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How to get a Pet Passport Malaysia [2023 Regulations]

Whether you are planning on traveling with a pet to or from Malaysia, there are strict rules that apply.

Getting a Pet Passport Malaysia to enter Malaysia will just take 4 simple steps:

  1. Research – entry requirements can vary depending on your pet’s species, age and breed. There are different entry regulations for different pet species. It’s important to ensure that your pet is permitted. If you are flying, you need to ensure your fly into an airport that allows the import of pets. Furthermore, you will need additional paperwork if your pet is an endangered species.ho
  2. Visit the vet – dogs and cats need a microchip, rabies vaccinations and parasite treatment, and all pets need a general health check and health certificate at minimum.
  3. Document endorsement – health certificates must be endorsed by your governing authority responsible for import and export of animals.
  4. Apply for permits and licenses – you must apply for an import permit issued by the Director General of Veterinary Services or the Director of the State Veterinary Department.

Getting a Pet Passport to export pets from Malaysia may be a little more complicated as entry requirements for different countries vary.

In this article we will discuss the requirements to get a Pet Passport Malaysia.


What is a Pet Passport Malaysia?

Since 2010, pet’s can get an official Malaysia Pet Passports. It is a little booklet containing all the documents that are required to travel to and from Malaysia with a pet. When traveling, customs officials will need to see these documents in order to clear your pet. Essentially, a pet passport demonstrates that your pet is fit and healthy to travel. With a Pet Passport for Malaysia, in most circumstances, your pet will not have to face a lengthly quarantine period. Generally, your pet will require a microchip, rabies vaccination, parasite treatment, health certificate and import license issued by the Director General of Veterinary Services or the Director of the State Veterinary Department. To export pets from Malaysia, you will need a veterinary health certificate (VHC) and may require additional vaccinations and documents, as each country has different import requirements. 


What does a Pet Passport Malaysia contain?

A Pet Passport Malaysia contains all the documents required to enter or leave Malaysia with your pet. Essentially, it will prove that your pet is fit and healthy enough to travel. Pet Passports are required to ensure imported pets don’t pose as a health threat to other animals.

A Pet Passport Malaysia can contain any of the following information:

  1. Details of ownership (name, address, passport number, telephone, etc.)
  2. Description of the animal (name, species, breed, date of birth, etc.)
  3. Official veterinarian’s details
  4. Rabies vaccination certificate
  5. Microchip details
  6. Health certificate
  7. Parasite treatment records
  8. Additional vaccinations recorded and treatment records
  9. An optional photo
  10. Rabies antibody titer test results
  11. Anti-echinococcus treatment record

At minimum, your Malaysia pet passport will contain those listed 1-8. These are compulsory in order to travel to Malaysia with a dog or cat. Those listed 9-11 are potential requirements that your pet may need, whether you are traveling into Malaysia or if you are traveling outside of the country. We will go into more detail below.

All records must be signed and stamped by your official veterinarian with official stickers from the medication used.


How do I get a Pet Passport Malaysia?

RESEARCH

TRAVELING TO MALAYSIA

Find out entry requirements for your pet’s species.

There are specific requirements for different species entering Malaysia. Generally, cats and dogs will require the following:

  • Microchip
  • Rabies vaccination
  • Additional vaccines
  • Parasite treatments
  • Health certificate
  • Import permit

For detailed information on the requirements of bringing pets to Malaysia, check the requirements section below.

For more details on specific requirements for different species skip to the ‘What are species-specific requirements for a Filipino Pet Passport?‘ section.

TRAVELING FROM MALAYSIA TO ANOTHER COUNTRY

Check the entry requirements for your destination country and pet species. 

It is likely that your pet will only require a rabies vaccination, health certificate, parasite treatments and a microchip. These are the general requirements to enter many countries with a pet.

