Bringing a pet to Iran

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Iran's dog import rules are set by the Iran Veterinary Organization (IVO) and vary by the origin country's rabies status. All dogs need an ISO microchip, a rabies vaccination, and a government-endorsed health certificate. Dogs from high-risk countries also need a rabies titer test and an IVO import permit. No routine quarantine applies when documents are complete, but the IVO may detain dogs for inspection if paperwork is missing or the animal appears ill. Start planning at least 3 months ahead for high-risk origins and confirm current rules with the IVO, as enforcement can be inconsistent.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Iran.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Iran does not have a nationwide breed ban for dogs, but certain breeds (e.g., pit bulls, mastiffs) may be subject to restrictions or additional requirements at the discretion of the Iran Veterinary Organization. Airlines may also have breed-specific embargoes, especially for brachycephalic breeds.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a government veterinarian
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or veterinary certificate)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the IVO.

Dogs from rabies-free countries face the least scrutiny. No quarantine is imposed when all documents are valid.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Iran does not have a nationwide breed ban for dogs, but certain breeds (e.g., pit bulls, mastiffs) may be subject to restrictions or additional requirements at the discretion of the Iran Veterinary Organization. Airlines may also have breed-specific embargoes, especially for brachycephalic breeds.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a government veterinarian
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or veterinary certificate)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the IVO.

Dogs from low-risk countries (e.g., EU, US, UK, Japan) are generally treated similarly to those from rabies-free countries. The IVO may request additional documentation on a case-by-case basis. No quarantine is typically imposed.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Iran does not have a nationwide breed ban for dogs, but certain breeds (e.g., pit bulls, mastiffs) may be subject to restrictions or additional requirements at the discretion of the Iran Veterinary Organization. Airlines may also have breed-specific embargoes, especially for brachycephalic breeds.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory, performed at least 90 days before travel
  • Import permit issued by the Iran Veterinary Organization
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a government veterinarian
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or veterinary certificate)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fees vary. No quarantine fee applies unless the dog is detained for inspection. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the IVO.

Dogs from high-risk countries must have a valid rabies titer test and an import permit. Quarantine is not routinely imposed if all documents are in order, but the IVO may detain the animal for inspection. Allow at least 3 months for the titer test and permit process.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Iran generally allows up to 2 dogs per traveller for non-commercial purposes. Bringing more than 2 may trigger commercial import rules, which require additional permits and inspections. Confirm with the IVO before travelling with multiple pets.
No. Iran does not exempt service dogs or emotional support animals from standard import requirements. All dogs must meet the same rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and permit rules.
It depends on the origin country. Dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries (e.g., EU, US, UK, Japan) do not need a titer test. Dogs from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa and South Asia) must have a FAVN or RFFIT test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 90 days before travel and at least 30 days after the first rabies vaccination.
The import permit from the Iran Veterinary Organization typically takes 2–4 weeks to process. Apply well in advance, as the permit is valid for a limited period (usually 30–60 days) and must be used within that window.
No, there is no routine quarantine for dogs entering Iran if all required documents are valid. However, if paperwork is incomplete or the animal shows signs of illness, the IVO may detain the dog for inspection or quarantine at the owner's expense.
Puppies must be at least 3 months old and have a valid rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before travel. Because the rabies vaccine cannot be given before 12 weeks of age, the earliest travel age is typically 15–16 weeks.
Yes, but the same import rules apply. You will need a health certificate, rabies vaccination proof, and possibly an import permit. The dog must travel with you or a designated person, and you should carry all original documents. Temporary imports are not exempt from the requirements.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Iran.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be legalized by the Iranian embassy/consulate in the origin country unless an exemption applies. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 1 year, administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official government veterinarian
  • Import permit from Iran Veterinary Organization (IVO)
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Proof of legalization by Iranian embassy/consulate in origin country

Rough budget

Rough, approximate costs only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit ~$50–150 (IVO fee, verify current), legalization ~$50–100. No FAVN titer test is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Iran Veterinary Organization.

No quarantine on arrival if documents are complete. The cat must be at least 4 months old. Rabies vaccination must be valid at time of travel.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be legalized by the Iranian embassy/consulate in the origin country. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 1 year, administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official government veterinarian
  • Import permit from Iran Veterinary Organization (IVO)
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Proof of legalization by Iranian embassy/consulate in origin country

Rough budget

Rough, approximate costs only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit ~$50–150 (IVO fee, verify current), legalization ~$50–100. No FAVN titer test is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Iran Veterinary Organization.

No quarantine on arrival if documents are complete. The cat must be at least 4 months old. Rabies vaccination must be valid at time of travel.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority. Must be legalized by the Iranian embassy/consulate in the origin country. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 1 year, administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, at least 90 days before travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official government veterinarian
  • Import permit from Iran Veterinary Organization (IVO)
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Proof of legalization by Iranian embassy/consulate in origin country

Rough budget

Rough, approximate costs only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit ~$50–150 (IVO fee, verify current), legalization ~$50–100, FAVN titer test ~$100–250. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Iran Veterinary Organization.

