Bringing Your Pet to Syria: A Complete Import Guide

I've moved internationally three times with Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever, and I know firsthand how overwhelming pet import requirements can feel. Syria welcomes dogs and cats as personal pets, but the process requires careful planning, proper documentation, and advance preparation. This guide walks you through every step—from your first vet visit to arrival at Damascus International Airport.

The good news: if you follow the requirements and timeline, you can bring your pet into Syria without quarantine. The key is starting early and staying organized.

Your Preparation Timeline

6 Months Before Departure

Schedule a pre-travel vet consultation. Your veterinarian needs to assess your pet's health, confirm vaccination status, and plan the microchipping and vaccination timeline. This is also when you'll discuss any health concerns specific to Syria's climate or environment.

5 Months Before Departure

Get your pet microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 standard chip. This 15-digit microchip is mandatory for international travel and must be implanted before your pet receives its rabies vaccination. If your pet already has a non-ISO chip, you'll need to provide your own compatible scanner at the destination—not ideal. I had Cooper microchipped during a routine vet visit; it took 10 minutes and cost around $50–100.

4.5 Months Before Departure

Administer the first rabies vaccination. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks (3 months) old at vaccination. After this first dose, you must wait a minimum of 21 days before travel. Mark this date on your calendar—it's a hard requirement.

4 Months Before Departure

Apply for your import permit. Syria requires an import permit for both dogs and cats. Allow 30 days for processing. Contact Syria's government veterinary authority to submit your application. You'll need your pet's microchip number, vaccination records, and proof of ownership. This step is critical—don't skip it.

3 Weeks Before Departure

Schedule your health certificate exam. Your veterinarian must issue an official health certificate within 10 days of your travel date. This certificate confirms your pet is healthy and fit to travel. Book this appointment early; many vets have limited slots.

10 Days Before Departure

Complete the health certificate exam and obtain government endorsement. After your vet issues the certificate, it must be endorsed by your country's government veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS if you're in the United States, APHA if in the UK, CFIA if in Canada). This endorsement step takes additional time—typically 3–5 business days. Plan accordingly.

5 Days Before Departure

Confirm your import permit has been approved and received. Double-check that your permit is in hand and valid. Verify your flight details and confirm your pet's reservation with your airline. Most airlines require advance notice of pet travel.

2 Days Before Departure

Prepare your pet's travel kit. Pack vaccination records, health certificate, import permit, microchip documentation, food, water bowls, medications, and comfort items. Keep all documents in a waterproof folder. I always carry originals plus photocopies—redundancy saved me once when Cooper's folder got damp.

Day of Departure

Arrive early and check in your pet. Arrive at the airport 3 hours early for international flights. Confirm your pet is properly crated (if required by your airline) and that all documents are accessible for inspection. Damascus International Airport (DAM) is the approved port of entry for pet imports.

Key Requirements at a Glance

Microchip

  • Standard: ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit)
  • Must be implanted before rabies vaccination
  • Required for all dogs and cats

Rabies Vaccination

  • Required for all dogs and cats
  • Minimum age: 12 weeks (3 months)
  • Waiting period after first dose: 21 days minimum before travel
  • Booster vaccinations are required (follow your vet's schedule)
  • Must be administered by a licensed veterinarian

Health Certificate

  • Required for all dogs and cats
  • Issued by a licensed veterinarian
  • Must be endorsed by your country's government veterinary authority
  • Valid for 10 days from issue date
  • Must be original (not a photocopy)

Import Permit

  • Required for all dogs and cats
  • Lead time: 30 days (apply early)
  • Obtain from Syria's government veterinary authority

Quarantine

  • Not required if all documentation is complete and valid
  • Compliant pets (valid microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate) enter without quarantine

Breed Restrictions

Syria does not have breed restrictions for dogs or cats. All breeds are welcome, provided they meet health and documentation requirements.

Documents Checklist

  • Original health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by government authority)
  • Import permit (approved by Syria's veterinary authority)
  • Microchip documentation and registration proof
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (original)
  • Booster vaccination records
  • Proof of pet ownership (registration, adoption papers, or purchase receipt)
  • Airline pet reservation confirmation
  • Copies of all documents (keep separately as backup)

Practical Tips from My Experience

Start the import permit process immediately. The 30-day lead time is a minimum. I once underestimated processing time and had to delay Cooper's move by two weeks. Contact Syria's veterinary authority early and confirm all required documents.

Schedule your health certificate exam strategically. Don't book it too early—the certificate is only valid for 10 days. But don't book it too late either. I aim for 7–10 days before departure, which gives me a buffer for government endorsement delays.

Confirm your airline's pet policy. Different airlines have different requirements for crating, cabin vs. cargo travel, and advance notice. Some airlines require 48 hours' notice; others need a week. Check directly with your carrier.

Keep digital copies of everything. Email yourself scans of all documents. When I traveled with Cooper to United Arab Emirates, a digital copy saved me when my folder was temporarily misplaced at check-in.

Plan for climate adjustment. Syria has a hot, dry climate. If you're coming from a cooler region, give your pet time to acclimate. Ensure you have access to shade, fresh water, and air conditioning during the first few weeks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Microchipping after rabies vaccination: The microchip must come first. If done in the wrong order, you may need to restart the vaccination timeline.
  • Waiting too long to apply for the import permit: 30 days sounds like plenty of time until it isn't. Apply as soon as you know your travel date.
  • Using a health certificate older than 10 days: Customs will reject it. Time your vet appointment carefully.
  • Forgetting government endorsement: The vet's signature alone isn't enough. The certificate must be endorsed by your country's veterinary authority.
  • Not confirming the approved port of entry: Damascus International Airport (DAM) is the designated entry point. Arriving elsewhere may cause delays or rejection.
  • Skipping booster vaccinations: Your pet's rabies protection must be current. Check your vet's recommended booster schedule.

What We're Still Verifying

We're still verifying specific details about Syria's import process, including exact costs, specific issuing authorities, and detailed port procedures. For the most current information, contact Syria's government veterinary authority directly before finalizing your travel plans.

Next Steps

Start with a consultation with your veterinarian and a call to Syria's veterinary authority to confirm current requirements. Then work backwards from your departure date using the timeline above. The process is straightforward if you plan ahead—I promise it's worth the effort to have your furry family member by your side.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to track your pet's import timeline and receive reminders for each step.

Note: This guide is based on data auto-verified from official government sources. Requirements may change; always confirm with Syria's veterinary authority and your airline before traveling.

Auto-generated from verified government data · Last updated: April 22, 2026