Pet import requirements for Iraq
What Iraq asks for before a dog or cat can enter — the microchip, the rabies work, the permit and the paperwork — and how far ahead you need to start. We handle all of it on a move we arrange.
Import rules change, and they change without notice. Last verified 2026-04-01 by the country-profile service Furry Freight uses; profile last updated 2026-01-15. Confirm every requirement with the authority named below, or with us on (424) 421-1650, before you book a flight or start any vet work.
Iraq at a glance
| Requirement | For Iraq |
|---|---|
| Microchip Required | Microchip is mandatory |
| Rabies | Required |
| Import permit Required | Required only in case of exporting to Erbil as it is federal authority |
| Minimum age to travel | 4 months |
| Customs clearance | A customs broker is not typically required for Iraq |
| Agent at destination | A destination agent is not typically required for Iraq |
Where this fits in the timeline. The order matters more than the effort: a rabies vaccination given before the microchip was implanted does not count in most regimes, and a titer test drawn too early restarts a waiting period. On a move we handle, we check your pet's existing dates against these rules on the free consultation before anything is booked.
The detail
SDA and BGW are on the arrival list for pets heading to Iraq. Iraq, of ficially the Republic of Iraq, is a country in West Asia and in the geopolitical region known as the Middle East. 4 months.
Import requirements
4 months
- Health certificate
- Vaccinations and Deworming & Flea treatment.
- Both option cargo or excess baggage is allowed for the owners
-
You may list up to two pets per permit. If you have more than 2 pets, then multiple permits will be required.
Maximum two (2) pets per in dividual per year. (2 cats or 2 dogs or 1 cat and 1 dog) An agent can arrange to in crease the number to five (5).
See import requirements
• Valid vaccinations as per the requirements mentioned in the vaccinations section.
• An Export health certificate issued by the of ficial Veterinary authority of the exporting country is required (mandatory) and must be valid upon arrival.
Note: An approval from the Iraq Ministry of Interior is required for working dogs' shipments.
Some nationals (Jordanians) have pets but these are not usually considered part of the family. Dogs are often kept outside and may only be for protection / guarding purposes. If someone is walking their dog, this is an unusual sight that can cause cars to slow down to stare. However, since dogs are considered unclean, pedestrians may cross the road to avoid the dog. Out of respect, owners need to keep their dogs under close control and let people approach them. rather than vice versa if they wish to ‘pet’ the dog.
There are very few places to let dogs run freely. Around the golf course about 20 minutes south of Amman is one, although owners need to be beware of sheep at any time and groups of picnickers, especially on Fridays.
Owners need to ensure that their landlord knows that they have pets, as per the usual rental agreements. Almost all hotels do not allow pets and if a dog is in a car, it may be possible that parking is not permitted in some of the underground car parks.
Identification and microchip
Microchip is mandatory.
Rabies and vaccinations
Required. The Rabies vaccination must have been administered within a year and be over 30 days old prior to arrival.
Rabies Primary Vaccination: To be administered at least 30 days prior to travel for a primary vaccination.
Rabies vaccination: To be administered at least 30 days prior to travel for a primary vaccination.
Additionally:
Cats: Tri-cat.
Dogs: DHPPI-L
Tests and treatments
None required.
Internal and external parasite treatments - within 10 days of travel recommended.
Health certificate and permits
Authorized government/ministry health certificate - must be issued within 10 days of travel.
Required only in case of exporting to Erbil as it is federal authority.
Restrictions and banned breeds
Bird and parrot must follow the procedure of exporting country.
Customs, agents, and airports
A customs broker is not typically required for Iraq.
A destination agent is not typically required for Iraq.
ORBI – ORMM - ORER
Airports listed on this destination file: SDA, BGW.
Cats and dogs must be accompanied by their original documents. Pets may enter as passenger's checked baggage, in the cabin or as cargo.
Export notes
Microchip
Export Health Certificate
In addition to meeting the destination country's import requirements.
Other pets / CITES / extra rules
You may list up to two pets per permit. If you have more than 2 pets, then multiple permits will be required.
Maximum two (2) pets per in dividual per year. (2 cats or 2 dogs or 1 cat and 1 dog) An agent can arrange to in crease the number to five (5).
Some nationals (Jordanians) have pets but these are not usually considered part of the family. Dogs are often kept outside and may only be for protection / guarding purposes. If someone is walking their dog, this is an unusual sight that can cause cars to slow down to stare. However, since dogs are considered unclean, pedestrians may cross the road to avoid the dog. Out of respect, owners need to keep their dogs under close control and let people approach them. rather than vice versa if they wish to ‘pet’ the dog.
There are very few places to let dogs run freely. Around the golf course about 20 minutes south of Amman is one, although owners need to be beware of sheep at any time and groups of picnickers, especially on Fridays.
Owners need to ensure that their landlord knows that they have pets, as per the usual rental agreements. Almost all hotels do not allow pets and if a dog is in a car, it may be possible that parking is not permitted in some of the underground car parks.
Official contacts
Ministry of Agriculture
Nidhal St,
Baghdad, Iraq
Tel: +964 719 5381 / 718 6611 / 718 6651
Email:: info@zeraa.gov.iq
Email of the Minister's Office: minister_office@zeraa.gov.iq
WebsiteDirector General State Board of Veterinary Services
Ministry of Agriculture
Wazeryia
Baghdad
Tel: +964 425-4052; 425-4053
Fax: +964 17 184-125
Email: iraq_vet2000@yahoo.com
Iraqi embassy in Pretoria:
+964 123 622-048/9
iraqiembassy5.pretoria@gmail.com
Current as of January 2025
Disclaimer
Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2026-04-01.
Next: measure your dog, find the kennel size, then get a free travel quote. Moving on military orders? PCS moves. Going to Hawaiʻi instead? Hawaiʻi has its own regime.
Other destinations: Algeria · Angola · Bahrain · all destinations
Official sources for Iraq
- info@zeraa.gov.iq info@zeraa.gov.iq
- minister_office@zeraa.gov.iq minister_office@zeraa.gov.iq
- Website zeraa.gov.iq
Questions about moving a pet to Iraq
Does my dog or cat need a microchip for Iraq?
Microchip is mandatory
From the country profile, last verified 2026-04-01.
What rabies vaccination does Iraq require?
Required
Do I need an import permit to bring a pet into Iraq?
Required only in case of exporting to Erbil as it is federal authority
How old does a puppy or kitten have to be to travel to Iraq?
4 months