No quarantine on arrival if all documents are complete. The cat must be at least 4 months old. Rabies vaccination must be valid at time of travel.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Iran does not publish a specific numeric limit for non-commercial pet cats. In practice, the Iran Veterinary Organization (IVO) evaluates each case individually. For more than 2–3 cats, contact IVO in advance to confirm whether the shipment will be treated as commercial, which triggers stricter requirements. There is no official '5-pet' cap like in the EU.
It depends on the origin country. If your cat is travelling from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a FAVN test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml is required, and it must be done at least 90 days before travel. For low-risk or free origins (e.g., US, UK, EU, Japan, Australia), no titer test is required.
No, there is no quarantine for cats arriving in Iran if all required documents are complete and valid: import permit, health certificate, rabies vaccination, and (for high-risk origins) FAVN test. If documents are missing or invalid, the cat may be quarantined or refused entry at the discretion of IVO.
Yes, an ISO 11784/11785 microchip is required. The microchip number must be recorded on the health certificate and import permit. If your cat does not have a microchip, it must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered.
The rabies vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before travel. The vaccine must be valid for at least 1 year. The cat must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination, and at least 4 months old at the time of travel.
No. Iran does not grant exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All cats, regardless of their role, must meet the same import requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, import permit, and (if applicable) FAVN titer test. They must travel as cargo or in-cabin according to airline rules, but import compliance is identical.
You must apply to IVO before travel. The application typically requires: a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate, microchip number, and a health certificate from the origin country. The permit is usually valid for a specific period (e.g., 30–60 days) and must be presented at the point of entry. Contact IVO directly or through the Iranian embassy in your country for the current application form and fee.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Iran.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the Iranian consulate or embassy · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid at time of travel
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days before travel and endorsed by the Iranian embassy or consulate in the origin country
  • Import permit issued by the Iranian Veterinary Organization (IVO)
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's passport copy

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, import permit $50–150, consular endorsement $50–100. A FAVN titer test is not required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the Iranian Veterinary Organization.

Ferrets are classified as exotic animals, not standard pets, under Iranian regulations. An import permit from the Iranian Veterinary Organization (IVO) is mandatory. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel. The health certificate must be endorsed by the Iranian consulate in the origin country. Quarantine is not routinely imposed for ferrets from free countries, but the IVO may require isolation at the owner's expense if documents are incomplete.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the Iranian consulate or embassy · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid at time of travel
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days before travel and endorsed by the Iranian embassy or consulate in the origin country
  • Import permit issued by the Iranian Veterinary Organization (IVO)
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's passport copy

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, import permit $50–150, consular endorsement $50–100. A FAVN titer test is not required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the Iranian Veterinary Organization.

Requirements are the same as for free-tier countries. Ferrets from low-risk countries still need an import permit and a consular-endorsed health certificate. No quarantine is imposed if all documents are in order. Rabies vaccination must be current.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the Iranian consulate or embassy · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid at time of travel
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory, performed at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days before travel and endorsed by the Iranian embassy or consulate in the origin country
  • Import permit issued by the Iranian Veterinary Organization (IVO)
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's passport copy

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, import permit $50–150, consular endorsement $50–100, FAVN titer test $100–250. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the Iranian Veterinary Organization.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN titer test. The test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. No quarantine is required if all documents are correct, but the IVO may impose quarantine at the owner's expense if the titer test is not provided or is below 0.5 IU/ml.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are classified as exotic animals, not standard pets (dogs and cats). You need an import permit from the Iranian Veterinary Organization (IVO), a rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel, an international health certificate issued within 10 days before travel and endorsed by the Iranian embassy or consulate, and an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. Without the permit, entry will be denied.
Iranian regulations do not specify a maximum number for non-commercial pet ferrets. Importing more than 2–3 ferrets may be considered commercial, triggering additional requirements such as a commercial import license and border veterinary inspection. For personal pets, keep the number small and be prepared to justify it as non-commercial.
No. Iran does not recognize emotional support or service animals as exempt from import requirements. All ferrets must meet the same conditions: ISO 11784/11785 microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, health certificate issued within 10 days before travel and endorsed by the Iranian embassy or consulate, and an IVO import permit. Airlines may have their own policies, but Iranian border authorities enforce the standard rules.
It depends on the origin country. From high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a FAVN titer test showing ≥0.5 IU/ml is required, performed at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. From low-risk or free countries, the titer test is not required.
The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before arrival in Iran. The vaccine must be valid at the time of travel (not expired). The ferret must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days before travel and must be endorsed by the Iranian embassy or consulate in the origin country. It is valid for 10 days from the date of issue.
No quarantine is imposed if all import requirements are met: valid rabies vaccination, health certificate, import permit, and (if required) titer test. If documents are incomplete or the titer test is missing for a high-risk origin, the IVO may require quarantine at the owner's expense.

Good to know

Requirements can change without notice, and airlines may impose stricter rules than the government. Verify with the IVO or an Iranian embassy/consulate before travel.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Iran, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Iran's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.