However, many countries have additional requirements, including the following:

  • Additional vaccinations, i.e. parainfluenza, leptospirosis, parvovirus, bordetella, hepatitis and distemper
  • Import permits / licenses
  • Government endorsement

If traveling outside of Malaysia, find out the requirements of your destination country before visiting the vet. You will also need to check whether there are any requirements to return to your home country.

We will discuss the requirements in detail below.

VISIT YOUR VET

When booking the appointment, inform your vet where you and your pet are heading to, so they can prepare your pet’s vaccinations. If you are traveling outside of Malaysia, they may need to prepare additional vaccinations and treatments.

TRAVELING TO MALAYSIA

All pets will need to have their health checked before traveling to Malaysia. You will need to show an endorsed health certificate to customs officials to enter Malaysia with a pet. Dogs and cats will also need a microchip, parasite treatment and vaccinations. 

Whether your pet needs vaccinations depends on its species and where you’re traveling from. Only dogs and cats require a vaccinations, including rabies vaccination.

Dogs traveling to Malaysia from Australia must be vaccinated for canine adenovirus type 2, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parovirus and Parainfluenza.

Cats traveling to Malaysia from Australia must be vaccinated for Feline panleukopenia (Distemper): Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Leukemia.

All dogs and cats traveling to Malaysia from China, within 7 days of travel, a licensed veterinarian must inspect your pet for any visible signs of the corona virus and also perform a standard test for this virus with negative results. After the test, your pet must have no contact with other animals.

At your appointment, your vet will complete any vaccinations, if required, and perform a basic health examination to ensure your pet is well enough to travel.

Once the veterinarian is happy your pet is ready for travel, they will review and stamp all your paperwork. The appointment should take no longer than half an hour.

For more detailed information on the requirements skip to ‘What are the requirements for a Pet Passport Malaysia?‘.

TRAVELING FROM MALAYSIA

If you are traveling from Malaysia with a pet, your pet will likely need additional treatments. At minimum your pet will need a microchip, a rabies vaccination and health check. Once your vet is happy that your pet is healthy enough for travel, they will review and stamp your paperwork.

Some countries also require that pets have a rabies titer test or rabies blood test, before entry. If your destination country requires a blood test then your vet will need to take a blood sample from your pet, before sending it off to a laboratory for testing.

We will discuss entry requirements for a Pet Passport Malaysia in more detail below. Skip ahead here.

DOCUMENT ENDORSEMENT

TRAVELING TO MALAYSIA

As mentioned above, you will need a health certificate to enter Malaysia with pets. Your pet’s health certificate must also be endorsed by your home country’s Governing Authority responsible for the import and export of animals.

For example, if you are traveling from the US, you will need your documents endorsed by the USDA. If you are traveling from Canada, you will need to have your documents endorsed by CFIA.

You can apply for document endorsement by contacting your local governing body. If you are in the USA, you can find your local USDA endorsement office here. If you are traveling from Canada, you can check your local animal health office here.

You will usually require the following information:

  • Original health certificate, signed and dated by an accredited veterinarian.
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Import permit
  • Payment for endorsement services
  • Prepaid shipping label to return documents

TRAVELING FROM MALAYSIA

Whether you will need your documents endorsed, depends on the country you are visiting. Different countries have different entry requirements.

APPLY FOR LICENSING & PERMITS

TRAVELING TO MALAYSIA

All pets must be accompanied by an Import License issued by the Director General of Veterinary Services or the Director of the State Veterinary Department. 

For more information on the permits and licensing you need, check the Permit and Licenses section below.

TRAVELING FROM MALAYSIA

You may require an import permit, depending on where you are exporting your pet to. Different countries have different entry requirements, many of them require an import permit. You will need to check the specific requirements for the country you are visiting.


What dog breeds are banned from Malaysia?

