Bringing a pet to Iran

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Iran enforces strict, origin-dependent pet import rules that vary by rabies-risk category, so you must check the specific requirements for your pet's country of departure. Quarantine is not routine for compliant pets, but expect mandatory microchipping, rabies vaccination, and a government-issued import permit. Start preparations at least 3–4 months ahead to avoid delays.

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 (e.g., USDA-accredited vet in the US, DEFRA-endorsed vet in the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Valid rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine details, and date of administration
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip registration document (if available)

Rough budget

Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No additional requirements for dogs from rabies-free origins.

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 (e.g., USDA-accredited vet in the US, DEFRA-endorsed vet in the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Valid rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine details, and date of administration
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip registration document (if available)

Rough budget

Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No additional requirements for dogs from low-risk origins.

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 (e.g., USDA-accredited vet in the US, DEFRA-endorsed vet in the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Valid rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine details, and date of administration
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip registration document (if available)

Rough budget

Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No additional requirements for dogs from high-risk origins.

Frequently asked questions

No, Iran does not require a rabies titer (FAVN) test for dogs from any origin country. A valid rabies vaccination certificate showing the vaccine was given at least 21 days before arrival is sufficient.
No, there is no mandatory quarantine for dogs entering Iran, regardless of the origin country. Your dog can proceed directly to your destination upon arrival if all documentation is in order.
Iran does not specify a strict limit for non-commercial pet imports, but generally, bringing more than 5 dogs may trigger commercial import regulations. Check with the Iranian Veterinary Organization (IVO) if you plan to bring multiple dogs.
You need a valid rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number and vaccine date), an official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, and proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785). No import permit is required.
Iran does not have any breed-specific restrictions for dogs. However, airlines often have their own policies regarding brachycephalic breeds due to health risks during air travel. Check with your airline before booking.
No, Iran does not provide any exemptions for emotional support or service dogs. They must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate requirements as any other pet dog.
No, Iran does not require embassy endorsement of the health certificate. The certificate must be issued by an official government veterinarian in the origin country and is valid for 10 days from the date of issue.

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 · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip proof

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Iranian Veterinary Organization (IVO).

All documents must be in Persian (Farsi) or accompanied by a certified translation. No import permit needed for cats from rabies-free origins.

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 (e.g., USDA-accredited vet in US, DEFRA-endorsed vet in UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip proof

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Iranian Veterinary Organization (IVO).

All documents must be in Persian (Farsi) or accompanied by a certified translation. No import permit needed for cats from low-risk origins.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip proof
  • FAVN titer test result
  • Import permit from Iranian Veterinary Organization (IVO)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Iranian Veterinary Organization (IVO).

All documents must be in Persian (Farsi) or accompanied by a certified translation. Import permit required for cats from high-risk origins; apply to the Iranian Veterinary Organization (IVO) at least 30 days before travel.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if your cat originates from a high-risk country, a FAVN titer test is required. The test must be performed at an OIE-approved laboratory at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and no more than 12 months before travel. The result must show a rabies antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
Iran generally allows up to 2 cats per non-commercial traveller without triggering commercial import rules. If you bring more than 2, you may need to follow commercial import procedures, which include additional permits and possible customs duties.
No. Iran does not recognize emotional support or service animals as exempt from standard pet import requirements. All cats, regardless of role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and import permit rules.
All veterinary documents, including the health certificate, rabies vaccination certificate, and any titer test results, must be translated into Persian (Farsi) by a certified translator. The original documents in English or other languages are also required alongside the translation.
Apply at least 30 days before your planned travel date. The Iranian Veterinary Organization (IVO) processes import permits for cats from high-risk origins. Delays are common, so apply as early as possible.
Cabin travel depends on the airline's policy, not Iran's import rules. Most international airlines allow small cats (under 8 kg including carrier) in the cabin as carry-on, but check with your specific carrier. Iran's national carrier, Iran Air, permits cats in the cabin for international flights if the carrier fits under the seat.
No. Iran does not require quarantine for cats arriving from any origin, provided all documentation is in order. However, if documents are missing or non-compliant, the cat may be held at the airport until the issue is resolved, which could take several days.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine given at least 21 days before travel)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm with local vet and Iran Veterinary Organization.

No import permit required for ferrets from rabies-free origins. No quarantine on arrival. All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified Persian translation.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine given at least 21 days before travel)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm with local vet and Iran Veterinary Organization.

No import permit required for ferrets from low-risk origins. No quarantine on arrival. All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified Persian translation.

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
30 days
Mandatory quarantine at a government-approved facility in Iran. Owner bears all costs. Quarantine period may be extended if health concerns arise.
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine given at least 21 days before travel)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785)
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, from OIE-approved lab)
  • Import permit from Iran Veterinary Organization

Rough budget

ROUGH estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees ~$50-150, quarantine costs ~$200-500. Confirm with local vet and Iran Veterinary Organization.

Import permit and 30-day quarantine required for ferrets from high-risk rabies countries. FAVN test must be done at an OIE-approved lab at least 90 days before travel. All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified Persian translation.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes. For ferrets arriving from high-risk rabies countries, a FAVN test is mandatory. The test must be performed at an OIE-approved laboratory at least 90 days before travel. The rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before the blood draw, and the antibody titre must be ≥0.5 IU/ml.
Iran generally allows up to 5 pets per person under non-commercial rules. If you are bringing more than 5 ferrets, commercial import regulations apply, which require additional permits and may involve customs duties. Confirm with the Iran Veterinary Organization before travel.
No. Iran does not recognize emotional support or service animals as exempt from standard import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if from a high-risk country) FAVN test and quarantine requirements.
Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries are subject to a mandatory 30-day quarantine at a government-approved facility in Iran. The owner is responsible for all quarantine costs. The quarantine period may be extended if the animal shows signs of illness.
An import permit from the Iran Veterinary Organization is required only for ferrets arriving from high-risk rabies countries. For ferrets from free or low-risk countries, no import permit is needed. Apply for the permit at least 4-6 weeks before travel.
You need a valid rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine given at least 21 days before travel), an official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, and microchip documentation. For high-risk origins, also include the FAVN titer test result and the import permit. All documents should be in English or have a certified Persian translation.
Most airlines allow ferrets in the cabin only if they are small enough to fit in an under-seat carrier (typically up to 8 kg including carrier). Check with your specific airline for their pet policy. Ferrets are generally accepted as carry-on pets on many international carriers, but some may require them to travel as checked baggage or cargo. Always confirm directly with the airline.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip before rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 30 days before travel and no more than 12 months prior. An official health certificate endorsed by the exporting country's veterinary authority is required, and you must obtain an import permit from Iran's Veterinary Organization before arrival.

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.