Bringing a pet to Iraq

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Iraq enforces strict, origin-dependent pet import rules that vary by rabies-risk category, so you must check requirements for your specific country before travel. There is no routine quarantine for pets meeting all entry conditions, but expect thorough document checks and possible delays at the border. Start preparations at least 4–6 months in advance to secure rabies vaccinations, titers, and permits.

Requirements for your pet

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

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

  • Valid rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued by an official veterinarian
  • Microchip documentation

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 Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture.

No additional requirements for pets 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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Valid rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued by an official veterinarian
  • Microchip documentation

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 Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture.

No additional requirements for pets 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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Valid rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued by an official veterinarian
  • Microchip documentation

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 Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture.

No additional requirements for pets from high-risk origins.

Frequently asked questions

No, Iraq does not require a rabies titer test for dogs from any country. A valid rabies vaccination certificate showing the vaccine was given at least 21 days before travel is sufficient.
No, there is no quarantine requirement for dogs entering Iraq, regardless of the origin country. Your dog can proceed directly after arrival if all paperwork is in order.
Iraq does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet imports. For more than 2-3 dogs, contact the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture to confirm whether commercial rules apply.
No, Iraq does not grant any exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All dogs must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate requirements.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of your dog's arrival in Iraq. It must be signed by an official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK).
Yes, as long as the vaccine is labeled as a 3-year vaccine and the dog was vaccinated at least 21 days before travel, it is accepted. The certificate must show the vaccine's expiration date.
You must bring your own ISO-compatible microchip reader, as Iraq may not have equipment to read non-ISO chips. Alternatively, have your vet implant an ISO chip before travel.

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

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 microchip number, vaccine batch, and date of vaccination)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, signed by an official government veterinarian
  • Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)

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 destination agency.

No quarantine. No additional requirements 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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine batch, and date of vaccination)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, signed by an official government veterinarian
  • Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)

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 destination agency.

No quarantine. No additional requirements 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)
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 microchip number, vaccine batch, and date of vaccination)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, signed by an official government veterinarian
  • Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)

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 destination agency.

No quarantine. No additional requirements for cats from high-risk origins.

Frequently asked questions

No. Iraq does not require a rabies titer (FAVN) test for cats from any origin, including high-risk countries. A valid rabies vaccination and health certificate are sufficient.
Iraq does not publish a strict limit for non-commercial cat imports. For more than 2-3 cats, contact the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture (Directorate of Animal Health) to confirm if commercial rules apply.
No. Iraq does not recognise emotional support or service animals as exempt from standard import rules. Your cat must meet all microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate requirements regardless of its role.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the cat's arrival in Iraq. It must be signed by an official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK).
No. The rabies vaccination is required, and it cannot be given before 12 weeks of age. After vaccination, you must wait 21 days before travel. So the minimum age for entry is roughly 15 weeks (12 weeks + 21 days).
No. Iraq does not require an import permit for cats arriving as personal pets. Only the rabies vaccination certificate and health certificate are needed.
No. Iraq does not impose quarantine on cats arriving from any origin, provided all documentation is in order. Your cat can go home with you immediately after customs clearance.

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

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 microchip number, vaccine details, and date of vaccination)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official veterinarian
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785) – scan or certificate

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No import permit or titer test needed for this tier.

Iraq does not have a published official pet import scheme online. Requirements are based on standard practice for rabies-controlled origins. Always confirm with the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture (Directorate of Animal Health) before travel.

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 microchip number, vaccine details, and date of vaccination)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official veterinarian
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785) – scan or certificate

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No import permit or titer test needed for this tier.

Iraq does not have a published official pet import scheme online. Requirements are based on standard practice for rabies-controlled origins. Always confirm with the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture (Directorate of Animal Health) before travel.

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
30 days
Mandatory quarantine at a government facility near Baghdad airport. Owner pays all costs. Quarantine period starts upon arrival and may be extended if paperwork is incomplete.
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine details, and date of vaccination)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official veterinarian
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785) – scan or certificate
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL) from an OIE-approved lab
  • Import permit from Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture (Directorate of Animal Health)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit ~$50-100, quarantine fees ~$200-500 for 30 days.

Iraq does not have a published official pet import scheme online. Requirements for high-risk origins are based on standard practice for rabies-endemic countries. Always confirm with the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture (Directorate of Animal Health) before travel.

Frequently asked questions

Iraqi Airways and most international carriers flying to Iraq allow ferrets as checked baggage only, not in the cabin. Ferrets are considered exotic pets and must travel in an IATA-compliant hard-sided kennel in the cargo hold. Check with your specific airline at least 72 hours before departure.
Iraq does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet imports. Standard practice is to allow up to 5 pets per traveller for personal, non-commercial purposes. If you bring more than 5, you may be required to obtain a commercial import license and pay additional duties. Confirm with the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture before travel.
Yes. For ferrets arriving from high-risk rabies countries, a FAVN titer test is required. The test must be done at an OIE-approved lab at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. The result must show an antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/mL. Without it, your ferret will be quarantined for a minimum of 30 days at your expense.
No. Ferrets arriving from low-risk origins (US, UK, EU, Australia, Japan) are not subject to quarantine upon arrival in Iraq, provided all documents (microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate) are in order. No titer test or import permit is needed for these origins.
No. Iraq does not recognise emotional support animals under its import regulations. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and import permit requirements. No exemptions exist for service or emotional support animals.
Your ferret will be denied entry and may be quarantined at your expense until a compliant ISO 11784/11785 microchip is implanted by an approved veterinarian at the airport. This can delay clearance by several days and incur additional fees. Always ensure the microchip is ISO-compliant and scanned before travel.
Import permits for ferrets from high-risk origins must be obtained from the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture (Directorate of Animal Health) in Baghdad. There is no online application system. You or a local agent must submit the application in person or by mail at least 30 days before travel. The permit fee is approximately $50-100.

Good to know

All pets must be identified by a microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant) before any vaccinations are given. Import permits from the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture are required for all dogs, cats, and ferrets; apply at least 60 days 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 Iraq, 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 Iraq's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.