The following breeds are not permitted to enter Malaysia:

  • American Pit Bull
  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Pit Bull
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • American Bulldog
  • Neopolitan Mastiff
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Akita
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Braziliero

There are additional requirements to bring these breeds to Malaysia:

  • Rottweiler
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • German Shepard
  • Belgian Shepard
  • East European Shepard
  • Bull Mastiff
  • Bull Terrier
  • Perro de Presa Canario

Owners of these breeds will need to write to application to the Director of State Veterinary Services (State DVS) in advance. Pedigree certificates must be available and the dog must not be imported for resale or other commercial reasons.


What are the requirements for a Pet Passport Malaysia?

Depending on your pet’s species, age and where you are traveling from/to, the requirements for a Pet Passport Malaysia can be any of the following:

  1. Microchip
  2. Rabies vaccination
  3. Additional vaccinations
  4. Parasite treatments
  5. Health certificate
  6. Permits & licenses
  7. CITES permit

MICROCHIPPING

TRAVELING TO MALAYSIA

Dogs and cats must be microchipped in order to obtain a pet passport Malaysia. It is also a requirement for entering most countries. No other pet species require microchips when traveling to Malaysia.

A microchip is a permanent method of electronic identification. The chip is around the size of a grain of rice – and is implanted just under your pet’s skin between its shoulder blades. Each chip has a unique number that is detected using a microchip scanner.

Not only is it a requirement to enter Malaysia with a pet, it is highly recommended your pet is microchipped. This is because if you were to lose your pet while, a microchip makes it far more likely that you will be reunited.

We recommend that microchipping your pet is the first step in the process of obtaining a Malaysian pet passport. This is because in many countries your pet’s rabies vaccination won’t be valid unless your pet is microchipped first.

TRAVELING FROM MALAYSIA

Not all countries require pets to have microchips fitted before traveling, however most of them do. It is also highly recommended for all pets to increase the likelihood you are your pet being reunited if lost.

RABIES VACCINATION

TRAVELING TO MALAYSIA

Dogs and cats (above the age of 3 months) require rabies vaccinations when traveling to most countries, including Malaysia. If your pet is not a dog or cat, he or she will not need a rabies vaccination. Instead, your pet will likely require an official health certificate to travel to Malaysia. Please see below for more information on health certificates.

In order to obtain a Pet Passport Malaysia, dogs and cats will need to have their rabies vaccination between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering the country.

Malaysia recognises both 1-year rabies vaccinations, and 3-year vaccinations.

You can get your pet’s rabies vaccination at your local vet, alternatively some charities offer this service for free or for a discounted price. However, please note that all vaccines must be administered by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) veterinarian or USDA-accredited veterinarian.

TRAVELING FROM MALAYSIA

Not only is a rabies vaccination a requirement to export a pet from Malaysia, most countries require a rabies vaccination before pet importation.

ADDITIONAL VACCINES

TRAVELING TO MALAYSIA

In order to get a Pet Passport Malaysia to import pets to the Malaysia, dogs and cats must also have additional vaccines, on top of their rabies vaccine. 

For a pet passport Malaysia, dogs should be vaccinated against the following:

  • Distemper
  • Infectious hepatitis
  • Parvovirus
  • Leptospirosis
  • Adenovirus type 2,

For a pet passport Malaysia, cats should be vaccinated against the following:

  • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
  • Calicivirus
  • Feline Pan Leukopenia
  • Feline Leukemia

These vaccinations must be administered between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering Malaysia. All vaccines must be administered by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) veterinarian or USDA-accredited veterinarian.

TRAVELING FROM MALAYSIA

If you are exporting pets from Malaysia, dogs and cats may require additional vaccines on top of their rabies vaccination, depending on the country that you are visiting, as different countries and territories have different requirements.

For example – Turkey requires that all dogs need vaccines against parainfluenza, leptospirosis, parvovirus, bordetella, hepatitis and distemper before being allowed into the country. 

Check whether your destination country requires additional vaccinations.

PARASITE TREATMENT

TRAVELING TO MALAYSIA

In order to get a Pet Passport Malaysia to import pets to Malaysia, dogs and cats do not need parasite treatments, unless traveling from Australia.

