In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United States to Pakistan
typically takes around 10-14 weeks.
Expect 14 days of quarantine on arrival.
A rabies titre test may be required depending on your pet's origin, so check the requirements below.
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Overview
Planning a pet relocation from United States to Pakistan is easier when you work backwards from your travel date. Allow about 10-14 weeks; the requirements are detailed but predictable once mapped out. A 14 day quarantine stay applies once your pet arrives.
A rabies titre test may apply depending on where your pet is coming from, so check the requirements below. The guide below walks through each stage so nothing gets missed.
Step by step
The United States to Pakistan process
1
Before vaccinations.
ISO microchip implanted
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet
2
Primary vaccination and 21-day wait. US is not rabies-free; titre test will likely be required.
Rabies vaccination completed
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet
3
At least 30 days after most recent rabies vaccination.
Titre test blood draw
Responsible: Approved laboratory
4
At least 6 weeks before travel.
Apply for Pakistan import permit
Responsible: Owner, via Animal Quarantine Department
5
After permit confirmed.
Book cargo transport
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
6
Within 10 days of travel. USDA-accredited vet plus USDA APHIS endorsement.
USDA health certificate
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet, then USDA APHIS
7
On arrival at Karachi, Islamabad, or Lahore airport.
Required. Minimum age 12 weeks. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required for most countries including the USA. Rabies antibody titre test (minimum 0.5 IU/ml). Verify current requirements with Pakistan's Animal Quarantine Department.
Quarantine
Required. 7-14 days at a designated facility. Duration depends on country of origin classification.
Import permit
Required. Issued by Animal Quarantine Department, Ministry of National Food Security and Research. Apply at least 6 weeks before travel.
Health certificate
USDA-endorsed health certificate, issued by USDA-accredited vet.
No formal US export permit. USDA endorsement serves as export documentation.
Health certificate
USDA-accredited veterinarian health certificate, endorsed by USDA APHIS Veterinary Services. Must list microchip, vaccinations, titre test result, and all treatments.
Costs
What this route typically costs
1
Cargo airline fee: $900 to $2,400 from US hub to Pakistan depending on routing and crate size
2
USDA health certificate plus endorsement fee ($38): $200 to $500
3
Titre test: $150 to $350
4
Pakistan import permit fee: confirm with Animal Quarantine Department
5
Quarantine costs (7-14 days): confirm current rates with facility
6
Pet transport agent fee: $500 to $1,800
7
IATA-compliant travel crate: $60 to $400
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ Verify the titre test requirement with Pakistan's Animal Quarantine Department before starting. The USA's non-rabies-free status means a titre test is likely required.
⚠ 7-14 day quarantine is mandatory. Budget for this and plan your arrival schedule accordingly.
⚠ The import permit must be confirmed before booking cargo.
⚠ Some breeds face restrictions in Pakistan. Pit Bull types and Rottweilers may face additional requirements. Confirm with the Animal Quarantine Department.
⚠ USDA APHIS endorsement can take 2-10 business days. Time the vet appointment carefully to ensure the certificate is current on arrival.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
Direct New York JFK to Karachi/Islamabad/Lahore. Pet cargo accepted. Contact PIA Cargo directly. Primary carrier for this route.
Cargo Only
Emirates
Via Dubai to Karachi, Islamabad, or Lahore. Handles live animal cargo. Total transit time via Dubai.
Cargo Only
Qatar Airways
Via Doha to Pakistan hubs. Accepts live animal cargo. Good connectivity from the US.
Cargo Only
How Pakistan handles incoming pets
Pakistan has a detailed set of import rules, and each one needs to be satisfied before travel. None of it is unusual, but the order and timing are what catch people out.
What experienced owners do
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
FAQ
Common questions
A titre test is required for pets from most countries entering Pakistan, and the USA’s non-rabies-free status means this requirement is expected to apply. Verify with Pakistan’s Animal Quarantine Department at the start of your preparations. If confirmed, blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s most recent rabies vaccination, and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.
Contact Pakistan’s Animal Quarantine Department within the Ministry of National Food Security and Research. Provide your pet’s microchip details, vaccination records, titre test documentation, and planned travel date and entry airport. Apply at least 6 weeks before travel. Confirm the permit in writing before booking cargo, as travelling without it risks your pet being refused entry or held indefinitely.
Quarantine lasts 7-14 days at a designated facility managed by the Animal Quarantine Department. The duration is at the discretion of the receiving quarantine officers based on documentation and country classification. The owner pays all quarantine costs for the full period. Build this into your relocation schedule and arrival plans.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates direct flights from New York JFK to Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore and accepts pet cargo. Emirates via Dubai and Qatar Airways via Doha are alternative options with connections. Always confirm live animal acceptance directly with the airline’s cargo team for the specific routing, as aircraft type and seasonal restrictions apply.
Airline guides
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
Emirates
Qatar Airways
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.