
- Passport or travel documents for yourself
- Recent photo of your pet (for identification)
- Pet's medical history and any medications in original containers
Important Details About Iran's Requirements
Microchip Requirements
Iran requires an ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit) microchip for all imported pets. The microchip must be implanted before rabies vaccination. This is a strict sequence — your vet will implant the chip first, then vaccinate at least 21 days later. If your pet already has a non-ISO chip, you'll face complications at the border; consult your vet about your options well in advance.
Rabies Vaccination Timing
The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before arrival in Iran. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination. Boosters are required. When I traveled with Cooper, I made sure his booster was current and documented — this gave me peace of mind at customs.
Health Certificate Validity
The health certificate is valid for only 10 days from the date of the veterinary exam. This is tight, so schedule your vet appointment 5–7 days before departure, not earlier. The certificate must be endorsed by your country's government veterinary authority after the vet issues it — this is a separate step and takes additional time. Plan for 2–5 business days for endorsement.
Breed Restrictions for Dogs
Iran bans the import of Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans. If you have one of these breeds, you will not be able to import your dog into Iran. Cats have no breed restrictions. If you're unsure about your dog's breed classification, contact the Iran Veterinary Organization before proceeding.
Port of Entry
Pets must enter Iran through Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA). This is the only approved port of entry for pet imports. Arrange your flight accordingly and notify your airline in advance that you're traveling with a pet.
Quarantine
Good news: quarantine is not required if all your documentation is complete and valid. This means if you have your import permit, health certificate, microchip proof, and vaccination records in order, your pet can go straight home with you upon arrival.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Delaying the import permit application. Apply at least 30 days before departure — don't wait until the last minute.
- Microchipping after rabies vaccination. The microchip must come first. If you get this backwards, you'll have to start the 21-day waiting period over.
- Scheduling the health certificate exam too early. The 10-day validity window is tight. Schedule 5–7 days before departure, not 3 weeks.
- Forgetting government endorsement of the health certificate. The vet's signature alone isn't enough — you must get it endorsed by USDA APHIS, APHA, CFIA, or your country's equivalent.
- Not confirming your airline's pet policy. Different carriers have different rules for pet transport. Confirm in advance whether your pet travels in cargo or cabin.
- Traveling with a banned breed. If you have a Pit Bull, Rottweiler, or Doberman, you cannot import it into Iran. Plan accordingly.
- Arriving at the airport without all documents. Missing even one document can delay or prevent entry. Double-check everything 24 hours before departure.
Pro Tips from My Experience
When I moved Cooper internationally, I learned a few things the hard way. First, keep digital copies of all documents — email them to yourself and store them in the cloud. Second, arrive at the airport at least 3 hours early for international pet travel; customs and veterinary inspections take time. Third, pack a comfort kit for your pet with familiar food, water, toys, and a blanket — travel is stressful, and familiar items help. Finally, contact the Iran Veterinary Organization early and often — they're your best resource for clarifying any requirements.
Next Steps
Start by contacting the Iran Veterinary Organization (IVO) to confirm current requirements and begin your import permit application. Then schedule your vet appointment for the microchip. Once you have a clear timeline, book your flight through an approved port of entry (Imam Khomeini International Airport). Don't skip steps or rush the process — each requirement exists for your pet's safety and Iran's biosecurity.
For a personalized travel plan tailored to your pet and situation, get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo.
Note: This guide is based on verified data from official government sources and industry standards. Requirements can change — always confirm directly with the Iran Veterinary Organization before traveling.
Auto-generated from verified government data · Last updated: April 23, 2026