Dogs and cats traveling from Australia must be treated with a product effective against external parasites – fleas and ticks. Additionally, they must be treated with a product effective against internal parasites – nematodes and cestodes.

This must be done within 2 and 7 days of export from Australia.

TRAVELING FROM MALAYSIA

Tapeworm treatment is a requirement for dogs to enter some countries, including the UK, Finland, Malta or Norway. Check if this is a requirement for your destination country.

PERMITS & LICENSES

TRAVELING TO MALAYSIA

All pets must be accompanied by an Import License issued by the Director General of Veterinary Services or the Director of the State Veterinary Department. 

You can apply for the license either online, in person or by mail. If you would like to apply online, you must get in contact with an agent who is registered in the system. Alternatively, you have the option to apply in person, either yourself, or by a representative or agent, or by mail.

You can get in contact with the department of veterinary services and send your application form to:

Director General
Department of Veterinary Services
5th Floor, Podium Block 1A, 4G1
Wisma Tani, Precinct 4
62630 Putrajaya, Malaysia

Tel: (603) 88702213 / 88702381
Fax: (603) 88886472
Email: pro@dvs.gov.my
www.dvs.gov.my

Application can also be made to the State Vet Departments.

The license is valid for 30 days from issuance.

If your dog’s destination is Sabah or Sarawak, the license must be obtained through their individual websites. For pets travelling to Sabah If all the conditions of the Veterinary Certificate have been met the required 1 month quarantine period will be waived.

TRAVELING FROM MALAYSIA

You will need an export permit issued by veterinary services. It is likely that you will also need an import permit for the country you are visiting. 

A veterinary health certificate must be obtained prior to your pet’s export permit being issued.

Many countries require import permits when visiting with pets, these usually must be issued from your destination country or province.

For example, if you are traveling to Thailand with your pet, you must obtain a import permit from the Thai Department of Livestock Development (DLD).

Check whether your destination country requires an import permit.

HEALTH CERTIFICATE

TRAVELING TO MALAYSIA

In order to obtain a Pet Passport to import your pet to Malaysia, you will need a health certificate. 

As mentioned above, you will need a health certificate to import pets to Malaysia. You can obtain a health certificate from your veterinary clinic within 7 days of entry to Malaysia.

The health certificate should also state that your pet has lived at its current location for at least 6 months prior to export. It must also state that there have been 0 cases of rabies in your home country, or current location.

Your pet’s health certificate must also be endorsed by your home country’s Governing Authority responsible for the import and export of animals. For example, if you are traveling from the US, you will need your documents endorsed by the USDA. If you are traveling from Canada, you will need to have your documents endorsed by CFIA. You can apply for document endorsement by contacting your local governing body. If you are in the USA, you can find your local USDA endorsement office here. If you are traveling from Canada, you can check your local animal health office here.

The veterinary certificate must include the following (as per the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs):

A. The animal has been examined and found to be healthy and free from any clinical sign of rabies and infectious or contagious diseases of dog/cat, at the time of examination and certification, prior to export.

BThe animal has been vaccinated against rabies using an approved anti-rabies vaccine, prior to export.

C. The vaccination history status, treatment given and health status of the anima

TRAVELING FROM MALAYSIA

If you are exporting pets from Malaysia, you will need a health certificate endorsed by the National Veterinary Quarantine Service (NVQS) in Malaysia.

A health certificate is a compulsory requirement to export pets from Malaysia, it is also a requirement to enter many countries. In most cases, your health certificate will also need to be endorsed by the country’s authority responsible for the import and export of animals. For example, if you are traveling from the US, you will need your documents endorsed by the USDA. If you are traveling from Canada, you will need to have your documents endorsed by CFIA.

Check the specific entry requirements for your destination country.

CITES PERMIT

If your pet is covered by CITES regulations, you will need a CITES permit, and your pet may be subject to quarantine.

