Traveling to Iraq with your dog

✅ Entry requirements

🗓 In what order, and when

Some steps only count once the previous one is done — check each deadline against the official reference above.

1. Official veterinary health certificateAn international/export veterinary health certificate completed by a licensed vet accompanies the dog. For US-origin dogs, USDA APHIS publishes an agreed US–Iraq dog/cat certificate that is valid for 30 days after issuance and (for the US) does not require USDA endorsement. From other countries, use the equivalent official export certificate.
2. ISO microchipThe agreed US–Iraq certificate identifies each animal by microchip number or name, and the vet certifies verifying any microchip listed. An ISO 11784/11785 chip is the international standard and is strongly advised so records match, but no official Iraqi rule making it strictly mandatory was found.
3. Rabies vaccinationIraq is a rabies-endemic country; a valid rabies vaccination is recorded on the health certificate with the date, vaccine name and validity period. The certificate also states the dog originated from an area not quarantined for rabies and was not exposed to rabies.
4. Rabies antibody testThe agreed US–Iraq dog/cat certificate does not include a rabies antibody test. Whether Iraq requires an antibody test for dogs from other origins is not published in an official Iraqi source.
5. Parasite treatmentThe agreed US–Iraq certificate does not require internal or external parasite treatment. Such treatment shortly before travel is common international practice, but no official Iraqi public rule or timing was found.
6. Import permit / advance approvalUSDA APHIS notes that for live-animal species without an agreed protocol, the importer should apply for an import permit at the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture. For pet dogs and cats an agreed certificate exists and no separate public permit rule was found, but a permit may still be requested in some cases.
7. Minimum age / puppiesA minimum travelling age for puppies is not published in an official Iraqi source. In practice a puppy needs its own valid rabies vaccination, which implies a minimum age.
8. Arrival veterinary check / border inspectionLive animals are cleared at the port of entry by the General Authority of Customs and the Ministry of Agriculture's veterinary services against the health certificate. Iraq does not publish a detailed public description of the pet arrival inspection.
9. QuarantineNo official Iraqi rule on routine quarantine for compliant pet dogs was found. Non-compliant or unhealthy animals may be held for examination.
10. Restricted / banned breedsNo official Iraqi breed-import law or dangerous-dog list could be verified from a government source.

🌍 Rules according to your dog's origin

🛬 Arrival

When your dog reaches Iraq, the General Authority of Customs and the Ministry of Agriculture's veterinary services handle the check at the port of entry.

• Travel with the original official veterinary health certificate; the US model is valid for only 30 days after issuance and must still be valid on the day of entry.
• The dog is checked against the health certificate, identification (microchip or name) and rabies vaccination record.
• Carry original documents — the government-endorsed health certificate and vaccination records — not copies.
• If documents are missing or invalid, the animal may be held, refused entry or returned at the owner's expense.
• Where possible, arrive on a weekday during office hours so the on-duty state vet can clear the animal promptly.

✈️ Airlines flying to Iraq with a dog

Carriers we document that serve this country and accept dogs. The verdict is the airline's general policy — it does not prejudge your breed, your crate or your exact route.

+2 more documented airlines accept dogs to this country. See all airlines →

🛂 Airports in Iraq

Check where your dog can relieve itself at each airport — and whether it's before or after security.