Bringing a pet to Pakistan

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Pakistan's pet import rules are moderately strict and are enforced by the Department of Animal Husbandry. There is no routine quarantine for dogs arriving with complete documentation, but requirements vary by the origin country's rabies status: pets from high-risk countries face extra requirements such as a rabies titer test and an import permit, while pets from low-risk or rabies-free countries generally need only vaccination and a health certificate. Owners should start planning at least 2–3 months ahead, because the rabies vaccination and any titer test must be completed well before travel.

Requirements for your pet

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

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

Breed restrictions

Pakistan does not have a nationwide breed ban for dogs. However, some airlines may refuse to transport brachycephalic breeds (e.g., pugs, bulldogs, boxers) due to respiratory risks, especially in summer. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Official veterinary health certificate
  • Microchip certificate or proof of microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: 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 Department of Animal Husbandry.

No quarantine for dogs from rabies-free countries with complete documentation. Ensure the health certificate is endorsed by the government veterinary authority of the origin country.

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

Breed restrictions

Pakistan does not have a nationwide breed ban for dogs. However, some airlines may refuse to transport brachycephalic breeds (e.g., pugs, bulldogs, boxers) due to respiratory risks, especially in summer. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Official veterinary health certificate
  • Microchip certificate or proof of microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: 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 Department of Animal Husbandry.

No quarantine for dogs from low-risk countries with complete documentation. The rabies vaccination must be current (at least 21 days before travel).

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

Breed restrictions

Pakistan does not have a nationwide breed ban for dogs. However, some airlines may refuse to transport brachycephalic breeds (e.g., pugs, bulldogs, boxers) due to respiratory risks, especially in summer. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result
  • Official veterinary health certificate
  • Microchip certificate or proof of microchip
  • Import permit issued by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Pakistan

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fee ~$50–100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Department of Animal Husbandry.

Dogs from high-risk countries must have a valid rabies titer test and an import permit. No quarantine is imposed if all documents are in order, but the animal may be subject to inspection on arrival.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Pakistan generally allows up to 2 pets per passenger for non-commercial import. If you are bringing more than 2, you may need to apply for a commercial import permit and comply with additional requirements. Confirm with the Department of Animal Husbandry before travel.
Yes. Pakistan does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from import requirements. All dogs, regardless of function, must have a rabies vaccination, a health certificate, and any required titer test or import permit. Airlines may have separate policies for service dogs in the cabin, but import rules remain the same.
It depends on the origin country. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., India, Afghanistan, Iran, most of Africa) must have a FAVN or RFFIT test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. Dogs from low-risk or rabies-free countries do not need a titer test.
The import permit from the Department of Animal Husbandry typically takes 2–4 weeks to process. Apply well in advance, as you will need the permit before travel. The permit is generally valid for 30–60 days, so time your application accordingly.
The official veterinary health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Pakistan. It must be endorsed by a government veterinarian in the origin country and include details of the dog's rabies vaccination and microchip.
No quarantine is required for dogs with complete and valid documentation. However, if the dog arrives without the required paperwork or shows signs of illness, it may be detained or quarantined at the owner's expense. Ensure all documents are in order before travel.
Pakistan does not impose breed-specific bans. However, some airlines restrict brachycephalic breeds due to health risks during transport. Check with your airline well before booking, as these policies can vary by carrier and season.

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

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 issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the Pakistani embassy/consulate if required by the airline. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Proof of ownership or passport for the pet (if applicable)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Prices vary — confirm with a local vet and Pakistan's Animal Quarantine Department.

Cats from free-tier countries (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) face minimal friction. No quarantine on arrival if documents are in order. Pakistani customs may still require a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination. Check with the airline for additional requirements.

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 issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the Pakistani embassy/consulate if required by the airline. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Proof of ownership or passport for the pet (if applicable)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Prices vary — confirm with a local vet and Pakistan's Animal Quarantine Department.

Cats from low-risk countries (e.g., most of Europe, US, UK, Japan, Australia) require standard documentation: microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate. No quarantine on arrival if documents are in order. Pakistani customs may still require a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination. Check with the airline for additional requirements.

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the Pakistani embassy/consulate if required by the airline. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Import permit issued by Pakistan's Animal Quarantine Department (AQD)
  • Proof of ownership or passport for the pet (if applicable)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100 (varies). Prices vary — confirm with a local vet and Pakistan's Animal Quarantine Department.