CITES is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

If you are traveling with a domestic dog or cat, then you will not need a CITES permit, this is generally just the case for some reptiles and parrots. You can check whether your pet is protected here.


What are species-specific requirements for taking pets to Malaysia?

TAKING DOGS TO MALAYSIA

For a Malaysian pet passport to take dogs to Malaysia you require the following:

  • Microchip
  • Rabies vaccination
  • Distemper vaccination
  • infectious hepatitis vaccination
  • Parvovirus vaccination
  • Leptospirosis vaccination
  • Adenovirus type 2 vaccination
  • Internal and external parasite treatment
  • Import permit

Dogs must be over the age of 3 months to travel to Malaysia.

TAKING CATS TO MALAYSIA

For a Malaysian pet passport to take cats to Malaysia you require the following:

  • Microchip
  • Rabies vaccinations
  • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
  • Calicivirus
  • Feline Pan Leukopenia
  • Feline Leukemia
  • Internal and external parasite treatment
  • Import permit

Cats must be over the age of 3 months to travel toMalaysia.


TAKING RABBITS TO MALAYSIA

To import a rabbit to Malaysia, you require the following:

  • Import permit from the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services
  • A current health certificate stating that:
    • your rabbit is free from myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease;
    • has not been exposed to these diseases;
    • has been kept in isolation from other animals for 60 days prior to export; and
    • is free of external and internal parasites.

TAKING BIRDS TO MALAYSIA

Certain birds may be imported to Malaysia with the following:

  • An import permit from the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services
  • A current health certificate issued by a government veterinarian stating that:
    • your bird resided in the country of origin for the past 2 months and originated from a premise under close supervision and regularly monitored by your government’s Veterinary Authority for the last six months preceding export.
    • your bird tested negative for Newcastle Disease and Avian Influenza
    • there were no clinical or serological evidence of velogenic Newcastle disease, highly pathogenic avian influenza, fowl pox, fowl cholera, pullorum disease, infectious coryza, psittacosis and ornithosis detected or reported within the area of 20 km radius surrounding the premise of origin in the last six (6) months preceding export.

Your bird must have a health check within 48 hours of export and your veterinarian must state that your bird was treated with an approved anthelmintic and antibiotic and showed no signs of infectious or contagious diseases.

Birds entering Malaysia must fly or be transported by sea directly without intermediate layovers.


TAKING RODENTS, REPTILES & AMPHIBIA TO MALAYSIA

Invertebrates, reptiles, amphibia, mammals such as rodents and rabbits may be imported to Malaysia, but you must follow a different process.

These pets do not require microchipping or rabies vaccination, however you will require a health certificate and import permit.

It is advised that you seek advice directly from the relevant authority of the State in Malaysia you are visiting.


Will my pet need to stay in Malaysia Animal Quarantine?

Whether your pet needs to stay in pet quarantine depends on where you are traveling from, the species and health of your pet. 

Quarantine is NOT required if:

  • You are traveling from Brunei Darussalam, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore or the United Kingdom; AND
  • Your pet was born there or at least there for the 6 months prior to entering Malaysia.

If your pet is entering Malaysia from any other country, your pet will be placed in quarantine. Furthermore, it may also be vaccinated with approved anti-rabies vaccination and detained for between 7-10 days. Your pet will be released straight away if it is found to be free of any sign of infection. However, where deemed necessary, pets may be quarantined for up to 6 months based on risk assessment on a case to case basis.

Quarantine facilities for dogs and cats are based at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Sepang, Penang International Airport, and Padang Besar (Perlis-Thai border). Pets requiring quarantine must enter at these points and advanced quarantine reservation must be made.

Additional regulations for pets entering from Singapore

Pets must be accompanied by a declaration stating that it has been in your possession in Singapore for no less than 6 months prior to entry, or since birth. Additionally, you must declare that you have reason to believe your pet is not infected with rabies.

