US
United States
✈️
PK
Pakistan

Pet Transport USA to Pakistan: Permit, Titre Test and What the Quarantine Involves

10-14 weeks
Typical preparation
None
No quarantine required
High
Route complexity
✓ Managed
Full door-to-door service
Regulations verified

Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →

Overview
The USA to Pakistan route requires an advance import permit from Pakistan’s Animal Quarantine Department, a titre test (the USA is not rabies-free, so this is expected), and a mandatory quarantine of 7-14 days on arrival. PIA flies direct from New York JFK and Gulf carriers provide alternatives via Dubai and Doha. Allow 10-14 weeks minimum to prepare.
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.
7-14 day quarantine on arrival

Responsible: Animal Quarantine Department, Pakistan

Checklist

Pakistan: entry requirements

RequirementDetail
MicrochipRequired. ISO 11784/11785 standard.
Rabies vaccinationRequired. Minimum age 12 weeks. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre testRequired for most countries including the USA. Rabies antibody titre test (minimum 0.5 IU/ml). Verify current requirements with Pakistan's Animal Quarantine Department.
QuarantineRequired. 7-14 days at a designated facility. Duration depends on country of origin classification.
Import permitRequired. Issued by Animal Quarantine Department, Ministry of National Food Security and Research. Apply at least 6 weeks before travel.
Health certificateUSDA-endorsed health certificate, issued by USDA-accredited vet.
Leaving United States

Export requirements

RequirementDetail
Export permitNo formal US export permit. USDA endorsement serves as export documentation.
Health certificateUSDA-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

1Cargo airline fee: $900 to $2,400 from US hub to Pakistan depending on routing and crate size
2USDA health certificate plus endorsement fee ($38): $200 to $500
3Titre test: $150 to $350
4Pakistan import permit fee: confirm with Animal Quarantine Department
5Quarantine costs (7-14 days): confirm current rates with facility
6Pet transport agent fee: $500 to $1,800
7IATA-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

Titre test and permit application in parallel

Pakistan’s Animal Quarantine Department, under the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, requires a titre test for pets from most countries. The USA is not classified as a rabies-free country, so a titre test will apply. The blood draw must be at least 30 days after your pet’s most recent rabies vaccination, and results typically take 2-3 weeks from an approved laboratory.

Run the permit application and the titre test process simultaneously to save time. The permit application takes at least 6 weeks and requires microchip details, vaccination history, and the planned entry date and airport. Once the titre test result is back and the permit is confirmed, you are ready to book cargo.

Quarantine on arrival and choosing your entry point

Mandatory quarantine of 7-14 days begins on your pet’s arrival in Pakistan. The exact duration depends on how the Animal Quarantine Department assesses your documentation and your pet’s country of origin. You cannot collect your pet on arrival day. Quarantine fees are the owner’s responsibility for the full period.

Pakistan has three main international airports accepting cargo with live animals: Jinnah International in Karachi, Islamabad International, and Allama Iqbal International in Lahore. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has direct routes from New York JFK to all three. Emirates via Dubai and Qatar Airways via Doha serve the route as well.

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.
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

Start your journey

Get Your Free Quote

Enter your pet's details and route

Quotes are tailored to your specific journey.

No obligation. Your details are kept private and never shared.

Chat with us