Cats from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a rabies titer test and an import permit. Quarantine is not required if all documents are in order, but the animal may be subject to inspection on arrival. The import permit must be obtained before travel. The titer test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and the result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml. The test is valid for 1 year. Travel must occur at least 90 days after the date the blood sample was drawn. Check with the airline for additional requirements.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Pakistan does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet cats, but in practice up to 2-3 cats per traveller are generally allowed without triggering commercial import rules. Bringing more than 3 cats may require a commercial import permit and additional regulations. Contact Pakistan's Animal Quarantine Department (AQD) in advance to confirm the current limit and requirements.
No. Pakistan does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import requirements. All cats, regardless of role, must have a microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if from a high-risk country) a rabies titer test and import permit. Airlines may have specific policies for service animals in the cabin, but the animal must still meet Pakistan's entry requirements.
It depends on the origin country. If your cat is coming from a high-risk country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a FAVN rabies titer test is required. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, and the result must show at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test is valid for 1 year. Travel must occur at least 90 days after the date the blood sample was drawn. For cats from free or low-risk countries, a titer test is not required.
The import permit from Pakistan's Animal Quarantine Department (AQD) typically takes 5-10 working days to process, but it can take longer during peak periods. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel to allow for delays. The permit is valid for a specific period, usually 30-60 days, so time your application accordingly.
Your cat must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. The rabies vaccine must be given when the cat is at least 12 weeks old. Other vaccinations (e.g., feline distemper, feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia) are not required by Pakistan but are recommended for your cat's health. The rabies vaccination certificate must be valid at the time of travel.
No, there is no quarantine requirement for cats entering Pakistan if all import requirements are met. However, if the animal arrives without proper documentation or shows signs of illness, it may be detained or quarantined at the owner's expense. Have all documents in order before travel to avoid issues.
Airlines have their own policies regarding pets in the cabin. Many international airlines allow small cats in the cabin if they are in an approved carrier and meet weight restrictions (usually up to 8 kg including carrier). However, some airlines only allow pets in the cargo hold. Check with your airline directly for their specific rules. Regardless of cabin or cargo, your cat must meet Pakistan's import requirements.

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

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 issued within 10 days of travel. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit issued by Pakistan's Department of Animal Husbandry (if required; verify current policy)
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Owner's passport copy
  • Flight itinerary

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30-50, health certificate $100-200, import permit fee $50-100 (if required), rabies vaccination $20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Pakistan's Department of Animal Husbandry.

Ferrets are considered exotic pets in Pakistan. An import permit from the Department of Animal Husbandry is generally required. Rabies vaccination must be current. No quarantine for ferrets from free countries, but verify with the Pakistani embassy or consulate before travel.

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 national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be issued within 10 days of travel. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit issued by Pakistan's Department of Animal Husbandry
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Owner's passport copy
  • Flight itinerary

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30-50, health certificate $100-200, import permit fee $50-100, rabies vaccination $20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Pakistan's Department of Animal Husbandry.

Same requirements as free tier. Ferrets from low-risk countries do not require a rabies titer test for Pakistan. Quarantine is not imposed on ferrets from low-risk countries. Ensure the health certificate is endorsed by the government veterinary authority of the origin country.

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 national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be issued within 10 days of travel. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an OIE-approved laboratory
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit issued by Pakistan's Department of Animal Husbandry
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Owner's passport copy
  • Flight itinerary

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30-50, health certificate $100-200, FAVN titer test $100-250, import permit fee $50-100, rabies vaccination $20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Pakistan's Department of Animal Husbandry.

Ferrets from high-risk countries must have a valid rabies titer test (FAVN) with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml. The test must be done at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. Quarantine is not typically imposed if all requirements are met, but be prepared for possible inspection at the port of entry. Import permit is mandatory.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are considered exotic animals and are subject to strict import regulations. You must obtain an import permit from Pakistan's Department of Animal Husbandry, provide a rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and possibly a rabies titer test if coming from a high-risk country. Ferrets are not banned, but they are not common pets in Pakistan, so ensure all paperwork is in order.
Pakistan does not have a specific published limit for non-commercial ferret imports, but generally, a small number (e.g., 1-2) for personal companionship is allowed. If you are bringing more than 3-5 animals, they may be considered commercial and require additional permits and inspections. Confirm with the Department of Animal Husbandry before travel.
It depends on the rabies risk status of the country you are travelling from. If you are coming from a high-risk country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa), a FAVN rabies titer test with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml is required. The test must be done at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. Ferrets from low-risk or free countries do not need a titer test.
No, quarantine is not typically required for ferrets entering Pakistan if all import requirements are met (valid rabies vaccination, health certificate, import permit, and titer test if applicable). However, the animal may be inspected at the port of entry, and if documents are not in order, quarantine or refusal of entry could occur.
No. Pakistan does not recognize emotional support animals or service animals as exempt from standard import regulations. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must comply with the same vaccination, health certificate, and permit requirements. There is no exemption for service or emotional support animals.
The ferret must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old and have a valid rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before travel. This ensures the vaccine is effective and the animal is old enough to meet health requirements.
Contact the Department of Animal Husbandry in Islamabad (http://www.dah.gov.pk/) or the Pakistani embassy/consulate in your country. You will need to provide details of the animal, vaccination records, and travel dates. The permit fee is typically around $50-100, but confirm current fees and procedures directly with the department.

Good to know

All dogs entering Pakistan must be accompanied by an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and a valid rabies vaccination certificate. The Department of Animal Husbandry may require additional tests or treatments depending on the animal's origin and current disease situation. Airlines may impose their own rules (e.g., brachycephalic breed bans, crate requirements) that are stricter than Pakistan's import rules.

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.