Your pet must be examined by the Veterinary Department Singapore immediately preceding entry to Malaysia (within 7 days). Your pet must be found to be free from any clinical sign of infection disease.

Pets must also travel directly into the prescribed landing place or any other airport as directed by the Director General of Veterinary Services, Malaysia or the State Director.


Flying into Malaysia with a pet

Whether you are flying with your pet or it will be flying without you, it is important to choose an airline that serves the entire route from beginning to end. Before selecting an airline you will need to check their pet policies to ensure that they will allow your pet to fly. Will the airline allow your dog or cat to fly in the cabin with you? What are the restrictions? Will your pet need to travel in the cargo hold? Another option for airline pet travel is by private charter. Although this is more expensive than commercial airlines, pets will fly in the cabin with their owners in luxury, regardless of their size.

BEFORE YOU FLY

There is no restriction on the number of domesticated pets you can import – luckily there is no restriction on the number of pets you import, as long as that number is permitted at your specific residency.

Book your flight into an approved port of entry – pet animals can only enter Malaysia through the ports of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Senai International Airport in Jahore, Labuan International Airport Labuan F.T. or Bayan Lepas International Airport in Penang.

Reservations for quarantine must be made – you must reserve your pet’s slot at least 2 weeks in advance as quarantine facilities are often full.

Ensure you have the correct carrier – pets are required to travel in an appropriate cage according to its size and weight if travelling as freight. The requirements will differ depending on your airline, and whether your pet will travel in the cabin or the cargo. Generally, only dogs and cats weighing less than 5 kg can travel in the cabin in an agreed bag (depending on your airline). Carriers and crates must be leak proof.

ONCE YOU LAND

Clinical examination and document check – after arrival you will need to bring the your pet, along with the original health documents, to the Quarantine Station. The quarantine officer will verify your pet’s veterinary health certificate and vaccination records. Additionally, your pet will have a clinical examination/quarantine observation to ensure your pet is healthy and disease free. The animal/(s) will be examined clinically at the Quarantine Station for issuing Provisional Quarantine Clearance Certificate.

If the dog or cat is/are free from any clinical illness as well as the documents including veterinary certificate/ vaccination records are found in order, quarantine isn’t usually required. However, if the pet is detected with any signs of clinical illness during inspection, then they will be placed in quarantine.

FLIGHT OPTIONS

Accompanied cargo / in the cabin – generally, small inoffensive domestic pets such as dogs, cats and birds, accompanied by valid Health and Rabies vaccination certificates, will be accepted on domestic flights in the cabin or in cargo hold at owner’s risk and subject to requirements of the carrier. This is usually not an option for international flights, however it differs between airlines.

Manifest cargo – manifest cargo is a system wherein the import of pet is done using the airline cargo. If the pet is being transported in this manner, the documents must include of copy of the passport of the owner/caretaker, a copy of the owner/caretaker’s e-ticket and a copy of the air way bill.


What airlines allow flying a pets to Malaysia?

Most airlines allow flying pets to Malaysia. However, depending on the airline you fly with, pet policies differ.

When flying with a pet, it’s important to check airline pet policies before booking any travel. Different airline’s have different rules for flying with pets, including which breeds are allowed, the size and weight of pets that are permitted, and the number of pets they allow. Fees also vary between airlines.

Most airlines will allow pets to fly in the cargo section of their planes, in a climate controlled, comfortable pet zone. Although some pet owners think this will be stressful for their pets, it can actually be a lot calmer than flying in the cabin.

Some airlines will allow pets to fly in the cabin with their owners, but generally only small dogs and cats that weigh under 8kg are permitted. This is because they must fly inside an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of their owners.

