Bringing a pet to Pakistan

Last reviewed July 3, 2026

Pakistan's pet import rules are uniform for dogs, cats, and ferrets, with no distinction based on the animal's rabies-risk origin. The process is moderately strict: you'll need a valid rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old), a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and an import permit from the Department of Livestock. Quarantine is not routine for properly documented pets, but officials may impose it if paperwork is incomplete or if the animal appears unwell.

Requirements for your pet

Pakistan applies the same dog import rules regardless of where your pet is travelling from.

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 ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination after microchip, at least 21 days before travel
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country

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 rabies-free origin countries.

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 ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination after microchip, at least 21 days before travel
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country

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 low-risk origin countries.

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 ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination after microchip, at least 21 days before travel
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country

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 high-risk origin countries.

Frequently asked questions

No. Pakistan does not require a rabies titer test for dogs from any country, regardless of rabies risk classification.
No. There is no mandatory quarantine for dogs entering Pakistan from any origin. Your dog may be inspected at the border, but will not be held.
Pakistan does not specify a strict limit for non-commercial pet movement. However, bringing more than 2-3 dogs may raise suspicion of commercial intent and could require additional documentation. Check with the Pakistani embassy for guidance if bringing multiple animals.
No. Pakistan does not grant any exemptions for emotional support or service dogs. 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 Pakistan. It must be endorsed by the competent veterinary authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA in the US).
No. The microchip must comply with ISO 11784/11785. If your dog has a non-ISO chip, you must bring your own compatible scanner or have the chip replaced with an ISO-compliant one before travel.
No. Pakistan does not ban or restrict any dog breeds. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., bulldogs, pugs) may face airline-specific restrictions, but not from the Pakistani government.

Pakistan applies the same cat import rules regardless of where your pet is travelling from.

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

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Valid passport or travel document for the cat (if applicable)

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 import permit or titer test required 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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed vet · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Valid passport or travel document for the cat (if applicable)

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

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Valid passport or travel document for the cat (if applicable)

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 import permit or titer test required for cats from high-risk origins. Some airlines may require additional documentation for high-risk origins; check with the carrier.

Frequently asked questions

No, Pakistan does not require a rabies titer test for cats from any origin country. A valid rabies vaccination certificate and a health certificate are sufficient.
Pakistan does not specify a strict limit for non-commercial cat imports. However, bringing more than 2-3 cats may raise suspicion of commercial intent. For more than 5 cats, contact the Department of Livestock and Dairy Development (L&DD) in advance.
No. Pakistan does not recognize emotional support animals under import regulations. Service cats must still meet all standard entry requirements: microchip, rabies vaccine, and health certificate. No special exemptions apply.
The health certificate must be issued no more than 10 days before the cat's arrival in Pakistan. It must be endorsed by the official veterinary authority of the origin country.
No. Pakistan does not impose quarantine for cats arriving from any origin, provided all documentation (microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate) is in order. If documents are missing, the cat may be held at the airport until verified or returned.
Yes, but the kitten must be at least 12 weeks old to receive a rabies vaccine. If the kitten is younger than 12 weeks, it cannot be vaccinated, and you must obtain a special exemption from the L&DD. In practice, most airlines also require a minimum age of 8-12 weeks for travel.
You must bring your own ISO-compatible scanner to the airport. Pakistani authorities may not have a reader for non-ISO chips. Alternatively, have a vet implant an ISO chip before travel. The non-ISO chip alone may cause delays or denial of entry.

Pakistan applies the same ferret import rules regardless of where your pet is travelling from.

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 ≥12 weeks and ≥21 days before travel
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, signed by official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 chip implantation

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 import permit required. No quarantine upon arrival.

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 ≥12 weeks and ≥21 days before travel
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, signed by official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 chip implantation

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 import permit required. No quarantine upon arrival.

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 ≥12 weeks and ≥21 days before travel
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, signed by official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 chip implantation

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 import permit required. No rabies titer test required. No quarantine upon arrival.

Frequently asked questions

No. Pakistan does not require a rabies titer test for ferrets from any origin tier. A valid rabies vaccination and health certificate are sufficient.
Pakistan does not publish a strict numeric limit for non-commercial pet ferret imports. Typically, up to 2-3 ferrets per person is accepted as personal pets. If you bring more than 5, customs may treat it as a commercial shipment requiring additional permits.
No. Pakistan does not recognize emotional support or service animals as exempt from standard import rules. All ferrets must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate requirements.
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 ferret policy. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and many international carriers permit ferrets in the cabin on a case-by-case basis.
No. Pakistan does not require an import permit for ferrets entering as personal pets. A health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate are the main documents needed.
Your ferret will likely be denied entry and may be quarantined at your expense or returned to the origin country. There is no on-arrival vaccination or microchipping service. Ensure all requirements are met before travel.
No specific minimum age is set by Pakistan, but the rabies vaccine must be given at 12 weeks or older, and the 21-day waiting period after vaccination must be completed before travel. This effectively means the ferret must be at least 15 weeks old at time of entry.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip before rabies vaccination. The import permit must be obtained at least 30 days before arrival. Airlines often require a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the Pakistani embassy or consulate in the country of origin—confirm this with your carrier well in advance.

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 Pakistan, 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 Pakistan's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.