When traveling to Iran, most travellers wish to bring their family with them to explore this Middle Eastern jewel. A nation so rich in culture and history has to be seen to be believed. However, for many, bringing everyone means bringing the family pet(s) along. If you wish to bring a pet to Iran, though, you do need to make sure that you understand the rules around pet entry into Iran.
How to bring your pet on a flight to Iran?
- Microchip for your Pet
Ensure your pet has an internationally recognized microchip.
- Vaccination and health certificate
Your pet needs to get the required vaccinations. You need to bring along the pet vaccination and health certificate.
- Check the airline regulation
Each airline has it’s own regulation regarding the cabinet size for carrying pets. please check in person with the airline.
- You are done, head to airport
After everything is settled you can head to the airport and take your flight and enjoy being accompanied by your lovely pet.
Getting started
First off, you must make sure that any pet you bring into Iran has been given a microchip. This will include any microchip with a non-encrypted, 15-digit code and it should fall under ISO 11784/11785 compliance. However, if the chip that your pet is fitted with is not ISO compliant then you could bring your own microchip scanner with you as compensation.
Also, you must make sure that your pet has been vaccinated for rabies and various other diseases within a 30-day to 12-month period of your arrival within the country. You should speak with your local veterinarian to find out what each pet breed might need for entry into Iran.
You will also have to file an in-person import permit with the veterinary services. This must be done in person – you are not able to carry this out online. Again, you should speak to your local vet to make sure that this can be arranged prior to traveling. A veterinary health certificate for Iran will also be needed – this is handled through the Iran Veterinary body, so you should look to arrange this as a priority after arranging the chipping and vaccinations listed above.
It is also recommended – though not essential – that you utilise an internal and external parasite treatment on your pet before departing.
Read also: Some tips for first travellers to Iran
Getting into Iran with your pet
Any pets that are arriving in Iran must arrive via the Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport. Pets must arrive in the cabin, and must be treated as checked baggage. You should always check with the Iranian Consulate about the size of your pet beforehand, as certain pets might be able to travel in the cabin with you.
Your pet will be checked over by local experts at the airport prior to allowing you to enter the country. If there are any health concerns, a local veterinarian will check over your pet beforehand.
If you are bringing a more specific type of pet – for example, a tropical fish, a reptile, or a rodent such as a rabbit – you should make sure that you take them to the veterinarian beforehand. While they are unlikely to need vaccination as a cat or dog would, they can have other specific agreements that need to be discussed.
You should also note that most pets that are not dogs, cats, or ferrets are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES. Always double check the safety of bringing your pet with you on the trip, and make sure that you get the additional permits needed if the specific breed – typically creatures like turtles and parrots – is protected by CITES.
Read also: Iran visa policy for different nationalities
Bringing your pet with you to Iran can be a deeply enriching experience for both of you. Follow the above information, though, and you should be able to make sure you can gain entry to the country without any headaches.