Malaysian Airlines allows pets to fly on both domestic and regional flights. Just like with excess baggage, the fee will be calculated depending on the zone you are flying to and weight (pet and carrier combined):

Excess Baggage Charges at the Airport – per kg
From/to* Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5
Zone 1 5 USD 8 USD 14 USD 20 USD 28 USD
Zone 2 8 USD 16 USD 22 USD 28 USD 36 USD
Zone 3 14 USD 22 USD 28 USD 34 USD 42 USD
Zone 4 20 USD 28 USD 34 USD 40 USD 48 USD
Zone 5 28 USD 36 USD 42 USD 48 USD 56 USD

*Zone 1: Malaysia (Peninsular, Sabah & Sarawak).
Zone 2: Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia (Denpasar, Surabaya, Kuala Namu), Myanmar, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.
Zone 3: India, Indonesia (Jakarta), Japan, Republic of Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka.
Zone 4: Australia, New Zealand.
Zone 5: United Kingdom.

For a list of airlines that allow pets to fly in the cabin with their owners, check:

For a list of airlines that allow other pets on their planes, check: 


Guidelines for Pet Carriers

If you are flying to Malaysia with a pet, it is important that you use a pet carrier that is approved by your airline. Different airlines have different pet carrier policies, which often vary between aircrafts and routes. Check that your pet carrier is approved for your chosen airline, aircraft and route. 

The rules and regulations have been set out by International Air Transport Association (IATA) ensure that dogs are comfortable when travelling. Thus, inside their travel carriers, pets must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in their kennel (without touching any side or the top of the container).

iata carrier guidelines

Furthermore, the rules for pet carriers also vary depending on whether your pet will be flying in the cabin or cargo area of the plane.

If you are travelling in the cabin with your dog or cat, then you will need to ensure that the carrier fits under the seat in front of you. This is why, generally, only small dogs and cats weighing under 7-8kg are permitted in the cabin.

Additionally, if traveling with a dog, airlines often require that he or she is be obedient to your commands and can behave appropriately in public. Thus, he mustn’t bark or growl at other passengers or staff. If your dog does not behave in an appropriate manner, some airlines may transfer him to the cargo hold at an additional cost, or refuse to transport him all together. Some airlines require a consent form to ensure your pet is flight-ready.

MOST AIRLINES ONLY ACCEPT CAGES THAT COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING IATA REGULATIONS:

  • The cage must not have wheels
  • It must have a solid roof
  • The screws and nuts that hold the lower and upper parts of the cage must be properly installed and tightened – because yes, the cage must consist of two sections, made of solid and rigid plastic
  • The cage must also include bowls firmly attached to its lower wall containing food and water
  • It must be clean, but also and above all waterproof and covered with materials capable of absorbing liquid materials
  • It must be well ventilated, with openings in all 4 sides of the cage
  • The cage must also be properly closed, using a lock that cannot be opened from the inside
  • Finally, it must bear a label distinguishing the top from the bottom and another indicating that the cage contains a live animal

For a list of airlines that allow dogs to fly in the cabin with their owners, check 13 Airlines That Allow Flying With Dogs In-Cabin [Prices & Policies].

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How much does a Pet Passport Malaysia cost?

The cost of a Pet Passport Malaysia can vary drastically. The price you pay will depend on the following:

  • Your home country
  • Where you are traveling to
  • The veterinary clinic that you visit
  • The species of your pet
  • Whether your pet already has a microchip and rabies vaccination

Firstly, different countries and veterinary clinics will have different prices for veterinary treatments and vaccinations. If you want to save some money, check the prices of a few different veterinary clinics.

Furthermore, different countries have different requirements for importing pets.

Additionally, some pets species may require more treatments and vaccines than others. For example, dogs require more vaccinations than cats, when traveling to the Malaysia. Alternatively, rodents, rabbits, reptiles and amphibians do not require any vaccinations.

If your pet already has a microchip, and a recent rabies vaccination, you will probably pay less for your Malaysian pet passport. Generally, a microchip and rabies vaccination both costs between $20-60 each, in the USA.

The cost of getting a Malaysia Pet Passport is broken down into the following (USD – pet dog or cat):

  1. Microchipping – $20-50
  2. Rabies vaccination – $20-50
  3. Health certificate – $25-150
  4. Parasite treatment – $3-15
  5. Pet air ticket – $1000-4000 (depends where you are traveling from and the weight/size of your pet)
  6. Pet crate – $20-100+
  7. Malaysian pet passport application – RM 7-9 / $1.80-2.25 (depending on pet species)

How long does it take to get a Pet Passport Malaysia?

Generally, it will only take around 3 days to obtain a pet passport Malaysia to import a pet into Malaysia.

Getting your pet’s microchip, vaccinations and health certificate shouldn’t take long, just a quick appointment at the vet. However, you will need to wait at least 30 days after getting your pet’s rabies vaccination, before you can enter Malaysia.

Furthermore, you will need to apply for a import license, which can be obtained in person in Malaysia or online by either an agent or the owner. 

To save time, when making an appointment be sure to advise the veterinarian staff that you want to get a pet passport. This will ensure that they have everything required in stock and will allow them time to prepare.

To export a pet from Malaysia, it may take you longer than a day to get your complete pet passport.

Different countries have different requirements for importation of pets, so the time depends on where you are traveling to. For example, if you are traveling to a country that requires a rabies titer test (rabies blood test), the process will take longer. In these cases, you should allow yourself at least 4 months to prepare. This is because you must wait 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination to have their blood sample taken. Once you have your results back, you must then wait an additional 3 months before your pet is permitted to travel.

Give your veterinary clinic a call to confirm roughly how long it will take them based on where you are going.


Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

What are the requirements to return Malaysia after travel?

The same requirements apply to dogs or cats that originated from Malaysia. Thus, your dog or cat will need a microchip, proof of current rabies vaccination, parasite treatments, a health certificate, and licenses.

Can my pet travel to Malaysia with an EU Pet Passport?

An EU Pet Passport permits pets to travel to EU countries and listed non-EU countries without having to face quarantine. Malaysia is listed as an non-EU listed country, which means they accept EU Pet Passports. You will just require additional documents, such as parasite treatment certificates, additional vaccinations and an import permit.

Can I bring my puppy or kitten to Malaysia?

Yes, however they must be older than 4 months old. Dogs and cats under the age of 3 months are not permitted to enter Malaysia. Additionally, your dog or cat will need a rabies vaccination, after which you will need to wait 30 days before entering Malysia.

Can I relocate to the Malaysia with my pet?

Yes, many people relocate to Malaysia each year. As long as you follow the guidelines above then moving to Malaysia with a pet should be simple. This means, making sure that your pet has any required vaccinations and has all the documents required to enter the country.


Bottom Line

Obtaining a pet passport to bring your pet to Malaysia can be a little complicated. Firstly, your pet (dogs and cats) will require a microchip. They will also need a valid rabies vaccination, one that has been administered between 30 days and 1 year prior to entering the country, and a health certificate. Pet species other than dogs and cats will not require microchipping or a rabies vaccination, however you will require a health certificate and an import permit from the Director General of Veterinary Services or the Director of the State Veterinary Department.

When organising travel, ensure that your chosen airline allows your pet to fly on their planes. Different airlines have different pet policies, some may allow your pet to travel with you in the cabin, where others will only allow pets in the cargo area.

You will need to give notice and book your pet’s place in quarantine at least 2 weeks prior to entry. All pets will need to have their health checked at the quarantine facilities, unless you are traveling from Brunei Darussalam, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore or the United Kingdom, and your pet was born there or at least there for the 6 months prior to entering Malaysia.

If you are exporting a pet from Malaysia to another country, the requirements vary a lot as each country has its own entry requirements. You will require a health certificate and export permit to export pets from Malaysia. Furthermore, to import pets to another country, it is likely that your pet will need a microchip, rabies vaccination and health certificate.

Hope you have found this helpful – happy travels!

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